Concerns were raised about plans to build a barbecue cabin in a south Suffolk village.

In September, an application was received by Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils for the construction of an outbuilding for use as a cabin at Avonlea, White Street Green, Polstead.

The application was validated on September 24 by the local authority but senior environmental protection officer Andy Rutson-Edwards raised concerns.

In his comments Mr Ruston-Edwards said that he had 'concerns about the discharge of smoke from the cabin' as initial drawings showed that the stack had a cowl chimney covering.

He noted that cowls "are known to direct smoke downwards" meaning that smoke could potentially spall downwards over the roof and remain low rather than dissipating upwards.

As a result, neighbouring properties could be impacted by the discharge of smoke.

Mr Ruston-Edwards recommended that if permission is granted it was important for the chimney flue to terminate at least one metre above the roof level in order to mitigate the impact on neighbours.

He added that it was important that the chimney flue needed to "discharge vertically upwards" and should not be fitted with any restriction at the final opening such as a plate, cowl or cup.

The application is due to go to consultation on October 15.