CAMPAIGNERS have today thrown down the gauntlet to those who will decide whether their communities are swamped with new homes - will you still build if we don't want development?The question is being put to Suffolk Coastal council, which is being accused of going against the public's will over a succession of major projects.

CAMPAIGNERS have today thrown down the gauntlet to those who will decide whether their communities are swamped with new homes - will you still build if we don't want development?

The question is being put to Suffolk Coastal council, which is being accused of going against the public's will over a succession of major projects.

Now the authority is looking at the possibility of building hundreds of new homes in the historic twin Trimley villages, despite overwhelming opposition from residents.

Richard Ward, Suffolk Preservation Society, director said: “Suffolk Coastal really does seem to have an unenviable track record of not really taking the views of local people into account

“One only has to consider decisions it has taken in the last few months - the wind farm at Parham, the destruction of the Herman de Stern building, Felixstowe, the Notcutts development in Woodbridge and The Gallery in Thorpeness to see that what is happening at the Trimleys appears to be part of trend.

“Ultimately, this raises the following question of the council: 'Will you drop this proposal if the local communities say they do not want it?'”

The SPS has written to Suffolk Coastal chief executive, Stephen Baker, asking him to confirm his council's standpoint.

Mr Ward said the society was backing the Save Trimley Against Development (STAG) group.

He said: “The scale of what is being considered appears unsustainable in that it could totally alter these two existing communities without any consideration given to the impact on local services and infrastructure.”

“Furthermore, the lack any real chance for the local communities to get involved in shaping the proposals is a major concern and contrary to government advice.”

STAG campaigner Ian Cowan welcomed SPS's backing for the group's fight to “stop the Trimleys being obliterated by a totally out-of-scale” development.

“Suffolk coastal is using statistics that are at least 18 months out of date to justify a housing decision that will affect us for generations to come,” he said.

“Anyone in business who acted this way would justifiably be accused of incompetence. Councillors should recognise this and postpone any decision until accurate housing figures are made available.”

Suffolk Coastal has decided on a “going for growth” option for the future with 3,000-plus new homes to be built in Felixstowe and the Trimleys to regenerate the area and cater for new jobs but the issue may yet go to a public inquiry.

WEBLINKS: www.suffolksociety.com

www.savetrimley.co.uk

www.trimley-st-mary.org.uk

www.trimley-st-martin.org.uk

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