PROPOSALS for a care home on the edge of a Suffolk heathland would erode the area's tranquillity and cause huge increases in traffic using quiet country lanes, it was claimed today.
PROPOSALS for a care home on the edge of a Suffolk heathland would erode the area's tranquillity and cause huge increases in traffic using quiet country lanes, it was claimed today.
Cameron Hamilton Homes wants to build the 55-bed home in Bucklesham Road, Purdis Farm, but the project has generated 16 objections.
The Suffolk Preservation Society says the proposal to demolish an existing house and replace it with the much larger care home, would be “completely contrary” to the character of the area and dwarf neighbouring buildings.
“Approving this proposal would see the rural character of this important site lost forever,” said society director Richard Ward.
“This huge care home would be totally out of scale with its surroundings, and would overshadow its neighbours and adversely affect the quality of life which the area's residents currently enjoy.
“On top of that, it would generate a large increase in traffic using the road leading to the site, which is a single lane with no pavement and simply couldn't cope with many more cars.
“The noise and pollution this extra traffic would create would erode the area's tranquillity - which is something we find unacceptable.”
Graham Balfe, of the Bucklesham Road Area Residents' Association, said: “We are not trying to be NIMBYs but we do question whether this is a suitable site in a residential area that is not very close to amenities, and it will take up a lot of the site and look a bit like a blockhouse.”
John Harding, director of Cameron Hamilton Homes, said the building had been designed sympathetically and would not be obtrusive. There was a need for care homes - which free up housing in the community - and two or three operators were interested in the development.
“Last year we put in a plan for 13 homes on the site but it was refused after people objected so objections this time are not a surprise. We think the care home will be a good neighbour and will also provide employment, which is greatly needed at this time,” he said.
Should the care home be built? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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