DEVELOPERS have so far spent more than £90,000 on their proposals to build hundreds of homes in the twin Trimley villages, it can be revealed today.Details of how much its "vision" to develop the fields of the two communities has cost landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, were obtained by campaigners under the Freedom of Information Act.

DEVELOPERS have so far spent more than £90,000 on their proposals to build hundreds of homes in the twin Trimley villages, it can be revealed today.

Details of how much its "vision" to develop the fields of the two communities has cost landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, were obtained by campaigners under the Freedom of Information Act.

STAG - Save Trimley Against Growth - is also using the new law to try to find out about Suffolk Coastal council's behind-closed-doors discussions on the number homes needed in the area in the future.

The group has been told by council officials that 1,300 homes are required in the Haven Gateway area - Trinity College's proposals feature around 1,500.

But the situation is confusing because parish councillors have been told only land for around 300 homes may be allocated between Felixstowe and Aldeburgh.

Both STAG and councillors are now calling for further information.

The situation though is unlikely to be resolved until the autumn at the earliest.

Work on a £100,000 masterplan - a comprehensive forward plan for the development of Felixstowe, Trimley St Mary, Trimley St Martin and surrounding area - is to start soon and take at least six months to complete.

STAG spokesman Ian Cowan asked Trinity College's senior bursar Dr Jeremy Fairbrother how much it had cost so far for lawyers, surveyors, designers, printers, web designers, land agents, other consultancy and professional costs.

"I received a reply from their agents Bidwells stating the total costs recorded to date are about £92,000 and it is not expected that these will exceed a total of £100,000 in future," said Mr Cowan.

"I have to say I am surprised the costs are only £92,000 considering this 'Vision' has been ongoing for two years, with the cost of a glossy brochure, web site and several consultants and agents, including Bidwells.

"What is of concern is that Trinity only plan to spend another £8,000, which indicates they do not envisage a prolonged planning process involving appeals or a public inquiry.

"It is essential planning regulations are applied fairly and all decision making is tranparent, fair, and within the rules.

"STAG have started to use the Freedom Of Information Act to try to get to the truth about the whole planning process regarding this proposed development and the thinking behind the so called housing needs on the Felixstowe Peninsula.

"We shall continue to use the FOIA where necessary to ensure the Trimley villages are not unfairly burdened with unnecessary housing developments."

Bidwells say changes in the plans take into account the public's views, removing building on fields between Church Lane and Thurmans Lane, or Gun Lane and Gaymers Lane, with only a small amount in St Mary to "round off" the Farmlands estate.

WEBLINKS: www.savetrimely.co.uk

www.trimley-st-martin.org.uk

www.trimley-vision.co.uk

www.trimley-st-mary.org.uk

n What do you think of Trinity College's new proposals? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk