Developers have hit back over criticism of the lack of affordable housing in a £14million project to turn a former school site into homes.

Councillor Kimberley Williams said the decision was “bonkers” and would create a development at Amberfield School that would be an “enclave for the wealthy and over- 55s”, separate from the village where it will stand.

Agent Patrick Hockley, of Woodbridge Estate and Land, representing Michael Howard Homes, said the comments represented the “politics of envy” and the plans had only been proposed and accepted after thorough consultation with the community in Nacton.

He said: “The parish council’s view was that there was no need for additional social housing in the village and we received no objections to the proposals.

“We would not have ignored what the parish council and local people were saying.

“A full year’s work took place on this scheme including an extensive consultation process.

“The site is not ideal for affordable housing as it is away from the village and amenities.”

Suffolk Coastal council’s policy is that one in every three homes in a project should be social housing, but the Amberfield developers will instead pay £483,000 towards the provision of affordable homes in nearby villages.