300 homes decision will 'destroy an iconic Suffolk village' say parish councillors

Plans for 300 new homes have been given the go-ahead in Woolpit after the developer agreed to help fund both a new primary school and highways improvements.

Mid Suffolk District Council has approved the homes off Bury Road, The Street, Woolpit, after agreeing Section 106 money and detailed plans with Hopkins Homes.

These include a contribution a contribution of more than £1 million on completion of the new homes towards local infrastructure projects including a new 420-place primary school and a 90-place pre-school centre.

But the decision has been criticised by Woolpit Parish Council which says the development will "overwhelm" the village, destroying its character and "turning it into a town'.

Outline plans by Hopkins Homes were first granted by Mid Suffolk District Council in February. These include 60 affordable homes, 45 of which will be rental properties. The remaining 15 homes will provide opportunities for shared ownership.

The development will also incorporate land to the east to allow future expansion of Woolpit Cricket Club and also to increase capacity at the village hall car park. More than five acres of land has been allocated to Suffolk County Council for use as a new 420-place primary school and a 90-place pre-school centre.

The developer will also help fund highways projects including a new roundabout on the interchange between the A14 and A1088, along with the allocation of £15,000 to construct or improve nearby bus stops, as well as improvements to nearby bus stops, the creation of improved cycle and pedestrian links between Woolpit and Elmswell, and multiple electric vehicle charging points, in line with the council's green ambitions.

Cllr David Burn, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “I fully support the decision made by the chief planning officer to finalise details for this development.

“An application of this size is never decided on lightly. Outline planning permission was authorised after lengthy debate by Mid Suffolk District Council’s development control committee before final permission was granted.

"I agree with the conclusion councillors reached, and I believe that the benefits of allowing this site to come forward promptly far outweigh any potential harm.

“This development will provide a substantial amount of much needed affordable housing, meeting our ambition for Mid Suffolk residents to have the option to remain local.

"It will also facilitate the opportunity to provide a vital new school for the village, as well as land for use by the local cricket club and Village Hall – benefiting the whole community, not just residents of the development.

"In addition to this, the contributions to highways and cycling infrastructure will play an important part in improving connectivity for the village.

“Our council is very appreciative of the efforts of Woolpit residents in developing a neighbourhood plan, as we continue to work with our communities to deliver the homes needed to meet anticipated population growth in Mid Suffolk.

"We recognise Woolpit Parish Council’s recent decision to modify their plan, to reflect the examiner’s recommendations to them, which will help to support the district’s strategy for future homes.”

John Guyler, chairman of Woolpit Parish Council, said: “This is a deeply disappointing approval which is driven by Mid Suffolk Council's decision to encourage development in villages alongside the A14 rather than allowing more general small scale building around the district which would revitalise villages in need of new residents and businesses.

"The Parish Council continues to oppose this 300 home site which will overwhelm Woolpit and turn it from an iconic Suffolk village into a town. Its unique character will be destroyed.

"The site, together with others that have already been approved, will increase Woolpit’s size by 50 per cent. Many vehicles will need to go into the already severely congested village centre and conservation area, in order to access local shops, health centre, school and other facilities.

"The new primary school will also be used by children from Elmswell who will be bussed to Woolpit - an unsatisfactory arrangement which is opposed by residents from Elmswell and Woolpit.