PROPOSALS to build 11 new homes on the former premises of a vehicle repair company look set to be given the green light.

The plans for the old Parma Industries site in Wickham Market High Street will be discussed by Suffolk Coastal District Council on Wednesday. Planning chiefs are recommending the scheme, which includes demolishing an existing warehouse and workshop, be given the go ahead subject to certain conditions.

Hopkins and Moore (Developments) Ltd want to build eight properties for the open market and three affordable homes. An application for 14 dwellings was submitted earlier this year but this was withdrawn after concerns about the density of the development. The current application was deferred from last month to allow councillors to have a site visit.

Wickham Market Parish Council has objected to the plans on the grounds that the properties facing the High Street are too high and would overshadow buildings on the other side of the road, while also saying they should be set further back. Five letters of objection have also been sent in from residents who cite concerns including over development, loss of parking, increased flood risk and loss of an employment site.

Parma Industries relocated to Carlton Park Industrial Estate in Saxmundham in 2008.

The report to go before councillors says that under national and local planning policy the site is deemed suitable for residential development and that it would not compromise surrounding properties. There have also been no objections raised from other agencies.

It recommends the scheme be approved subject to a section 106 agreement to secure the affordable housing, a playspace payment and other conditions including those relating to materials, landscaping and highways.