SUFFOLK County Council told a Government inspector that many objections to a £15 million relief road have melted away - but conceded that one woman would have the home she loves compulsorily bought and demolished to make way for it.

SUFFOLK County Council told a Government inspector that many objections to a £15 million relief road have melted away - but conceded that one woman would have the home she loves compulsorily bought and demolished to make way for it.

Government inspector David Woodrow yesterday opened a public inquiry into the council's plans for the B1115 relief road, which it is hoped will ease delays and congestion in Stowmarket.

The road, which could be open by 2009 and will be used by more than 6,000 vehicles a day, would connect the existing B1115 Stowupland Road to the A1308 Gipping Way near Milton Road South.

Businesses, organisations and individuals had complained, but negotiations have been held and many objectors have now withdrawn their concerns, including environmental campaigners.

However, if the road were to get the green light, Trudi Glass' home would be bought and destroyed to make way for the new route.

Michael Bedford, a barrister representing the council, told the inquiry: “Whilst the council accepts there will be an adverse impact on Ms Glass, her property and her home, the council considers that the scheme is needed in the public interest.”

Ms Glass, 44, who has a three-bedroom home in Milton Road East, said outside the inquiry that she has been left devastated at the prospect of losing the home she loves.

She said: “I have lived here for 25 years, paid the mortgage, it's the home I love.”

The public inquiry, held at The Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket, continues this morning and is expected to include a site visit.