A CONSERVATION group has thrown its weight behind campaigners looking to stop the development of thousands of homes in neighbouring Suffolk villages. Richard Ward, director of the Suffolk Preservation Society, has written a letter of support to Save Trimleys Against Growth (STAG).

A CONSERVATION group has thrown its weight behind campaigners looking to stop the development of thousands of homes in neighbouring Suffolk villages.

Richard Ward, director of the Suffolk Preservation Society, has written a letter of support to Save Trimleys Against Growth (STAG).

The group are fighting to preserve Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin amid fears planning bosses will allow the development of greenfield sites near the villages under plans to build 3,430 homes on the Felixstowe peninsula by 2021.

In his letter to STAG, Mr Ward writes: “The scale of what is being considered by Suffolk Coastal District Council appears unsustainable in that it could totally alter these two existing communities without any consideration given to the impact on local services and infrastructure.

“Furthermore, the lack any real chance for the local communities to get involved in shaping the proposals is a major concern and contrary to Government advice.”

STAG member Ian Cowan welcomed SPS's support, saying: “We hope this endorsement encourages other groups to work with us to stop the Trimleys being obliterated by a totally out-of-scale development.

“Suffolk Coastal is using statistics that are at least 18 months out of date to justify a housing decision that will affect us for generations to come.

“SCDC councillors should recognise this and postpone any decision until accurate housing figures are made available.”

A spokesman for Suffolk Coastal was unavailable for comment last night.

craig.robinson@eadt.co.uk