Nearly 100 residents packed into Shotley village hall last night as an application to build 48 homes on the edge of the village was discussed

.More than 90 written objections have lodged on the Babergh planning website to register their reasons for being against the development on land north of the Street in Shotley.

Among the concerns aired were highways safety. the access to the site on a field north of the Chapel Field social housing complex, over crowding of cars using the B1456, the loss of views over country fields and building on land adjoining the village envelope.

Roger Balmer, speaking for the applicants, told the parish council meeting that the development would provide provide social housing including social housing with four, one-bedroom flats, and four affordable rented two bedroom houses.

In addition 16 of the houses would be offered as part of the affordable housing package, which would put them at 80% of the market value, to encourage first time, or shared ownership, buyers.

Large areas of open space would be made available for public use.

The scheme would also make contributions to the road access, with Suffolk Highways asking for £20,000.

Other infrastructure payments being ring-fenced include money going to Shotley primary school, Holbrook Academy and sixth form places.

Plans to expand Kidzone and the Shotley and Holbrook GP surgeries, would also be included in community infrastructure levy scheme payments made to Babergh.

Following an open public discussion session, lasting nearly 90 minutes, the parish council agreed to write to Babergh planners as a statutory consultee urging a refusal.