BRITISH Sugar's former factory in Sproughton could be demolished by summer 2006.J&G Landowners who have acquired the land are proposing to turn the 100- acre site into a residential led development with a mixture of homes and other community facilities.

BRITISH Sugar's former factory in Sproughton could be demolished by summer 2006.

J&G Landowners who have acquired the land are proposing to turn the 100- acre site into a residential led development with a mixture of homes and other community facilities.

Developers insist no firm decisions will be made on the plans until the public and interested groups have been consulted.

Martin Wrinch of M&N, who are leading the public consultation, said: "This is a 100-acre site and it is a cracking challenge.

"This is a brownfield site so what the developer would like to do is consider mixed use development - employment and residential use.

"The scale and size will be determined through consultation.

"Because it is a big site it will have an impact and it is really important to talk to the community and all the stake holders."

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Babergh District Council in August and, if successful, work will begin the following summer.

The new "Broadmeadow" development is expected to take up to six years to complete.

It will include the demolition of the silos and factory with the concrete debris used for the new development.

Other environmental benefits are likely to include upgrading the River Gipping pedestrian and cycle route to link the site with the town centre and maintaining and improving the island on the Gipping which is to become a nature reserve.

Developers have already met with county councillors and Ipswich councillors to discuss proposals at the site and are now planning to hold a public exhibition on May 19-21.

Survey work has already taken place on the site and The Environment Agency has confirmed it will not be prone to flooding.

A traffic assessment is also planned.

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