VILLAGERS in Trimley St Mary will this week be asked if they want a referendum on proposals to build thousands of new homes on their doorsteps.Parish councillors are holding an extraordinary meeting on Friday to hear residents' views on the controversial vision for the future of the village put forward by landowners Trinity College, Cambridge.
VILLAGERS in Trimley St Mary will this week be asked if they want a referendum on proposals to build thousands of new homes on their doorsteps.
Parish councillors are holding an extraordinary meeting on Friday to hear residents' views on the controversial vision for the future of the village put forward by landowners Trinity College, Cambridge.
The council has already said that if residents want a formal vote on the scheme, then all they need to do is attend the meeting and request it.
Councillors say they want to be sure of the majority view of the village before they decide how to respond to Trinity's development suggestions – though many villagers feel their views are clear and a referendum will be a waste of money.
However, the council is concerned that there is a "silent majority", who it is felt are against the proposals but whose views need to be ascertained.
Chairman Richard Kerry has said a referendum was one way this could be achieved – as long as a majority go to the polls to vote.
"We think we know what the answer will be, but need to hear it from the residents – this is the biggest issue the village has ever had and it is very important that the parish council represents its view," said Mr Kerry.
The council has appealed for people to write letters to give views, and while many have done with just two in favour of the vision plan, the majority have not expressed any view.
The extraordinary meeting will take place at the Welcome Hall at 7pm.
Trimley St Mary Parish Council will then meet on Monday November 3 at 7pm.
The council's current stance is that it would like to see some building of new homes in the village – mainly affordable homes to help young people stay in the village and sheltered properties for the elderly – including some general housing.
But not development on the scale envisaged by Trinity College.
What do you think? Write to Your Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
WEBLINKS: www.savetrimley.co.uk
www.trimley-vision.co.uk
www.trimley-st-martin.org.uk
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