RESIDENTS have today been assured their views will be considered before homes are built on an informal play area off a narrow cul-de-sac in Kirton.

RESIDENTS have today been assured their views will be considered before homes are built on an informal play area off a narrow cul-de-sac in Kirton.

Flagship Housing Group, which wants to build on the open space off Weir Place, says there is a big demand in the village for rented homes at an affordable price.

But it has now agreed to carry out wide consultation on the proposals, which involve demolition of one property to make way for nine family houses and three two-bed bungalows, and to meet villagers to discuss the proposals.

A spokesman said: “An agreement was made with the parish council for a consultation exercise to be carried out with local residents and other interested parties prior to a planning application being submitted.

“Unfortunately, the application was submitted ahead of schedule, but has since been withdrawn until the consultation exercise has been carried out and views have been considered.”

Residents are concerned over access to the new development, sewage and drainage.

Len Lanigan, Kirton local history recorder, said the project was a major development for the village.

He said: “Park Lane, from Weir Place to the Bucklesham Road exit, is a very dangerous place.

“The road is very narrow. Two cars cannot pass each other. Individual farm vehicles brush the hedges on both sides of the road.

“Traffic volumes are growing inexorably. Pedestrians, not least the elderly and mothers with prams and children, have nowhere to stand when vehicles pass.”

Residents wanted access to be looked at in depth and an alternative option from Bucklesham Road drawn up, and also investigations into sewage overflows and odours.

Barry Bates, of Park Lane, said: “This planning has been bulldozed into the public arena and given the public and parish council almost no time to reply and consider options.”

He said sheltered accommodation for the elderly was the greater need.

n What do you think of the proposals? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk