Up to 1,500 jobs could be created if a new 65-acre business park is built on the edge of Ipswich but people living nearby fear it will increase danger on the A14.

Network Rail is also objecting the project because itis worried the almost non-existent use of a foot crossing on the busy Ipswich-Felixstowe line could see use increase to hundreds of users a day.

Orwell Truck Stop Ltd has submitted the plans for storage and distribution warehouses, including car and lorry parking at the Orwell Crossing Service Area along the A14 and including the adjoining site, the old Shepherd and Dog Piggeries.

Suffolk Coastal council’s planning committee will discuss the project on May 17 and is recommended to give consent.

Case officer Liz Beighton said: “The application submission has been supported by an indicative masterplan and parameters to show the intended scale and layout of development, but the intention is for the permission in principle to allow for active marketing of the site and for each end user to be able to design their site bespoke to

suit their business requirements.

“The application form suggests that once completed the scheme will generate up to 1,500 full time jobs and 82,684sqm of employment floorspace.

“The development will yield significant job creation and construction jobs as well as increase spend in the local area and will enable the port of Felixstowe to sustain its role as Britain’s leading port and help stave off competition from Thames Gateway.”

She said the neighbouring site of Ransomes Europark is currently operating at capacity and there are no vacant sites available for further development.

However, the roads within Ransomes are in private ownership and it is not proposed to open up a vehicle link between the two sites.

She added: “It is however hoped that effective dialogue will continue between parties to hopefully resolve this matter in the future.”

The existing café area, and lorry parking along the southern boundary of the development site is not affected and would be retained.

Brightwell, Foxhall and Purdis Farm Group Parish Council was pleased the A14 access would be upgraded but was concerned at lack of lorry movement data and felt the scheme would “cause an unacceptable level of danger” along this section of the A14.

The council claimed it would create a “serious deterioration in the quality of life” for residents due to the increased noise, air and light pollution.