TRIMLEY: Proposals for a new supermarket in the heart of a busy village have failed to win over a government-appointed inspector.

The East of England Co-operative Society has now suffered a complete block on its plans for the 380sq m shop and 20-space car park in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

Suffolk Coastal District Council had refused the project because it would be an “over-development” of the site and have impact on neighbouring properties, and the inspector dismissed the appeal against the council decision.

The society had wanted to build the supermarket on the premises of Brands Garage – which would have been demolished – opposite Trimley St Mary Primary School.

More than 180 villagers, mainly worried about noise from delivery lorries and extra traffic danger, objected to the plans.

Parish councillors did not object but asked for deliveries only during opening hours and not at school start and finish times, a provisional alcohol licence only to be agreed, and CCTV installed to watch over the street and seating area opposite to deter gangs of youths. Shaun Greaves, the inspector, said the main issue was the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring homes, especially outlook, noise, disturbance and odours.

The proposed supermarket was significantly taller and larger than the current garage buildings and trees would be felled with no room to plant more. He believed it would harm people’s enjoyment of their homes and have an “overbearing effect” on their outlook.

“The intended opening times of the proposed supermarket would result in noise and activity taking place at night, at a time when residents would otherwise expect reasonable peace and quiet and when the background noise levels would be comparatively low,” said Mr Greaves.

However, he did not believe the Co-op would have a detrimental effect on other local businesses or cause traffic problems.

The East of England Co-operative Society declined to comment.

? Does Trimley need a supermarket? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk