South Norfolk is in the top five districts in England which are expected to see the most rapid increase, according to new government data.

The figures show the population there is projected to increase by 15.5pc to 144,617 by 2032.

The rate is almost six times greater than other areas of Norfolk and the projection places it among the fastest-growing areas in England.

Only Tower Hamlets (20.4pc), South Derbyshire (19.2pc), Stratford-on-Avon (17.4pc) and North West Leicestershire (15.8pc) are predicted to have a greater growth.

The huge projections for South Norfolk will raise concerns about the pressure which could be placed on GPs, schools and roads in areas such as Wymondham, where 2,500 homes could be built.

However, the population increase could also generate economic growth in some areas, including along the A11 corridor linking Norwich to Cambridge.

Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council (Image: South Norfolk Council)

SURGING SOUTH NORFOLK

South Norfolk has already seen significant population growth in recent years.

The numbers living here rose by 14.4pc between the 2011 and 2021 - higher than the overall increase for England.

It was one of the fastest........

© Eastern Daily Press