A PROPOSAL for a new care home as part of a developing town estate has been criticised by a councillor.

Care UK has issued plans to build a large home in Cedars Park, Stowmarket, where up to 70 people would live.

But the plans have come under from Mid Suffolk District councillor John Matthissen, who said the plan for the area had included a requirement for shops and other facilities. He said: “I would expect to see a convenience store, and a range of other services such as a takeaway and hairdresser as a minimum.

“The original concept contained in the Masterplan for Cedars Park painted a vision where this area was to be a main focal point for the local community, and if carried through on this basis would have established a high-quality modern addition to Stowmarket.”

A spokeswoman for Care UK said: “Care UK, along with their development partners, have been in detailed and positive discussions with the local council to ensure that Care UK’s proposed plans will address an identified local need, for specialist care for older people, as well as create a focal point for the Cedars Park community.”

She said the home’s building would also include a shop and would improve access and drop-off facilities at Cedars Park Primary School.

Care UK said the home would bring an investment of about £6million into the economy and more than 50 permanent full-time and part-time jobs as well as 80 temporary jobs.