Fresh proposals have been submitted for an 82-bed hotel off the A12 at Darsham – despite opposition from villagers worried about traffic danger.

Moves have been afoot since 2004 to develop the one-acre site between Station Garage and Railway Cottage but repeated plans have fallen through.

Now a new hotel scheme has been submitted with the developers keen to make a start as soon as possible.

Darsham Parish Council though is concerned about traffic problems and road safety at the entrance to the site from the A12.

The council said: “The entrance will be shared by a busy garage which often has queuing traffic onto the road for the pumps and a 23-unit eco lodge development has been granted, also using the same entrance.

“This point is also earmarked as a proposed entrance for the park and ride car park for Sizewell.

“Major road changes are needed before this application is renewed due to its close proximity to a busy level crossing. Queuing across the crossing for vehicles travelling north and held up traffic turning into the garage currently are often observed.”

Planning case officer Patsy Dobson, who is recommending Suffolk Coastal councillors approve the hotel, said: “The issues of traffic impact have been considered previously in relation to this application; however, the highway authority has continued to raise no objection to the proposal.”

The maltings-type development will feature two blocks, a three-storey one with a two-storey link into a two-storey block of bedrooms and a café area on the ground floor and a first-floor bar and lounge.

The applicants have offered a “goodwill contribution” of around £2,500 towards provision of a footpath from Darsham village to the A12.

Ms Dobson said: “The building will be substantial and will have impact upon the character of the countryside from the A12 and from Westleton Road.

“It represents a more substantial structure than the schemes previously approved on the site with an additional storey and larger roof span.”