RESIDENTS fighting proposals to build five new homes in a picturesque village will today make a final plea to get the potential development stopped.

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s north area development control sub committee will meet this morning to discuss plans for land to the side and rear of Rosemary Cottage and the former Waveney Lodge in The Street, Walberswick.

The proposals, which include one affordable property, have been recommended for approval.

They have been backed by Walberswick Parish Council and other bodies – although the district council has received around 70 letters of objection.

Those opposed believe the scheme is contrary to the local development plan and is an unwanted “urbanisation” that would set an unacceptable precedent for further development.

Resident Alan Walpole, who is one of those opposed, said: “We urge councillors to listen to our views and hope they recommend refusal.

“There are very strong feelings in the village about the scheme.”

The report to be considered by the committee acknowledges Walberswick has a special character and needs to be protected from “inappropriate development”.

However it recommends approval subject to conditions as the proposal meets both national and local planning policy.