Campaigners have been warned any changes to government planning policy could come too late to prevent a controversial Trimley housing development.

The Kirton and Trimley Community Action Group is trying to prevent the construction of 310 homes on land off Howlett Way, Trimley St Martin.

The land was allocated for homes by East Suffolk Council in its planning guidance - but campaigners say proposed government changes should prompt a rethink.

They say in a statement: "It is our opinion that the allocation of this land for development is no longer appropriate in light of the government's announced changes to the national planning policy framework and the imminent new environmental policies being introduced."

They say that this development, on top of other recent new homes in the area, will change the character of the villages.

They also warn it would put strain on water supplies, sewerage, and damage clean air provision.

They add: "The loss of biodiversity in the Trimleys as a result of the cumulative impact of all the developments should be offset by the land at Howlett Way being used as a biodiversity net gain site left undeveloped and used for wild farming and food production."

However a spokesman for East Suffolk Council said a planning application for homes on the site had been submitted by its owner, Trinity College, Cambridge.

And the site was allocated for housing in the Local Plan.

He said the council was continuing to work with local people and had had meeting last week with local parish council representatives.

He warned: “Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are yet to be implemented and would not be material to the consideration of the application.

“However, any planning application is subject to referral to the Planning Committee for determination and will be considered in accordance with current local and national planning policy."