PLANS for a derelict historic naval site are set to be discussed after more than 100 objections were raised.

Haylink Limited's plans for the former 23.6-hectare HMS Ganges naval training base in Shotley will be discussed next Wednesday by members of Babergh's planning committee.

The plans make up major amendments to the initial development approved by the council in December 2015, the first phase of which is already being delivered, with 40 homes now occupied.

Among the different amendments, Haylink is looking for permission to increase the number of homes to 303, up from 285, as well as turn the former care home plans into 75 extra care apartments spread over five blocks.

Several more buildings would be demolished due to their poor state, while others would be repurposed as follows:

• Nelson Hall would be turned into a meeting hall, library, creche, café, co-working space, retail, and a cinema museum.
• Vincent House would be replaced by a hotel comprising six suites and three-storey townhouses.
• The swimming pool, which had been proposed for demolition, would be turned into indoor recreation space, a gym, changing facilities and small retail units.

A new standalone retail unit would be built.

There has been strong local backlash, however, with objections submitted by Harkstead, Holbrook, Shotley, Woolverstone and Chelmondiston parish councils as well as 123 letters from residents.

The biggest concern raised was the increase in traffic as a result of the alterations, which was highlighted by Freston and Brantham parish councils as well.

Further concerns included the extra strain on existing community facilities, the overdevelopment of the site and the removal of the previously agreed spine road.

The road was meant to run across the former HMS Granges site, which connects the B1456 Bristol Hill to King Edward VII Drive — instead, Haylink is now proposing a pedestrian and cycle connection.

The county council's highways department has not objected to the plans, subject to extra conditions.

The planning officer's report says the spine road was not considered as a 'fundamental change' and pointed out the spine road could not form a highways objection as it was not required to make the development acceptable.

Extra traffic impacts from the changes have been considered 'imperceptible' by the planning officer compared to those created by the initial plans.

The report says: "Officers are of the opinion that this amended scheme offers an opportunity to resolve delays created by ongoing viability challenges and speed up the overall delivery of the scheme."

The plans have been recommended for approval subject to conditions.