CAMPAIGNERS have been left confused and concerned by consultation seeking views on potential sites for nearly 2,000 new homes in the Felixstowe area.

Richard Cornwell

CAMPAIGNERS have been left confused and concerned by consultation seeking views on potential sites for nearly 2,000 new homes in the Felixstowe area.

Suffolk Coastal has decided the homes will be scattered across the town, Trimley villages and other communities on the peninsula.

And it said consultants would be employed to look at possible places for the properties.

However, it has already published a document of all the sites identified by landowners for housing - and is asking for people's views.

Mayor Mike Deacon said some people were unsure if they should be commenting now or waiting for the consultants.

“It is incredibly confusing,” he said.

“We have been told Felixstowe housing sites will be investigated further and then we are presented with this document.

“People don't know whether to comment on these sites - land which has already been rejected - but if they don't, will it be felt that they accept them?

“I have not seen anything written that we have to have this housing in Felixstowe anyway. I think we are being hoodwinked.”

Mr Deacon is encouraging all residents to look at the Local Development Framework (LDF) documents - which will shape the future of the area up until 2025 - and to give their comments.

He and fellow ward councillors John and Angel Goodwin are holding a meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 7.30pm at Walton Community Hall for residents only of north ward, Walton, to find out more.

People are being encouraged to contact their own ward councillors if they need help or have unanswered questions.

Councillors Chris Slemmings and Doreen Savage will be at Old Felixstowe Community Centre tomorrow from 10am to 4pm for residents of the east ward area to talk to them and fill in consultation forms.

Suffolk Coastal deputy leader Andy Smith said the document detailed all sites put forward by landowners and agents and was a “giant wish list”.

Where should new homes be built in the Felixstowe area - does the town need 2,000 new homes? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk