West Suffolk Council decision date revealed for 220-home development in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, several years from submission

The decision date for a major 220-home development has been revealed several years after its submission.

Bloor Homes' plans to build up to 220 homes on land east of Bury Road, in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, were first submitted to West Suffolk Council at the end of 2019.

On Tuesday, members of the authority's development control committee will finally have a chance to consider the application, which have been recommended for approval by planners.

The homes, 40 per cent of which would be affordable, would be delivered alongside land for community uses, open space, car parking and other infrastructure.

Planning officers said although the site had not been allocated in the council's current planning guidance, which would have made it a lot harder for the development to be approved, its feature in the emerging local plan for around 200 weighed significantly in its favour.

On top of this, the council is currently unable to meet its five-year housing land supply, which stands at 3.6 years following updated Government targets.

The approval recommendation is subject to a list of 44 conditions.

There has been a strong local backlash, with 268 representations from residents, the majority of which object to the proposals.

Their concerns are varied and include fears over the potential impacts on the roads, existing infrastructure, services and the environment.

One objector said: "There is still no way that I can see that the A143 can take the level of vehicles this development will cause.

"It is already a very busy road with a high level of congestion at various times, causing pollution and associated risks."

Another said: "The surgery is already struggling to cope — the village primary school is fulland children are now travelling by taxi to schools in Ixworth and beyond."

There are several highway improvements proposed alongside the plans, including the A143 roundabout at Ixworth and a new bus stop with a shelter.

On top of this, a legal agreement would secure close to £2.8 million in developer contributions.

The money would be earmarked for services such as education, school transport, libraries and healthcare.

Stanton Parish Council supports the plans but has suggested conditions.