A bid to build a new Baptist chapel and 18 homes in Fressingfield, near Harleston, has been approved.

The Trustees of Fressingfield Baptist Chapel submitted the application to build the new building on undeveloped scrubland off School Lane.

The application also asked for outline permission to build 18 homes on the same site - six of which would be affordable.

In a planning statement submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council, it said the current chapel, to the north-east of the village, has been in use since 1835 and is 'considered inadequate to accommodate the church's growing congregation and the multitude of other community uses associated with the church; these community uses include hosting a regular youth group and mothers' and toddlers' group'.

It also stated the new building would 'better accommodate' public worship and existing community uses by affording a larger space, more comfortable surroundings and 'a more environmentally friendly building'.

The application resulted in a petition of objection which was signed by more than 20 people and a large number of objections were submitted.

Residents were concerned about the implications on wildlife and the environment in the area, and the increase in traffic.

A car park for 46 spaces and children's play area, which will be open for use by the public, were also included in the application.

Mid Suffolk District Council's development control committee approved the application, although a condition was added that 'replacement woodland has to be of similar quality and biodiversity as the original woodland'.