A HUGE redevelopment of the HMS Ganges site would be a disaster for Shotley, according to one resident.Developers Haylink plan cafes, shops and workshops to complement a new village-style complex of 500 homes.

A HUGE redevelopment of the HMS Ganges site would be a disaster for Shotley, according to one resident.

Developers Haylink plan cafes, shops and workshops to complement a new village-style complex of 500 homes.

But Alan Burton, of Orwell View Road, fears the villages roads, shops and schools would be swamped by the new influx of families.

Babergh District Council has put the proposal out for a public consultation period lasting until October 1.

Alongside the new building plans are proposals to create a village square, making a feature of the listed training mast and martello tower and carrying out a road renovation programme.

Mr Burton claimed the road running through the village was already woefully inadequate and any improvements would only bring it up to a standard it should already have reached.

He said: "The dangerous bends that we all know exist will still remain dangerous bends and the extra traffic speeding through the village will just exacerbate this.

"We already know that from early morning until late at night lorries and cars drive through the village at speeds far in excess of the 30mph limit."

Mr Burton said he feared works traffic needed for the huge building project would bring chaos to the village before any road improvements were introduced.

And he claimed massive pressure would be heaped upon the village infrastructure by such a large population influx.

Mr Burton claimed local schools and doctors would be put under huge pressure and he fears a rise in the crime rate if the Ganges project gets the go-ahead.

He said: "It is clear that no thought has been given to the actual requirements of the village and villagers and that the proposals, although looking good on paper, will have a devastating effect on the area."