Anxious residents have slammed plans to build 350 new homes in Ipswich, after the first public consultation was held yesterday.

The Chantry Vale site adjacent to London Road has been earmarked for development by homebuilding firm Taylor Wimpey, with the first plans for the site revealed to the public for feedback.

The proposal aims to create 350 houses on the site, 35 per cent of which will be designated affordable housing, as well as six hectares of land for employment and businesses, public open space and play areas, and a new primary school.

However, during yesterday’s consultation held at the London Road Holiday Inn, members of the public revealed their worries over the use of greenfield land.

Graham Baldry, 70, from Ipswich said: “They keep saying there’s a need for more housing, but it is more about the area that housing is put in. Obviously you don’t want to be using more agricultural land, but I think brownfield sites should be used first.”

Residents were also troubled by the level of traffic which will use the already busy junctions nearby at Copdock and Hadleigh Road.

Ian Elledge, 70, from Pinewood in Ipswich said: “We are concerned about how they are going to improve the roads. The roads cannot cope as it is, they are awful, and if there are 350 houses that could mean 700 extra cars.

Carol Elledge, 67, added: “We need housing but you also need the infrastructure to sustain that.”

However, while the proposals sparked fury from some Ipswich residents, others were in favour of the plans.

John Robinson, 66, from Pinewood, said: “I think it looks good. We need housing, it’s just that some people don’t want it on their back door.”

Marilyn Robinson, 65, added: “With a business site there is employment as well, so it’s good it will create jobs.”

However, potential development of further land north of the A1071 was also not ruled out, although no plans have currently been made for the area.

Residents have until Friday, January 23 to submit their feedback before a plan is finalised and a detailed application is presented for a second consultation to be arranged in February.

Hannah Pattison, strategic land project manager for Taylor Wimpey, said: “We are confident this scheme will provide an attractive and sustainable development of high-quality homes to meet a range of requirements, including affordable properties for local people, along with employment opportunities, open space and a new school.

“We would like to thank people for taking the time to visit our exhibition and providing their feedback on our scheme.

“The comments we receive from local residents will help us to develop our masterplan for the site.”

Details of the plans are available online at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/chantry-vale.