New development could double the size of Swanton Morley community

If the plans are approved, Swanton Morley’s population, which currently stands at around 2,200, will more than double.

There are approximately 400 troops stationed at the military base. The troops will be relocated to Wales from 2028. The Ministry of Defence plans to sell the site by 2029.

Mr Atterwill said the council will work with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Breckland County Council.

While he says there are “legitimate concerns” about the scale of the proposals, he has asked people to consider the potential benefits it could bring to the area.

“This could be an opportunity to drive significant local investment, employment and improvements in services such as buses and healthcare,” he added.

The development is part of Breckland Council’s wider plans to build thousands of new homes across the borough, including at sites in Attleborough, Swaffham and Thetford.