SUFFOLK Wildlife Trust has accused Ipswich council of "watering down" protection for wildlife in its proposed new planning blueprint.The borough has published a consultation version of its Local Plan – the document which will guide development decisions over the next 15 years.

SUFFOLK Wildlife Trust has accused Ipswich council of "watering down" protection for wildlife in its proposed new planning blueprint.

The borough has published a consultation version of its Local Plan – the document which will guide development decisions over the next 15 years.

There has already been controversy over the inclusion in the plan of proposals for a new road which will link the A14 to Ipswich Port's east bank but will have a detrimental impact on wildlife.

But following a scrutiny of the entire document, the trust has expressed its "disappointment", concluding that the council's claimed commitment to wildlife protection has not been fully reflected.