The number of homes in a village would increase by around 20%, if major new proposals are approved.

Gladman Developments want to build 190 homes in Stowupland off Church Road and Gipping Road, near Stowmarket.

Keith Welham, Stowupland’s parish chairman, said there were concerns, including over traffic and the impact on schools. No-one from Gladman Developments wanted to comment on the claims.

Mr Welham said: “We have 950 homes at present so this would be a 20% increase which would be massive; the last big development was in the 1960s.

“Obviously a lot of people have been in touch with us – a lot of people are concerned about the extra traffic because it’s would be connected to the A1120 which is very busy at school time; all the extra traffic is going to be a safety issue for the schools.”

Gladman Developments has said there is a shortfall of housing in the Mid Suffolk area for the next five years – with around 35% of the homes to be built being “affordable”.

As well as the homes, a children’s play area and an area for recreation would be created.

Both the village’s high and primary schools are on the A1120 – with there also being concerns about how extra traffic could use the smaller road of Gipping Road.

Both schools are already having additional students attend because of the closure of middle schools.

Mr Welham fears students may have to walk or be driven miles out of the village to other schools if the development is approved.

He added: “My concern for Stowupland is that a lot of people might just be in the village for evenings and weekends, they may not actually be involved in the village.”

A public meeting to discuss the plans will take place on Wednesday at 7.30pm at Stowupland Village Hall.