PROPOSALS for 24 business units, which could create dozens of new jobs, are set to go ahead - despite protests from nearby residents.The scheme has been put forward for land either side of one of Felixstowe's oldest factories.

PROPOSALS for 24 business units, which could create dozens of new jobs, are set to go ahead - despite protests from nearby residents.

The scheme has been put forward for land either side of one of Felixstowe's oldest factories.

Indo European Foods has invested £5 million in its new manufacturing base at the resort in Langer Road, originally built as the 110,000 sq ft Sangamo metering factory in the 1960s - and is now preparing to sell land around the building for the factory units.

Suffolk Coastal councillors will meet on August 17 to decide the plans and are being recommended to approve the project.

But they will be told residents are not happy with the idea and 21 in Orford Road, Nacton Road and Levington Road have written to object.

They are worried about extra traffic, leading to congestion and safety problems from the increased number of heavy goods vehicles, as well as concerns over possible damage trucks could be causing to the drainage network.

One resident said there was now 200-plus two-way movements of HGVs in Langer Road daily.

Other concerns included noise and disturbance from commercial activities, including potential increases in dust, light and smell, and extra parking problems for householders.

Planners though feel the proposals will address many concerns in the area - particularly in removing the ugly iron palisade fencing put up by a previous owner of the factory - and provide a range of small business units adding to the availability of employment premises in south Felixstowe.

A report to the development control sub committee said: “In terms of traffic the highway authority has indicated that provided the revised access arrangements are put in place at the earliest opportunity, namely a new and enhanced access to the warehouse from Langer Road and the closure of the Orford Road entrance, then in highway terms the development is acceptable.

“The level of parking accords with the council's adopted standards and the enhanced servicing arrangements will be beneficial to all concerned.

“It will remove heavy goods vehicles from Orford Road and provide a safe and sustainable access to Langer Road.”

It is suggested the buildings would be for light industrial use, and working times of the workshops would be 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and until 1pm Saturdays.

If permission is granted, Masterlord Estates Ltd will buy the six acres of land and develop it.

The factory units would have a total of about 55,000 sq ft.

WEBLINK: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk

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