Residents in Nacton, near Ipswich, say a "gigantic mega-shed" warehouse has transformed their once peaceful homes into what feels like a prison camp.
The massive structure, built at Equation Properties' Orwell Logistics Park, has blocked views and dramatically altered the quality of life for those living nearby.
"It's a gigantic mega-shed and, essentially, it is the wrong development, in the wrong location, and that was clear to anyone with common sense," said Adrian Day, 66.
Neighbours have branded the warehouse a "monstrosity" with some claiming it has reduced them to tears.
Construction began last year after East Suffolk Council approved final plans in late 2021. The warehouse is colossal in scale, equivalent to six full-size football pitches, measuring approximately 147m (482ft) wide and more than 300m (984ft) long.
At 21m (69ft) tall, it towers over nearby gardens, dominating the landscape. The structure sits just 40-50m (130-165ft) from the back gardens of homes in Felixstowe Road.
Once complete, it will be one of three warehouses at the site, which is adjacent to the A14. Residents say planners could never truly have envisaged just how imposing the building would be.
"We used to have views behind us of trees and fields, but now every time you look out the windows of your house, it looks like a stormy day," said Alan Thomas, 61.
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Residents describe a litany of problems caused by the warehouse development. "We barely get any sun," complained Thomas, adding that the council has ignored residents' concerns.
Jenny Upson, 74, has feared constant disruption as the site will have 24/7 access, saying: "We're going to see lights and hear lorries and cars and clanking about."
During construction, dust prevented residents from opening their doors. One unnamed resident claimed vibrations killed bees in his hives.
Jim Snell, 74, said train sounds now reverberate off the warehouse, disturbing the peace.
Sheila Snell, 69, has found the emotional toll devastating: "I'm absolutely devastated because all I see is what is like a prison wall at the end of my garden, so it is like being in a prison camp. It's like living in a grey day, every day."
Residents have said they tried to oppose the development from the beginning.
The original outline planning application received 29 letters of objection and an objection from Foxhall Parish Council, but was approved in 2018.
Day claimed developers rejected a request to erect cherry-pickers that would have shown councillors the potential size and impact.
"I think local planning is all done just to give local people the illusion that their opinion counts, because what they've done is inconsiderate and disrespectful," he said.
East Suffolk Council has maintained it followed correct procedures in approving the warehouse.
"Members of the planning committee, many of whom have strong local knowledge, visited the site and neighbouring properties on two occasions," a spokesperson said.
The council insisted the decision was made "in accordance with the development plan and planning legislation," noting that residents could have requested a judicial review within six weeks of the decision, but none did so.
However, it is understood some residents have lodged formal complaints and are seeking compensation.
The council spokesperson added: "This application was fully and properly assessed in its impact on neighbours, and we do not believe there was any fault in the decision-making process."
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The massive structure, built at Equation Properties' Orwell Logistics Park, has blocked views and dramatically altered the quality of life for those living nearby.
"It's a gigantic mega-shed and, essentially, it is the wrong development, in the wrong location, and that was clear to anyone with common sense," said Adrian Day, 66.
Neighbours have branded the warehouse a "monstrosity" with some claiming it has reduced them to tears.
Construction began last year after East Suffolk Council approved final plans in late 2021. The warehouse is colossal in scale, equivalent to six full-size football pitches, measuring approximately 147m (482ft) wide and more than 300m (984ft) long.
At 21m (69ft) tall, it towers over nearby gardens, dominating the landscape. The structure sits just 40-50m (130-165ft) from the back gardens of homes in Felixstowe Road.
Once complete, it will be one of three warehouses at the site, which is adjacent to the A14. Residents say planners could never truly have envisaged just how imposing the building would be.
"We used to have views behind us of trees and fields, but now every time you look out the windows of your house, it looks like a stormy day," said Alan Thomas, 61.
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Residents describe a litany of problems caused by the warehouse development. "We barely get any sun," complained Thomas, adding that the council has ignored residents' concerns.
Jenny Upson, 74, has feared constant disruption as the site will have 24/7 access, saying: "We're going to see lights and hear lorries and cars and clanking about."
During construction, dust prevented residents from opening their doors. One unnamed resident claimed vibrations killed bees in his hives.
Jim Snell, 74, said train sounds now reverberate off the warehouse, disturbing the peace.
Sheila Snell, 69, has found the emotional toll devastating: "I'm absolutely devastated because all I see is what is like a prison wall at the end of my garden, so it is like being in a prison camp. It's like living in a grey day, every day."
Residents have said they tried to oppose the development from the beginning.
The original outline planning application received 29 letters of objection and an objection from Foxhall Parish Council, but was approved in 2018.
Day claimed developers rejected a request to erect cherry-pickers that would have shown councillors the potential size and impact.
"I think local planning is all done just to give local people the illusion that their opinion counts, because what they've done is inconsiderate and disrespectful," he said.
East Suffolk Council has maintained it followed correct procedures in approving the warehouse.
"Members of the planning committee, many of whom have strong local knowledge, visited the site and neighbouring properties on two occasions," a spokesperson said.
The council insisted the decision was made "in accordance with the development plan and planning legislation," noting that residents could have requested a judicial review within six weeks of the decision, but none did so.
However, it is understood some residents have lodged formal complaints and are seeking compensation.
The council spokesperson added: "This application was fully and properly assessed in its impact on neighbours, and we do not believe there was any fault in the decision-making process."
Find Out More...