Suffolk Show set for a revamp with 300 homes on part of the site.

PROPOSALS have been put forward for 300 new homes on part of the Suffolk Showground to generate millions of pounds to develop Trinity Park.

Suffolk Agricultural Association wants to use 21 acres off the current main entrance roundabout to extend the Warren Heath estate, and create two new roundabouts on Felixstowe Road to provide new and improved access to the showground.

It has drawn up a masterplan for the park, but says it cannot move further forward until it knows whether the homes will be approved.

Plans have been submitted to Suffolk Coastal council, which is carrying out consultation until October 31.

SAA, which expects losses connected with the cancelled second day of this year’s Suffolk Show to be around £500,000, says it is essential the show is “constantly refreshed and relevant”.

“Other agricultural associations have pursued commercial aims in order to provide sufficient revenue to secure their continuance and for many, entertainment has overtaken agriculture in importance as they attempt to improve financial performance,” said a planning statement on behalf of the association.

“However, SAA are committed to ensuring that the promotion of agriculture is the primary objective.”

The masterplan aims to create a “new heart for the show” with the relocation of the grand and light horse showrings and the hospitality pavilions; to create a sense of arrival at Trinity Park; an improved visitor experience with a circular promenade – the Yellow Brick Road – creating pedestrian flows for the main trade stands. The plans also include the possibility of a new multi-purpose cattle building.

“It is proposed that the funds generated by selling land for residential would enable SAA to accelerate the development of this strategy,” said the statement.