NOT 3,000 homes – just 50.That's all villagers in Trimley St Mary are prepared to see built in future to help the young and old in their community.Parish councillors say the "vision" of wealthy landowners Trinity College which could see thousands of homes built is "not wanted, not needed and would turn the village into a town or suburb of Felixstowe".

NOT 3,000 homes - just 50.

That's all villagers in Trimley St Mary are prepared to see built in future to help the young and old in their community.

Parish councillors say the "vision" of wealthy landowners Trinity College which could see thousands of homes built is "not wanted, not needed and would turn the village into a town or suburb of Felixstowe".

Now the councillors have submitted their own alternative "vision" for the villages - a complete contrast to the college's ideas for the community.

They want to avoid using greenfield sites, and are suggesting that old farm buildings and the farmyard behind Great Street Farm, Welcome Hall and Three Mariners pub could be developed as a site for homes, sheltered housing and workshops.

Although expansion of Felixstowe port's southern terminal could bring 1,500 jobs, the council believes many of these will not be new jobs with automation and redeployment following development safeguarding many existing ones.

In its submission to Suffolk Coastal, the parish council says it rejects the college's vision because of the "massive scale" of the proposals, strong opposition from residents, and desire for the village to retain its rural character and identity. It says a maximum of 50 homes of all types are needed.

"The parish council continues to recognise the need for some additional housing to help particularly those younger parishioners now seeking to set up homes of their own at prices that are affordable," it said.

"Policies are needed to ensure that these houses continue to be available at low cost for future owners or tenants.

"There is also the need for additional sheltered housing now that private provision has been reduced. The council wants to see small areas designated for sheltered and affordable housing and perhaps for a little general housing, too."

The council is concerned about how busy High Road has become and feels surveys are needed to find out more about the traffic using the street.

It feels suggestions of a relief road in Walton might help ease traffic, but the scale of housing proposed by the Trinity College would generate far more.

Safety work at the dock spur junction would be welcomed and also acoustic barriers to stop the incessant noise of the A14.

The rural setting of the village is important to residents and councillors "oppose the large housing developments proposed because they would cover fields, increase the distance to reach open countryside, put pressure on the environment and totally change the nature of the village".

n How many 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