Six new homes will be built just a stone's throw from a Grade II listed hall after plans to demolish a barn and house have been given the go-ahead despite concerns.

Plans for five new homes and one replacement home at Dower Barns in Clopton Green, Rattlesden, were submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council in October. 

The proposals would see a dilapidated 1960s brick barn demolished, alongside Dower House, which is also in a state of disrepair. 

The buildings are just north of Grade II listed Clopton Hall, to which this site once belonged. 

The six new builds would be a mixture of three and four bed homes arranged in pairs around a central courtyard with a traditional, agricultural feel. 

The proposed access to the site is an established historic drive from Green Road which also serves Clopton Hall.

Several historic building lines would be maintained in the proposed scheme, and the flint walled corner of the Dower House would be retained to mark the entrance to the new homes.

The plans were met with concern from Woolpit Parish Council which said: "The character of Rattlesden Road, unlit, narrow, without footpaths and bound by vegetation is consistent with that of a rural lane.

"The additional traffic generated by these large houses will contribute to traffic issues with lorries and buses to the industrial units.

"Councillors consider this unsustainable development reliant on the use of private car due to the lack footpaths and no public transport."

Rattlesden Parish Council raised no issue with the application. 

An officer report stated: "The design of the site is attractive and would be suitable for the countryside/farmyard location of development."

The plans were approved by Mid Suffolk District Council on January 5.