A charity’s plans for new affordable flats are being opposed by a town council over concerns they would be too overcrowded.

Solo Housing, which helps single people into supported accommodation, wants to build a block of nine flats on the site of a disused garage behind its offices on Victoria Road in Diss.

The charity says the flats would allow the tenants to maintain their own tenancy in the local community with responsibility for their own space, bills and lifestyle.

But its proposals have been opposed by Diss Town Council.

In its submission to South Norfolk Council it states: “In this case too many apartments are being squeezed onto this site giving massing and poor-quality design. This would have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring properties.”

It also raises concerns that it could lead to “unacceptable noise” and the lack of adequate parking.

The Diss-based charity says the number of 'hidden' homeless people 'sofa-surfing' or sleeping in cars has increased and it is contacted by more than 20 people seeking help each month.