600-name petition for primary school in opposition to eco housing scheme handed over at drop-in session

Villagers have given a massive vote of confidence for a primary school to be built in Elmswell rather than an eco housing scheme.

A petition containing 600 signatures against the homes blueprint was handed over to officials from Mid Suffolk District Council following a drop-in session attended by up to 200 people.

Opponents to the housing scheme say a new primary school would be preferable to more housing in the village, which is undergoing considerable growth.

The district council held the drop-in session in Elmswell last week for people to find out more about its plans for an eco-friendly housing development of 50 homes in council-owned open space off School Road and Church Road (pictured above) in the village. But residents say that the homes are not needed and that there are stronger calls for the primary school.

A spokesperson for the council said it is keen to work with the community to ensure they have the facilities they need but that the decision over the school rests with Suffolk County Council as it is the education authority. However, the county council  say that there are no plans for a further school in the village on the land which is owned by Mid Suffolk District Council.