HERITAGE watchdogs have raised fears that Suffolk could double in size if the Government's building rates continue. The Suffolk Preservation Society says a new county could effectively be created if building growth remains the same.

HERITAGE watchdogs have raised fears that Suffolk could double in size if the Government's building rates continue.

The Suffolk Preservation Society says a new county could effectively be created if building growth remains the same.

The group warns that by 2100, Suffolk will have a housing stock of more than 600,000 - and an extra 140,800 by 2050 at current development rates.

Richard Ward, society director, said: "We feel strongly that people should be aware of what the Government's building proposals mean to Suffolk.

"If new homes continue to be built at the current rate there will be 140,800 extra homes in Suffolk by 2050. By the turn of the century there will be so many new houses there would practically be a new county of Suffolk, with a housing stock of more than 600,000.

"While we understand and are sympathetic to the need for more housing, we are alarmed by the predicted rate of growth, which we feel could put the rural nature of Suffolk under threat."

In the Lowestoft area, 800 homes are planned for greenfield land in Oulton while the 1st East urban regeneration company is looking to build 1,500 homes.

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said building rates had not yet been set for the next 90 years, making it impossible to predict housing numbers, but stressed that a national target of three million more homes by 2020 was needed to meet growing demand.