Deferral and objection submitted against two separate planning applications for new homes in Ixworth, near Bury St Edmunds

Planners are still considering bids for two major housing developments in Ixworth, near Bury St Edmunds.

Up to 375 new homes could be built across two developments on the fringes of the village, under plans currently being considered by West Suffolk Council.

Developer Pigeon wants to build 160-homes on land west of Bardwell Road. Now, Suffolk County Council highways has recommended deferral of the outline application, on grounds including the need for more information about visibility at proposed pedestrian crossings, information about how a planned pedestrian route would connect to existing footpaths, the need to reduce the A1088 speed limit to 30mph and a speed limit extension in Bardwell Road.

The highways recommendation also said, in relation to concerns about school buses which park near the proposed site access: “The applicant is strongly encouraged to liaise with the parish council and representatives of Ixworth Free School to fully understand the situation.”

Meanwhile, Ixworth Parish Council has submitted its objection to Persimmon Homes Suffolk’s separate hybrid planning application for the northern parcel of a larger plot it owns in Crown Lane, on land west of the A143 Ixworth bypass and south of the A1088.

The proposed Persimmon development includes 215 homes, public open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure, along with provision of a 2.2 hectare site for education purposes.

The parish council has objected to the scheme on grounds including the lack of an adopted masterplan for the site – a requirement of the emerging local plan; the density of the development being above the emerging local plan policy of 145 homes on the site; the safety and suitability of the proposed A1088 ‘ghost junction’ access; the inclusion of land outside the site allocation boundary and infrastructure.

Ben Lord, chairman of Ixworth Parish Council, said: “In real terms, the proposed density of the housing development is greater than any other development in Ixworth.”

The parish council also raised concerns about the proposal changing from the full planning application originally submitted to the hybrid application now up for consideration.

The parcel of land allocated for education – a new primary school – has become an outline planning application, sparking concerns the site could eventually be occupied by more housing instead of a school.

Cllr Lord added: “While the parish council recognises the need for new housing in Ixworth and welcomes the prospect of new development, it must be balanced with suitable infrastructure investment and upgrades.”