Decision on controversial 20-home development in The Street, Witnesham, near Ipswich, postponed due to flooding concerns

A decision on a controversial 20-home development has been postponed due to flooding concerns.

The homes proposal was submitted by South East Developments Limited and discussed by East Suffolk’s planning committee yesterday afternoon.

Planning approval would mean 20 new homes, three of which affordable, built on land at Street Farm, in The Street, Witnesham — this was similar to an initial approved application in 2019 which was withdrawn the following year.

The plans proved controversial, however, with 16 objections submitted by residents as well as several challenges from the parish council and local ward members.

With the village having been severely affected during Storm Babet late last year, as well as the several weather events since, flooding was the main concern raised, particularly given the site’s proximity to a flood zone.

During the meeting, members heard from local councillors who stressed these fears.

Cllr Dr Richard Nicol, who spoke as a resident, showed several photos of flooded roads and properties, saying some residents were living in fear of leaving their homes after having them overcome with water.

He added: “Why on earth somebody thought you could get 20 [houses] in there, I just don’t know, the very act of doing that has created this monster of a development, this doesn’t need to be there, there’s no demand for those houses.”

Also speaking at the meeting was Cllr Simon Barlow, the chairman of Swilland and Witnesham Grouped Parish Council.

He said the plans were unachievable, a mistake, and a ‘very poor development in virtually all aspects’.

Cllr Barlow added: “I don’t think the village is contrary or unaccepting of development on this site.

“We accept that it is a site which has derelict farm buildings on it, it’s unsightly, it has merit for development — the issue is getting the right type of development for the site.”

Further concerns were raised about how several houses would be outside the boundary, the number of homes being proposed and the lack of affordable housing.

Ben Elvin, the applicant’s agent who also spoke during the meeting, said the plans had been ‘carefully considered’.

He added: “The applicant has worked hard to address each and every issue that has come forward and draws attention to the fact this committee meeting is the culmination of more than three years of work on this proposal.”

“We understand there are a number of local concerns but the fact remains that this is a site this authority has deemed suitable for residential development of this scale.”

Mr Elvin said the development would help meet housing needs in the district and stressed building only where there wouldn’t be a flood risk, and within the boundary, would result in just about three houses being built.

Officers confirmed going beyond the boundary was needed due to the site’s proximity to the flood zone and other heritage assets.

As for affordable housing, although the plans would normally require seven homes, officers concluded the site would not be financially viable unless only three were provided.

Nevertheless, acknowledging local concern and pleas for a site visit, committee members decided to defer the application, with six votes for and three abstentions, so one could be performed.

After members visit the site, a final decision on the application will be due.