Consultation on land at Shepherds Grove, in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, masterplan approved

A consultation on a village masterplan which could involve major road improvements has been approved.

West Suffolk Council agreed on Wednesday the proposed strategy for the 37 hectares of land at Shepherds Grove, in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, could go to a public consultation.

The site, which was once an RAF airfield and is home to two industrial estates, is designated as a strategic employment area.

A key feature in the masterplan is a new A143 roundabout and link road to Grove Lane, which would remove HGV traffic from the village.

Other elements highlighted were a phased development approach with a strong emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity, as well as high-quality landscaping.

The plan would aim to integrate the site, through its design, with the rural surroundings and existing industrial uses.

According to a decision notice document, the consultation would be for six weeks, and once closed results would be submitted to West Suffolk Council.

Upon approval, the final masterplan would then be adopted as supplementary planning guidance and be used to inform decisions on future applications.