Concerns raised over housing plans in Elmswell, near Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, while site flagged by Suffolk County Council's Archaeological Service

Residents concerned about plans for a 27-home development on a site of potential archaeological interest say ‘Elmswell has suffered enough’, as the village continues to grow.

Applicant Hartog Hutton Ltd has submitted plans to Mid Suffolk District Council for a new development on land near Warren Lane, Elmswell, between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.

However, residents living near the site have submitted objections to the scheme, while Suffolk County Council's Archaeological Service has revealed the site's ‘high potential’ for containing heritage assets of archaeological significance.

Previous excavations east of the site uncovered a Roman pottery production area with two kilns and evidence of an Anglo-Saxon settlement, including sunken-featured buildings and a timber-framed structure.

Further work north-west of the site revealed a Roman field system and a Roman pottery kiln, while metal artefacts dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era suggest a possible cemetery nearby.

An archaeological officer has recommended any planning approval should include a condition that no construction could start on site until an archaeological work programme has been implemented.

If approved, the development would include 18 open market homes, including four three-bedroom bungalows, five three-bedroom homes and nine four-bedroom homes.

The plans also propose a new access point, along with a pedestrian and cycle link to the development east of Warren Lane.

However, residents have submitted objections to Mid Suffolk planners, flagging concerns including the width of Warren Lane, which some feel could not accommodate additional traffic.

“Warren Lane is barely wide enough for two small cars to pass,” an objector said. “It is challenging for one smaller and one larger car to safely pass and downright dangerous when a lorry or van needs to pass.

“Often there is no choice but to mount the pavement – putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.”

Concerns were also voiced about the loss of open spaces and the impact on wildlife, while some feel the village is already ‘struggling to cope’ with population growth.

One objector added: “Elmswell has suffered enough. We have almost no open spaces left, have to walk through hundreds of metres of housing estates to reach the countryside and we are losing footpaths hand over fist.

“The facilities are struggling to cope. The GP cannot cope. The school is over-subscribed. The shop car park is a constant hazard and the traffic on the roads through the centre of the village is insane.”

Mid Suffolk District Council is set to review the application during a consultation on April 15.