A RALLYING cry was today heard from those opposed to a school in Ipswich selling off playing fields to housing developers.

A RALLYING cry was today heard from those opposed to a school in Ipswich selling off playing fields to housing developers.

Ipswich School announced last week it was to launch a bid to create a �15million sports park in Tuddenham Road from money gained by the sale of its current playing fields.

But residents of nearby Valley Road have hit out at the plans saying new housing would destroy the setting and character of the area.

Dorothy and Richard Lord oppose the 300 home development described by the school as a unique opportunity to bring unrivalled sporting facilities to other schools and organisations in Ipswich.

The housing development would include new homes, a residential care village, a bowling green, a shop and community building but Mrs Lord would not welcome the arrival of developers.

She said: “Planning is in the early stages but obviously now is the time to make our feelings known.

“It would be such a shame to lose the green field land to make way for 300 houses - some of which could be three storeys high.

“We are really concerned about the road system being changed as well. It seems developers have purchased a house next to some wasteland in Valley Road which they plan to demolish and use as access to the new estate.

“The road would also have to be widened and our concern is that this would disrupt an already busy road and have repercussions for the rest of the town. The developers also said that one or two trees will have to be cut down along Valley Road to accommodate the road widening.”

The idea for the sports park includes a hall for badminton and basketball, outdoor pitches for rugby, football and cricket, a cricket pavilion, athletics track and an all-weather hockey pitch.

Ipswich School has said it is keen to ensure the development fits in with its surroundings and invited the public to four exhibitions this month, before planning application is submitted.

Two meetings have already taken place but a further two will be held in the Lower Prep Hall at Ipswich School's Preparatory School in Anglesea Road on Friday, January 23, from 5pm to 8pm; and Saturday, January 24, from 11am to 4pm.

For more information call the planning team on 0800 085 4934 or e-mail: ipswichschoolsportspark@ipswichschool.co.uk.

Would the plans be a disaster - or benefit Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-maileveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk