Plans for self-build homes in Framlingham off Victoria Mill Road to be reconsidered by East Suffolk Council planning committee

Plans to build 49 new homes in an East Suffolk town will be reconsidered after part of the land for the development was deemed an Asset of Community Value.

East Suffolk Council's planning committee approved plans to build 49 self-build homes in Victoria Mill Road, Framlingham, despite hundreds of objections.

The planning statement by Leaper said the development would be 'sympathetic to the needs of the town, the new and existing community, the natural environment and the surrounding landscape.'

"Leaper focuses on custom/self-build because of a belief that it achieves higher quality and more sustainable and affordable homes," the statement added.

"Essentially, it gives buyers the power to influence the design of their home."

Objections for the development came from 110 residents, Framlingham Town Council and a petition with 431 signatories.

Concerns included how the access road needed for the development would have to be reconfigured, as well as the number exceeding the amount stated for the land in a neighbourhood plan.

At the time of the approval, Simon Garrett, vice-chairman of Framlingham Town Council said: “If the neighbourhood plan inspector had expected a higher figure [than the 30 homes nominated in the neighbourhood plan] then there would be a higher figure in the allocation [of homes].”

He also feared the ruling would make the neighbourhood plan redundant.

Framlingham Town Council has since considered legal advice and a potential challenge of the decision.

However, the plans are now set for reconsideration due to a change in circumstances regarding the land.

An East Suffolk Council spokesperson said: “East Suffolk have received a letter raising threats of legal challenge from Framlingham Town Council as part of their ongoing opposition to this application.

“However - and prior to receipt of the letter - officers had already deemed it necessary to return the application to planning committee.

"This is due to the change in circumstances regarding an area of land, where highway improvements would take place, being granted Asset of Community Value (ACV) status.

“This is the only reason for the application being returned to the Planning Committee South in May and it is not as a result of the legal letter from the Town Council.

“East Suffolk has received its own legal advice concerning other grounds of challenge put forward by the Town Council which confirms there is no merit in those points, therefore the report will remain largely unchanged in areas not related to the ACV status.”