Data by the Office for National Statistics shows that Mid Suffolk is expected to see a population change of 12.1% percent between 2022 and 2032, twice the average expected rate for England of 6.4%.

The majority of this change will be made up by internal migration within the country - an expected 15,768 people of the 105,726 strong population - while only 566 international migrants are expected to make up the increase. 

East Suffolk is expected to see a 5.4% increase, lower than the national average, while West Suffolk will see an increase of 6.8%. 

However, Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure for Mid Suffolk, says areas like Bacton, near Stowmarket, and Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, have seen a "complete change to everyday life".

Around 415 homes have been planned for the Bacton area and more than 1,340 in Thurston.

Andrew Stringer is also opposition leader at Suffolk County Council. (Image: Jason Noble) He said residents have suffered from dust, noise, and electricity being cut off because sites cut through cables as a result of the issue. 

"The sheer logistics of getting these homes built have been a huge imposition on these villages", said Cllr Stringer.

"It's a logistical nightmare with primary schools and rural bridges that lorries can't get under and the road network has taken quite a hammering already.

"Schools are strained, our highway network is stretched and infrastructure is creaking at the seams.

"We have buildings to house doctors but not enough doctors."

The Green Party councillor says that the number of homes being built comes as a result of a "conservative developer free for all" during the previous government.

However, Cllr Harry Richardson, leader of the Conservative Party, says the predicted increase is due to for future fertility and mortality, and says the Green Party are trying to "blame other for their failure to deliver infrastructure". 

Work is still being carried out at The Fields development in Bacton. (Image: Contributed)

David Bradbury, councillor for Thurston, is also concerned. (Image: Babergh District Council) Meanwhile, David Bradbury, councillor for Thurston, says the village near Bury St Edmunds, has also struggled with "infrastructure issues" but issues are now being addressed with more rigid planning restrictions and support for local residents. 

He said: "There are still those justifiable complaints that there is no doctors surgery, which is tough with a growing population, but that's not our fault. 

"Also, the roads can't handle the amount traffic and they are narrow and some are more than 100 years ago. 

"However, most of the developments are now underway and we just need to get it done."

Residents have raised concerns about dust and pollution during the construction. (Image: Contributed)

Leader of Mid Suffolk Green Party Council, Andrew Mellen. (Image: Charlotte Bond) Councillor Andrew Mellen, who lives in Bacton, says growth is also positive and helps to build "vibrant communities that people want to live in".

He said: "Of course, it comes with housing issues and traffic, but it also comes with positives too - such as a benefit to the local economy. 

"We just need to support communities as we adapt to these circumstances.

"We are working to minimise the amount of disruption and get it done in the quickest way possible while investing in public transport."

He added that new people in his local area have brought a "new energy and attitude which contributes to the community". 

Estate agent Edd Callegari says the increase could have an impact on property and rent prices over the long term. (Image: Contributed) However, concerns remain about the potential impact and the knock-on impact on house prices and rent. 

Edd Callegari, an estate agent covering both Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk, says: "While the link between population growth and house prices can be tenuous, population growth could affect house prices over the decades, but not over years. 

"A lot fewer people are living in owned houses than they did 50 years ago and people are living longer. 

"It's about how many people put their houses on the market and if people are not selling and holding onto their homes, and there's an influx, then prices could increase."

He also noted that the average cost of rent increased from £1,068 in 2016 to £1,399 in 2025 and said that increasing population and higher wages could further increase rent. 

This comes as the average cost of rent in Leiston, in east Suffolk, recently hit £773, while a two-bedroom flat could set renters back £3,045, with concerns that further rises could cause homelessness. 

Mr Callegari also said that the county has seen a 20.1% increase in house prices since Covid, with 20.1% in Mid Suffolk, 19.8% in West Suffolk, and 21.7% in East Suffolk.

This still puts the county's house price increase at 3% lower than the national average.