Suffolk’s leading conservation group has lodged a formal objection to proposals to build 163 new homes on the edge of Framlingham.

No decision has yet been made on the scheme for 16 acres of farmland in Fairfield Road, and councillors are likely to be faced with an unusual traffic protest to show its potential impact when they make a site visit on Monday.

Suffolk Preservation Society (SPS) says the project – which is outside the town boundary – could affect the historic quality of the town.

Taylor Wimpey has applied for permission for the housing, with the project due to include 53 affordable homes and three children’s play areas.

SPS director Fiona Cairns said: “The society considers that the proposal for a large housing development on this site will impact on the setting of the conservation area and therefore, by failing to enhance or better reveal the significance of a conservation area or heritage asset, the application is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework.”

Framlingham is famous for its castle and also grade one listed St Michael’s Church, and the SPS says views of the church from Brick Lane and the public right of way leading into town will be completely blocked by the development.

Proposed tree planting along one edge of the estate will also impede other views through to the historic core of the town.

Suffolk Coastal’s north area development management sub committee will make a site visit to Fairfield Road, and also a 7.5-acre field at Mount Pleasant, where Persimmon Homes has applied to build 107 properties, on Monday.

Framlingham Residents’ Association (FRAm) is urging people to fill every parking space in the town and crowd the roads with vehicles to send a message to planners that it cannot cope with the hundreds of new homes being proposed.

FRAm has raised concerns that the new housing will place an unmanageable strain on Framlingham’s roads and parking places as well as the town’s doctors surgery and schools.