Plans to house asylum seekers in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Breckland could see the number of available places rise from 56 to about 240, officials have told Norfolk councillors.
The proposed increase was disclosed during a meeting between county councillors and government representatives. It would amount to more than a fourfold expansion of HMO accommodation in the district.
The development comes as the Home Office considers a separate plan to use the former military site at Barnham, close to the Breckland border, for up to 1,250 asylum seekers.
Under the Barnham proposal, the site would be used for single adult men aged between 18 and 65 while their asylum claims were processed. The Home Office has said the accommodation would be temporary and that the site would operate for a minimum of 10 years if approved.
However, officials have stressed that no final decision has been made on the Barnham scheme. The proposal remains subject to feasibility work, planning permission and other approvals, with the Home Office saying it is intended to reduce reliance on hotels.
The plans have prompted concern among local authorities on both sides of the Norfolk-Suffolk border, where councillors have questioned the effect of a large new accommodation site on transport, health services and nearby communities.
