Concerns about road access and drainage were highlighted when hundreds of residents visited a display about proposals to build more than 1,000 homes on part of the Ipswich northern fringe.

Housebuilders Crest Nicholson is hoping to lodge a planning application to develop “Henley Gate” on land between Henley Road and the East Suffolk rail line during the summer.

It hopes to get planning permission for the development before the end of this year – and to start on making changes to the roads in the area during 2017 so homes can be built from 2018 onwards.

As well as homes, they are planning to create a country park between Ipswich and Westerfield, a new primary school and a local shopping centre.

Duncan Innes, Regional Development Director, East at Crest Nicholson said: “We are keen for Henley Gate to be a successful thriving, community with a range of facilities to be utilised and enjoyed by all, and it’s important that we ensure the plans are reflective of, and sensitive to Ipswich.

“It is important to us to continue our relationship with residents to better understand local needs and respond accordingly.

“We have had a number of positive comments about the design of the proposals and the Country Park.

“Equally, we’re aware that concerns have been raised around drainage and transport, and we will be working closely with the project team over the coming months to review our strategy and provide reassurance.”

The Henley Gate area is in Dr Dan Poulter’s Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency and he remains concerned about the impact of the development on services in the area.

He said: “I am concerned about the impact of the development if there are not enough services for the people living there. This may be rather premature.”

Groups concerned about the proposed development have highlighted drainage problems and fears that development could increase flooding problems in Westefield.

And there are worries that extra traffic on Henley Road, and ultimately on Westerfield and Tuddenham Roads, could seriously increase congestion in the north of the town. These fears have led to council leaders pledging £250,000 for a feasibility study into a new road in the area.