Outline plans to build up to 139 new homes in Trimley St Martin have been given the go ahead, with work on site expected to begin in 2024/25.

Pigeon Investment Management Ltd lodged plans to develop arable farmland off Gun Lane and High Road with 139 new homes – up to 46 which will be affordable – as well as land for a new primary school and pre-school.

The site, which is allocated for housing in East Suffolk Council's local plan, includes 7-hectares north of Gun Lane and a further 1.5-hectares south of the lane, to be used as green space.

Around 5% is expected to be custom or self-build, the plans confirmed.

Trimley St Martin

Rob Snowling, associate director with Pigeon, said the reserved matters around landscaping, scale, layout and appearance is set to be lodged with the council later this year, and expected work on site to start in 2024/25 with a September 2025 opening of the school.

"We firmly believe the scheme's high-quality, landscape-led design and the provision of a new primary school, pre-school, extensive public open space provision, together with the community benefits will make a long-lasting positive addition," he said.

Road access is set to be created at the High Road roundabout with Howlett Way, while two entrances to the 2.2-hectare school site are set to be provided in the new development.

The plans were approved by East Suffolk Council's planning south committee by six votes to three, but concerns were raised over the traffic impact.

Councillor Mike Deacon questioned whether the traffic modelling – which suggested up to 90% of vehicles heading towards Felixstowe would do so on the A14 rather than High Road – was adequate.

"I do have real concerns about the impact of this development, together with the others proposed, on traffic through the Trimleys," he said.

"There is no doubt about it, High Road in Trimley is busy."

Trimley St Mary Parish Council said the 90% assessment was "completely unfounded".

In his written response, ward councillor Richard Kerry said highways and projected vehicle movements needed to be mindful of all sites in the Trimleys and the cumulative impact it could have on roads.

The developers must come forward with detailed plans for the layout, landscaping, scale and appearance before work can begin on site.