OBJECTORS say developers behind Horkesley Park and Heritage Centre will not take their views into account.

Groups opposing Bunting and Sons’ plans to build the 101-acre visitor attraction are worried negative comments will be counted in support of the project because of “misleading” feedback forms.

The firm want to build a heritage and conservation centre, incorporating a Suffolk Punch horse breeding centre.

Roger Drury, Dedham Vale Society planning secretary, said: “We have discovered the feedback form is structured, so you cannot make a critical point then sign it, because you are declaring your support for the project.”

The form asks people to record their views on the plans and also asks if there are any suggestions or improvements to be made.

It then asks for a consultee’s personal details to be used to keep them informed of the plans.

A signature is then requested, under the line: “I, the undersigned register my support for the Horkesley Park Heritage and Conservation Centre.” John Alexander, chairman of objection group the Nayland-with-Wissington Conservation Society, said: “It seemed if you did sign the form and send it back, it would signify that you were, in fact, in favour of the plans.

“There is a worry objectors’ reflections on the plans will be stacked in the support pile simply because they have signed the sheet.”

Simon Amstutz, of the Dedham Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley Project, said: “I chose not to use the feedback form as I did not know how my remarks would be used.”

Instead, Mr Amstutz wrote a letter to Bunting and Sons saying the fresh proposals lacked detail on the potential impact on the Dedham Vale area of outstanding natural beauty.

Kate Bunting, partner at Bunting and Sons, said the forms used were the same as those used in the 2007 consultation and were updated for 2012.

She said: “I understand there were no complaints or concerns raised previously in this regard by members of the public, consultees or Colchester Council, hence the re-use of the forms.

“The forms did not require anyone to sign them or give their name or address if they did not wish to, so people were able to complete them anonymously and be free with their feedback. “ Buntings and Sons unveiled the plans and held a two-day feedback session on May 11. Responses were to be completed and returned to the firm by Friday.

A planning application is expected to be lodged with Colchester Council in the coming weeks.