A FOURTH attempt at seeking permission to build a housing development on the site of a car sales showroom near Lowestoft is being overwhelmingly opposed by residents.

A FOURTH attempt at seeking permission to build a housing development on the site of a car sales showroom near Lowestoft is being overwhelmingly opposed by residents.

Flagship Housing Group recently submitted a planning application to Waveney District Council to build on the plot at Four Acres in Rushmere Road in Carlton Colville.

The latest proposal, to demolish Carter's car showroom and build 12 terraced two-storey houses and two semi-detached bungalows, followed three failed attempts to gain planning permission for the site in recent years.

The fresh submission has sparked opposition - with all 17 neighbouring residents who responded to it being strongly opposed to the proposed development.

One letter of objection, from Michael Stanton, of Mutford Wood Lane, reads: 'The access to the development is on a very busy and dangerous bend, especially at school times. With the increased number going to Gisleham Middle School in the reorganisation in the near future, this will only increase the traffic still further in that area, which is already bad.'

In his letter Mr Stanton also says that the land is prone to flooding, which would be exacerbated with increased coverage of the land by extra homes.

He adds: 'The development is outside of the building line and I am sure there is land available for this type of development within the Lowestoft area.'

Another resident pleaded in her letter to 'let common sense prevail', and other people have asked the council how the application can be up for consideration despite similar proposals being turned down, and when many issues such as safety and drainage remain unresolved.

Flagship Housing Group appealed against a refusal by Waveney District Council in 2008 after submitting proposals for a similar development on the site. In March a government-appointed inspector dismissed the appeal, saying that potential problems with flooding and road safety outweighed the benefit of affordable homes.

No date has yet been set for a decision by Waveney's development control committee.