FORMER Ministry of Defence land near Stowmarket could see a new future as an industrial site – but nearby residents fear it could make their lives a misery.

By Jessica Nicholls

FORMER Ministry of Defence land near Stowmarket could see a new future as an industrial site – but nearby residents fear it could make their lives a misery.

Residents in Ringshall are worried that a new planning application for the site could mean their peaceful existence is shattered.

Although the applicant, Joseph Bahar assured the Evening Star that he was only intending the site for very light industrial use if he is given the go-ahead, neighbours to the site are still intending to fight the proposals.

The application was received by Mid Suffolk District Council and a letter was sent to residents to give them chance to comment about the proposals.

But angry resident, Roger Chesneau, from Wattisham Road, Ringshall who lives next to the site said the only information they were given was that the applicant wanted to change the use of the land to light industrial and/or distribution.

He said: "We all received a letter asking us to comment on the application.

"The applicant has applied for change of use which he will have to do because it is a military site.

"But all we know is that it is to be for light industrial and/or distribution use.

"There is no information about vehicle use, how many people will be going there and what exactly is going on there.

"Is there going to be chemicals there or something?"

Mr Bahar said he does not know yet what will be going on the site as he is hoping to act as landlord and give other businesses the opportunity to be based there.

He said: "It will only be very light use. I have a small building business called Bahar and Watson Properties so we want to use part of it ourselves."

The application is still under consideration by Mid Suffolk District Council and it is not yet known if and when it will be discussed at a planning committee meeting.