Demolition of former ambulance station in Bramford, near Ipswich, refused by Mid Suffolk District Council as bid for eight new homes deemed overdevelopment

The demolition of a former ambulance station has been refused as a bid for eight new homes on the site was deemed overdevelopment.

Mid Suffolk councillors discussed the plans, from Foundation Properties, during yesterday's meeting of the planning committee.

The developer sought to demolish the disused St John Ambulance Station, in Duckamere, Bramford, near Ipswich, and build eight bungalows on the site.

The construction of a new estate road access and car parking were included in the plans.

There were significant concerns raised by Bramford Parish Council after it shared its disappointment with the lack of engagement from the developer.

Among these was the lack of supporting infrastructure in the village, such as healthcare, as well as inadequate parking provision on what was already a problematic area during peak hours, which made the development 'irresponsible'.

The parish council said: "This is a dire situation facing our residents and the current infrastructure is not currently fit for purpose."

Cllr Caroline Wolton, of Bramford PC, assured committee members the parish welcomed redevelopment of the site but reiterated the community's concerns.

She said: "We still argue the critical lack of healthcare provision in the Gipping Valley and we still await improved access for our residents, old and new, to these essential services, which must be in place before more homes are built.

"The street parking is already at full capcity due to nearby homes not having adequate parking provision.

"During school in and out times the road is gridlocked — road rage and ilegal parking are a regular concern, with police often attending."

Cllr James Caston, the ward member, said: "I'd find this perfectly acceptable if we had proper parking provision and I think the only way we can do this is to have maybe one less house on this site.

"After this has been developed, my phone is going to start ringing and I'm going to get emails and it's too late by that stage to actually do anything about it.

Addressing these concerns, Craig Western, the agent, said he acknowledged the parish council's comments on the development's impact on the road but pointed out the county council's highways team was happy with the plans.

He noted the fears with healthcare provision but said it was not a matter to be addressed in small applications.

During the debate, councillors were sympathetic to the concerns raised by the parish council, as well as the ward member, and agreed the plans would represent overdevelopment for the area.

They voted to refuse the application, contrary to the planning officer's recommendation, unanimously.