Plans for five new homes to be built in a Suffolk village have been given the go-ahead despite concerns from residents.

An application submitted to Mid Suffolk Council at the end of July sought permission to build the homes on land east of White House Barns, a 16-home development built around 18 years ago, in Elmswell.

The empty 0.28 hectare site had already been granted outline planning permission for a total of six homes, but in these plans, the scheme was reduced to five.

The proposal, which has now been given the green light, included a pair of two-storey semi-detached homes, a pair of detached cottages and one larger three-bed home that would replace two plots in the outline plans.

The homes will be complete with gardens between 100sqm and 135sqm and will have car parking spaces and a garden terrace.

The site is to be accessed via an existing driveway off Ashfield Road and a new access road is planned to link up the route.

Elmswell Parish Council, who voices serious reservations over the plans from the start, objected to the application and said the plans were "out of keeping with the very specific and considered design of the existing White House Barns development." 

And a resident of White House Barns said: "Our community has a particular identity, and introducing a larger development might not blend well with the existing architecture and ambiance.

"Another significant concern is the proximity of the proposed development to our homes. Such a close distance may lead to excessive noise and disturbances during the construction phase and even after the new houses are occupied.

"Moreover, the extension might negatively impact the landscaping of our homes, including extending the driveway and increasing traffic on what is currently a one-track road." 

The plans were approved by Mid Suffolk Council planning officers on October 13.

Construction work including clearance and demolition will now take place between 7.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.