A Suffolk heritage charity has called on developers to rethink plans for three new homes to be built behind a 17th village century pub.

Suffolk Preservation Society said the scale and design of three detached four-bedroom homes was “inappropriate” for their proposed location – behind the Old Mill House, in Saxtead, near Framlingham.

Pub group Hawthorn Leisure wants to build the homes on land that, it says, comfortably exceeds operational requirements, and includes green space and an area used for parking.

Last month, it stressed the plans would not jeopardise the pub’s future, but would generate investment to guarantee its long-term viability.

The parish council’s own objections were answered by agents for Hawthorn Leisure with plans for a 52-space replacement car park, along with a re-configured beer garden and play area.

Saxtead Parish Council had argued that the Old Mill House required 100 parking spaces to support peak demand – but Hawthorn Leisure said there was “no way” of parking more than an estimated 45 cars, except by encroaching onto a grass verge at the front of the pub.

The agent said Hawthorn Leisure was planning to invest a significant portion of any capital receipt and create a new bus shelter from an adjacent outbuilding. It also claimed that a new access route would not impact adversely on a neighbouring 16th century Grade II listed house – and that the flat roof design of the properties would limit any visual impact

The proposal has also raised concern with district councillor Christopher Hudson, who welcomed assurances but said “the proof of the pudding will be in the eating”.

Suffolk Preservation Society has since objected to the application, due to the “negative impact of the proposed design on the character and appearance of the conservation area, and the harm to the setting of the listed building resulting from the proposed access to the site”.

Instead, the society urged a revised scheme be sought, with a lower number of smaller, more affordable units, accessed via the left hand side of the pub.

The district council has until the middle of January to decide on the proposal.