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Flooding and traffic key concerns as 40 affordable homes in Woolpit, near Stowmarket, are recommended for approval




Residents have shared their concerns about plans to build 40 affordable homes in a Woolpit near Stowmarket which have been recommended for approval.

Mid Suffolk District Council’s planning committee will discuss the plans for land south of Melvin Way and Old Stowmarket Road next week, after the development was given outline planning permission in 2022.

Documents submitted to the district council by the Minister Property Group show the majority of the new properties will be two and three bedroom houses.

Residents in Melvin Way have shared their concerns. Picture: Google
Residents in Melvin Way have shared their concerns. Picture: Google

Bungalows, one bedroom houses and four bedroom houses, will also make up the development.

The current reserved matter proposal relates to access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale.

A report published ahead of the committee meeting listed four comments of objections from residents.

One resident, living in Melvin Road, said: “The road leading down Melvin Way has several turns and it is only just wide enough for cars and vans to pass.

“There is a children's play area by the side of Melvin Way and it would be dangerous for the children who are going to the play area and leaving the play area with construction traffic using Melvin Way.”

The plans would bring 40 new homes to Woolpit. Picture: Google
The plans would bring 40 new homes to Woolpit. Picture: Google

Another Melvin Road resident listed their 10 concerns relating to the development, one of which was a increased danger of flooding, due to Woolpit being located in a clay soil area.

In a statement, Woolpit Parish council said it still wished to see plots 37 and 38 as bungalows to protect the privacy and amenity of neighbouring properties on Heath Road.

Parish councillors said they appreciated the steps taken by the developer to mitigate their concerns, by having no windows on the elevation overlooking the gardens of properties on Heath Road.

Mid Suffolk District Council said: “The reserved matters presented for committee for consideration are supported by officers and a recommendation of conditional approval is made, following the completion of a deed of variation the s106 agreement that recognises the 100 per cent affordable housing proposal.”

The planning committee will discuss the plans on Wednesday, October 23.

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