Paston College's £23m move across North Walsham has been backed by planning councillors despite concerns aired by local people.But permission for the relocation cannot be finalised until officers are happy that there are no new objections to newly-amended plans.

Paston College's £23m move across North Walsham has been backed by planning councillors despite concerns aired by local people.

But permission for the relocation cannot be finalised until officers are happy that there are no new objections to newly-amended plans.

College chiefs have said the switch from its twin town centre site - which dates back 400 years to when Lord Nelson was a pupil - to a purpose-built campus is needed to provide modern facilities and expand the roll from 800 students to 1,000.

But there has been vocal opposition, particularly from neighbours of the Station Road site, who fear it would add yet more pressure to surrounding residential streets already coping with lorries avoiding the town's low bridges.

A decision on the scheme - which the college says is “make or break” for its future - was deferred by North Norfolk District Council's east area development committee last month to address worries about road safety, design and siting, along with assurances on community use of the sports facilities.

When it went back to committee on Thursday, planning officer Tracy Armitage said entrance improvements and a new pathway