OBJECTORS campaigning against an industrial development in Stowmarket have today said they will do an about-turn.They will support the proposals as long as environmental conditions are met.

OBJECTORS campaigning against an industrial development in Stowmarket have today said they will do an about-turn and support the proposals - so long as environmental conditions are met.

A planning application to build a 45,000sq ft warehouse, five trade units, offices and parking space on land off the town's Cedars Link Road has attracted widespread concern in the town.

Now, Roger Willison-Gray, chairman of the Cedars Park Residents Association, said the group is willing to stand down their objections so long as developers meet their environmental demands.

Mid Suffolk District Council was due to make a decision on the plans last month but deferred it so councillors could make a site visit.

Mr Willison-Gray said: “The site visit was very helpful and meant a number of issues were looked at again.

“We were concerned about the design and materials being used. Although there's been no change to the design it has been agreed to lower the profile of the main building so it's not as high.

“Also, a plan for comprehensive landscaping has been put forward, including an environmentally friendly area to encourage wildlife and the planting of a large number of mature trees. This will mean the impact on residents of Cedars Park will be considerably less.

“We think now the proposals are fine but our concern is that they are still only proposals and not consent. We want planning consent granted conditional to the environment proposals being implemented.”

The application is from Set in Hand Specialist Services, an employer in the town for 20 years. The firm employs 76 people at five different warehouses and says it needs to operate under one roof in order to expand.

The original plans attracted a 72-signature petition and 21 letters of objection from residents they were inappropriate and detrimental to their lives.

The residents' association is still campaigning to stop the Cedars Link Road - which will eventually link the A1120 and the B1115 relief road - becoming the main route for HGV and other industrial traffic.

The district council will discuss the plans at a meeting next Wednesday . Officers have recommended permission given subject to conditions.

Do you think the development should be given the green light? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk