A DEVELOPER is consulting residents over ambitious plans to build up to 150 new homes on what was a market town's main industrial site.The former Bibby's site at Framlingham was once a hive of employment and commercial activity, centred round a grain mill and associated haulage.

A DEVELOPER is consulting residents over ambitious plans to build up to 150 new homes on what was a market town's main industrial site.

The former Bibby's site at Framlingham was once a hive of employment and commercial activity, centred round a grain mill and associated haulage.

Activity has been substantially wound down over the past decade, although a few of the buildings are still used by businesses.

Now Hopkins Homes is negotiating to buy about nine acres of the site - subject to it being given planning permission for a mixed residential development, including “affordable” homes.

The firm, which hopes to have a planning application ready for submission later this year, is currently consulting the community over its plans.

Informal talks were held with local residents last week and a public consultation session is planned for July 11.

Danielle Cook, Hopkins Homes, spokeswoman, said, if approved, the development would take place over a period of two to three years.

“We are currently listening to what the local community has to say and we will take these views into account when drawing up detailed plans,” she said.

One business operating on the site would relocate. Two others would not be affected by the residential development.

Ms Cook said the meeting with immediate neighbours of the site had proved very constructive.

“The residents were not opposed in principle to the site being developed but did have concerns about issues such as access, dust, noise and disturbance,” she said.

A public exhibition of potential plans for the site is due to be held in the United Free Church at Framlingham between 4pm and 8pm on July 11.

Hopkins Homes has pledged that “feedback gained from the exhibition will play an important role as the scheme is finalised prior to submitting a planning application”.

Development director, Simon Bryan, said: “We are committed to consulting with the local community over our plans for the site and encourage all those that are interested to attend the exhibition so they can have the opportunity to view and discuss our preliminary proposals and importantly provide us with any comments that they may have before we progress with the details and submit a planning application.”