RESIDENTS living close to where a controversial development will be built have today said they fear it is the start of many proposals for the area.Ipswich council granted permission for two houses to be demolished along Bramford Road and an access road constructed which will lead on to 35 new properties.

RESIDENTS living close to where a controversial development will be built have today said they fear it is the start of many proposals for the area.

Ipswich council granted permission for two houses to be demolished along Bramford Road and an access road constructed which will lead on to 35 new properties.

The decision was granted yesterday for the work to be carried out along the main road, opposite Kingston Road.

While staff at SEH developments are pleased the council has granted their plans those who are living close to where the houses will be built are worried about the future development.

Many spoke about problems with extra traffic, reduced wildlife and loss of privacy.

Dale Williams, of Bramford Road, said: “This is just the first phase. There are two more phases planned either side of this one to build upwards with numerous flats put up directly behind our back gardens.”

Mr Williams said he felt the building would cause overcrowding in the area and feared construction work so close to their homes could cause subsidence.

He added: “And yet the residents along this stretch feel so helpless about stopping the building work from happening right on our doorsteps. We do not seem to have a lot of say as to what is built in our neighbourhood or over any amendments to the plans.

“We all seem a bit confused as to why so many properties have to be built in one place.

“Can the developers not spread the work out around the town?”

Peter Burgess, also of Bramford Road, said: “This phase doesn't look too bad but they shouldn't try to build any closer to the railway line or it will cause a lot of problems.

“There is too much traffic around that end of the road as it is without any more being introduced.”

Martin Blake, of SEH Developments, said he was over the moon with the news the plans can be put into action.

He said: “As far as I am concerned it is the right decision made by the council.

“There are still a lot of issues which need to be resolved before we can start work but we hope to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

“We hope work will have started by the end of the year.”

Will you be affected by the development? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk