Concern after 14 more sites put forward for development in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds

Concerns have been raised after it emerged another 14 sites have been put forward for potential development in a Suffolk village.

The locations, listed for Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, were submitted by landowners to Mid Suffolk District Council during a ‘call for sites’ in January

The council is drawing up phase two of its joint local plan, with Babergh District Council, which helps to govern future development of the districts until 2037.

A call for sites includes locations for potential housing, commercial, retail, health care, business, leisure, community facilities, open spaces, wildlife sites, biodiversity net gain or education.

It does not mean they will necessarily go forward.

Up to 1,248 new homes have already been approved for the village, following a raft of planning applications since 2017.

Resident Jonathan Masters said: “I was dismayed to find out there has been another call for sites. Some 14 more potential sites have been put forward by landowners, including three large sites off Mill lane.

“In our experience, it seems there is little point to council planning departments, parish or district, as landowners and developers are in fact deciding the shape and layout of Thurston, not planners.

“In the last eight years we’ve had one development determined by a high court, another two by the planning inspector. Landowners and developers have unacceptable power.”

Residents have called for a halt on all housing developments until ‘robust infrastructure’ is in place.

One point of concern is Fishwick Corner, the site of numerous collisions, including a three-vehicle crash this week.

However, a spokesperson for Mid Suffolk District Council said a call for sites was part of the legislative process for drawing any local plan, but this did not mean they would automatically go forward for development.

The spokesperson said: “The local plan sets out a framework for future development in consultation with local communities, so everyone can see the vision for future housing, employment, infrastructure. This will then guide decisions on development proposals.”

To view details visit: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/joint-local-plan

Local plans are also referenced during the appeals process if planning applications are refused.