Controversial plans to build 20 new commercial units at Anglia Business Park, near Wattisham and Ringshall, will be discussed at Mid Suffolk Planning Committee tomorrow.

The 1.9-hectare site, off Wattisham Road, already has several commercial buildings, but the new planning application proposes creating more office and industrial units.

It is claimed 100 new jobs could be created with the development.

East Anglian Daily Times:

But numerous concerns have been raised with the project, namely the lack of public transport available, the impact of traffic on neighbouring villages, and the effect on wildlife.

One local resident said: “The roads around Wattisham Village are not suitable for more car and lorry movements, which would be significant with 20 industrial units, and obviously more in the pipeline as not all of the site has been put in for planning.”

Another agreed: “This is a very rural location. There is no public transport, none of the lanes have footpaths or lighting, and it is ridiculous to think that anyone will cycle or walk- the only people who will be able to work there will be people with cars. This will be 100 cars in each morning, and 100 out each night. We already suffer from vehicles, some quite large, pulling into our drive, damaging our hedge, when they pass.”

East Anglian Daily Times:

Most of the existing business park is operated by RMi Engineer Ltd, a rail and offshore energy industry provider.

Wattisham and Ringshall Parish Councils have also raised concerns.

The proposal will be discussed during the Mid Suffolk Planning Committee meeting tomorrow.