Proposals to erect a free-standing board along the A140 to advertise a new housing development have been refused amid concerns it was "out of keeping" with the area. 

Bayfield Homes is currently building 28 homes on land to the south of Chapel Road in Mendlesham. 

As part of a bid to publicise the site, the developer sought permission from Mid Suffolk District Council to erect a free-standing advertisement board on the A140.

However, planners have refused permission due to the visual impact it would have on the countryside. 

An officer's delegated report said: "There are no other existing advertisement signs within the view when travelling along this part of the A140, and therefore the sign would present a stark feature out of keeping with the unspoilt character of the surrounding countryside and the setting of the historic buildings to the opposite side of the adjacent highway.

"This would then result in an adverse impact on the visual amenity of the area."

The report adds the proposed sign "would make a significant negative difference" to the local area.