THREE parcels of land have been put forward as potential sites for homes at Trimley St Martin as a pre-emptive strike in the battle to stop overdevelopment of the village.

THREE parcels of land have been put forward as potential sites for homes at Trimley St Martin as a pre-emptive strike in the battle to stop overdevelopment of the village.

Parish councillors have decided to identify land they feel is acceptable for building to try to avoid planners imposing sites later.

While some are concerned identifying sites weakens resistance to building, the council has reiterated its opposition to large-scale development which would ruin the character of the village.

Planners have put forward a programme to build 2,100 homes in the Felixstowe area in the next 15 years - 600 less than consultants say the area needs - and of these some 1,620 would have to go on greenfield sites.

It is felt most will be in Trimley St Martin.

However, the parish council has put forward only one greenfield site - a field across the A14 on Kirton Road, between the school and Capel Hall picnic site. It could accommodate hundreds of homes, but it would depend how much of the field was allocated.

In addition, it has identified two smaller brownfield sites - the old poultry farm of Howlett Way, and the old piggeries off Mill Lane.

Council chairman John Barker said the decision to suggest some possible sites followed a meeting with Suffolk Coastal planning chief Stephen Brown.

He said: “We are concerned about the rural aspects of the village and we don't really want to see any development which would spoil the atmosphere of Trimley St Martin, which is a very special place.

“But there is going to be enormous pressure for housing in this area and we felt we ought to make our views known on some sites where it might be acceptable to build if we have to have development.”

But in Trimley St Mary, councillors have decided not to suggest sites.

Chairman Bryan Frost said: “I think it would be wrong to speculate on sites and also premature. We are not the planning authority and we are waiting with interest to see if any sites are eventually identified for the village.

“I don't think there are any brownfield sites in Trimley St Mary which makes our position a little more difficult.”

The council would be against any development close to the A14 - both because of traffic noise and pollution concerns, but because they are keen to see the village stay separate from Walton and Felixstowe.

Where do you think the new homes should be built in the Felixstowe area? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk