A MAJOR developer has confirmed it is weighing up plans to build 46 homes in Carlton Colville – amid fears the work could harm wildlife and create traffic problems.

Persimmon Homes is drafting a planning application for submission to Waveney District Council, requesting permission to build on land between Carlton Hall and Burlingham Drive on the Oaks Estate.

The proposals were first revealed to local people in July at a public exhibition. But, after gauging the public response, the Persimmon Homes now says it is looking at the “possibility” of putting in the application – despite stiff opposition from people living near the site.

As part of its preparation work, Persimmon Homes has carried out a site investigation on the land, which is commonly known as The Paddock, and last week it carried out an archaeological survey.

Some people fear that if the plans are approved, the development will “wipe out” mature trees and create increased traffic.

However, Persimmon insists that since the public exhibition in July it has taken people’s concerns on board and is trying to address them, especially over the removal of trees.

Christine Maydew, 53, and her husband Mark, 46, of Burlingham Drive, are among those concerned.

Mr Maydew said: “The proposal will wipe out many of the mature trees and the entire landscape of the field.

“The proposed access to the homes is also through our small estate using a narrow road, which is already full of parked cars, and then through a small cul-de-sac.”

Another resident, Will Bunn, 34, has sent a six-page report to Waveney with his concerns about the potential application.

Martin Davison, land director at Persimmon Homes, said the company was doing its best to address the concerns over the proposed homes, 35% of which will be “affordable” properties. The application would include bungalows to lessen the visual impact and Persimmon Homes is in discussion with Waveney about issuing tree preservation orders to protect mature trees.