PETER'S Ice Cream could turn its back on moves to relocate to a Suffolk village after becoming disillusioned with the reaction of residents in the area.

PETER'S Ice Cream could turn its back on moves to relocate to a Suffolk village after becoming disillusioned with the reaction of residents in the area.

The Ipswich-based company, who have made ice cream for over 100 years from their Grimwade Street headquarters, were granted planning permission to relocate to the Lion Barn industrial estate, in Barking, near Needham Market.

The unanimous backing for the move was given at a meeting of Mid Suffolk district council on Wednesday but owner Kevin Denny today cast doubt on the move.

He said: "I'm in two minds even now about whether to go through with it. I think the neighbours have got the impression that it would be noisy and that we would be open on weekends but it would never be like that.

"To be honest I don't want to cause upset. I want to be in a village where I am welcomed."

Disgruntled residents had opposed the application, fearing an increase in traffic, noise and emissions.

However, a report into the move rejected these concerns and concluded that only "minimal" noise and smells would be created.

Cllr Vivien Hoy, who represents the Barking area, said: "It does seem a strange place to put an ice cream factory but if it brings people into the area then that is good.

"Most people like ice cream, so its good to give them something they like."

The application would see office and warehouse space converted into an ice cream factory with an extension for an external cold store. There are also plans to open a small ice cream shop on the premises and run two coach tours a week to the site. Five people would be employed on the site.

Mr Denny added: "I want to stay in Suffolk. We are an old fashioned business and we feel we would be at home in a village location."

He said he would be considering the future location of his business in the next few days.