COMMUNITY leaders are to be asked to visit a woodland burial site in operation before deciding whether a similar controversial venture can be set up at Tuddenham St Martin.

COMMUNITY leaders are to be asked to visit a woodland burial site in operation before deciding whether a similar controversial venture can be set up at Tuddenham St Martin.

The project for 97 acres of farmland opposite Tuddenham Hall has generated a huge amount of protests from people in the area.

Main concerns are over the potential for development of the site for housing or commercial units if the change of use is granted.

Campaigners are also worried extra traffic will make the narrow country lane leading to the site off Grundisburgh Road dangerous.

More than 150 residents of Tuddenham St Martin and surrounding villages have signed a letter to Suffolk Coastal to voice opposition but the council has expressed an informal view that the use is acceptable in planning terms.

In a report to the south area development control sub committee next Thursday , head of planning Philip Ridley said councillors have visited the site.

“A full report on the proposal, detailing the planning issues/considerations as well as any correspondence received, is likely to be presented at the January 8 meeting of the sub-committee,” he said.

“It is considered that it may be beneficial for the sub-committee to visit a site already in operation in order to gain a greater understanding of the operations/activities associated with the proposed use.”

Summers Wykes-Sneyd, property advisors and chartered surveyors acting on behalf of the landowners, Tuddenham Hall estate, said the project would not lead to any other development.

Philip Summers, of the company, said: “The project will generate 15 acres of new woodland planting, preserve 14 acres of natural grassland and in-all create 52 acres of parkland sub-divided by five acres of glades.

“If one takes the time to read through the application there can be no question of the application being anything other than that which is proposed.

“The project has already been subject to rigorous scrutiny by Suffolk Coastal and the application invites a number planning conditions to ensure that the project achieves only what is intended.”

Do you think it is an appropriate place for a woodland burial site? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk