Concern has been raised over the timing of a planning application after a short consultation period left parish councillors frantically organising a public meeting.

An outline planning application was sent to Mid Suffolk District Council on November 24 for 52 homes on land off Flordon Road in Creeting St Mary, near Needham Market, but residents in the village were only alerted to the proposal two days before Christmas.

The consultation period is understood to end on January 11, leaving just days for members of the public to have their say.

One surprised resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “We only found out on December 23, and normally we have a public meeting on these kind of things, but it will be difficult unless we can get one the night before.”

However, despite the short amount of time for residents to have their say, Creeting St Mary Parish Council has insisted a public meeting will go ahead. Parish council clerk Ann Squirrell said: “We are hoping to arrange a public meeting for January 11, which will take place at 7pm in the village hall.

“The only thing I can do on behalf of the council is to ask for a 48 hour extension to the deadline.”

The application is a hybrid proposal featuring outline plans for a 52-dwelling site, and a full planning application for a new training facility, workshop and parking area. It is understood the training and workshop facilities would be for J Breheny Contractors, whose head offices currently occupy the site.

The application states: “The company’s existing offices are overcrowded and will need to be expanded to retain its current head office function. In addition, the company would like to establish a training facility to help bring more young people into the industry.”

A spokesman from Mid Suffolk District Council was unavailable for comment.