Council plans 50 low-carbon homes in £15m scheme

A low-carbon housing scheme is planned for council-owned land in Elmswell.

Mid Suffolk Council’s cabinet supported the idea of an environmentally friendly housing development at council-owned land in Elmswell.

The development is planned for Church Road in Elmswell and is expected to include approximately 50 homes.

The site will incorporate planting areas, rainwater collection, community gardens, areas of open space and walking and cycling routes.

These features are intended to “bring the design in-line with the council’s aspirations for exemplar low carbon homes through its own developments”, according to the report brought to cabinet.

The plans are for both affordable housing for council tenants and properties to sell on the open market. The exact mix is not yet known.

The recommendation, approved by every cabinet member present, was to appoint Mid Suffolk Growth Limited to deliver the development.

Mid Suffolk Growth is a joint venture between the district council and Norse Group. It was set up in 2019 to increase housing delivery in the district on behalf of the council.

The estimated cost of the scheme is £15.2m, to be funded by the council’s general fund and housing revenue account.

The council anticipates income of approximately £16m to be made from the development, creating a total return on investment for the council of £800,000.

Affordable housing tends to mean a price or rent cost of at least 20 per cent below local market rates.

Cllr Sarah Mansel, who represents Elmswell, described the project as “exciting” but questioned the site chosen, suggesting the parish council wanted a primary school built there.

Further consultation with Elmswell's residents and the submission of a planning application are expected as part of the development's next steps.