Villagers are being asked for their opinions on the future of a controversial development site in the heart of their community.

A questionnaire has been produced by Babergh councillors John Nunn and Richard Kemp asking people in Long Melford what they would like the former Fleetwood Caravans site to be used for.

Last year, a protest group was established after David Wilson Homes submitted an application to build 51 homes on the former factory site. But the plans were thrown out by Babergh’s planning committee on the grounds of pedestrian safety and the decision was subsequently upheld by the secretary of state following an appeal and three-day public inquiry.

The independent survey, which has gone out to all households via the parish magazine, asks if people would prefer the site to be used for employment, private homes, a retirement home or for mixed use. Mr Nunn said: “We felt that the suggestions about the site shouldn’t just be coming from the developers and as district councillors, we are always being encouraged by Babergh to engage with the local community.

“By sending out a hard copy to everyone in the village, we will be reaching pensioners and people who don’t have access to the internet so the opinions will be across the board.”

Surveys must be returned by October 18, after which the findings will be sent to SB2 Property Ventures, the current landowner.

Mr Nunn added: “We will also send them to the parish and district councils. Hopefully this will enable us to move forward with the site.”