A council has formally objected to plans for 70 new homes on land opposite a school and a new-build estate in 'Suffolk's Smallest Town'. 

If it is given the go-ahead by West Suffolk Council, the new Rainier Developments homes will be built on land off Cavendish Road in Clare, opposite the 53-home Weavers Way site and Stour Valley Community School. 

Clare Town Council previously released a statement raising their concerns which has now been sent as a formally objection to West Suffolk Council. 

The statement reads: "While we are aware that the land is in the local plan and is therefore likely to be developed, we had hoped to work with any potential developer to address the significant issues that the town faces.

"We are regularly recording speeds of 60-70 mph on that stretch of road, despite the 30 limit and the entrance to the school and this proposal will only add to the danger in that regard, we had hoped that the design might incorporate measures to reduce driver speeds on that road.

"Our local infrastructure is at breaking point and adding 70 new families will exacerbate the situation to an intolerable level.

"Investment in the town from previous developments has not been forthcoming in any tangible way so we would also expect real investment in facilities," they added.

Of the 70 homes, it is expected that at least 28 of them will be affordable housing. 

The development would also include a 30-space car park. 

The plans are described as "sensitively designed to respect and integrate with Clare and the surrounding area". 

Rainier Developments, based in Henley-in-Arden, has a combined in-house experience of more than 150 years.