HUNDREDS of new houses and a care home could be built in a Suffolk village as part of a major redevelopment scheme at a former pork factory.

Laurence Cawley

HUNDREDS of new houses and a care home could be built in a Suffolk village as part of a major redevelopment scheme at a former pork factory.

The 6.5 hectare Grampian Country Pork site in Elmswell closed its doors in 2006 with the loss of nearly 400 jobs.

The site was bought by JG Land and Estates which is soon set to unveil its masterplan for the plot.

Although the firm is remaining tight-lipped about its proposals until they go on public display next week, it is understood they are likely to include plans for about 230 new houses, a care home, business space and a contribution towards a link road which would cut the number of lorries travelling through the village.

In a statement on behalf of the developer, London-based property consultants Gerlad Eve wrote: “The former Grampian Foods/Harris site at Elmswell has significant capacity to help deliver new housing and, in discussion with the district council and parish council, a planning application for a mixed-use scheme is being developed.

“This is likely to deliver in the order of 230 new homes in addition to an appropriate range of local employment opportunities, a care home and other ancillary uses, all in a highly sustainable location with a railway station and a high level of existing facilities.”

The full scheme will be presented to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

John Jowitt, planning director at JG Land and Estates, said: “We believe the public exhibition is an important step in communicating our vision for the future of the former Harris Bacon Factory to the local community.

“We are also committed to providing the potential for the greatly desired link road and are pleased to be able to discuss this opportunity.

“The public exhibition will allow local people to meet us face to face and discuss any questions they may have.”

Jane Storey, county councillor for Elmswell, said: “I think it would be highly desirable for it to be put to use. The village would like to get some kind of facility out of the development. I think it has lain dormant for a while and it is a bit of an eyesore and, as such, it has been a Mecca for vandals. We just have to wait and see what the consultation document says but I am fully supportive of regeneration in the villages and Elmswell is a big village.”

The exhibition will be at the Blackbourne Community Centre from 2pm until 8pm on Tuesday and from 8am until 3pm on Wednesday.