CAMPAIGNERS angry about plans to build new homes on an area of woodland are urging local residents to oppose the development. Trees in Fenton's Wood, Kesgrave, near Ipswich, have been marked up by surveyors who are looking into proposals to pull them down and put up housing.

CAMPAIGNERS angry about plans to build new homes on an area of woodland are urging local residents to oppose the development.

Trees in Fenton's Wood, Kesgrave, near Ipswich, have been marked up by surveyors who are looking into proposals to pull them down and put up housing.

A planning application for such a development has not yet been received by Suffolk Coastal District Council has confirmed that permission has been given to build five properties on part of the woodland, with the rest protected under a preservation order.

But concerned residents want people who use the wood to write to the local authority and make clear their fears that any development would destroy an important habitat.

Margaret Broom, of Sherwood Fields, Kesgrave, said: “We felt the need to act before a planning application went in because we want to make everyone aware of what's happening.

“We want to try and stop any development because it's a lovely wood and we don't want to see it spoilt.

“You might say that only a small part of it will actually be built on but it will never be the same again and it is bound to impact on the fauna and flora.

“If we cut down the trees where will they go? We can't just turf them out. It will upset the whole ecology.

“At a time when we're supposed to be more aware about the environment what sort of message does this give out?”

Mrs Broom said a petition has now been circulated around various shops in Kesgrave in the hope of raising awareness about their concerns.

“People might think the wood has already been lost but it's not over until the fat lady sings,” she said. “We just feel it is important that as many people as possible write to the district council to express their views on this issue.”

A spokesperson for Suffolk Coastal District Council confirmed a woodland preservation order was put on most of the trees on Monday.

However she added that there had been approval to build five properties in the area so not all of the trees were protected.

craig.robinson@eadt.co.uk