Amended plans for new housing estate off Heath Road, East Bergholt, between Ipswich and Colchester, after backlash from residents

Plans to build an estate in a Suffolk village have been amended again after backlash from residents.

Back in May, Steve Wills from Hills Residential Construction Ltd, part of Hills Building Group, submitted proposals to build 108 homes on land east of Constable Country Medical Centre, in Heath Road, East Bergholt, near Ipswich.

The developer was previously granted permission to build 75 homes on the site in 2018, but felt more were needed.

However, amended plans lodged on Friday sought to build a total of 99 homes on the site, alongside a pre-school, following objections from dozens of residents.

A swimming pool, proposed in the original plans but removed in May, was reinstated and could be part of the estate if the new proposals are given the green light.

If approved, 34 homes would be affordable, with at least 10 of these designated for shared ownership.

In addition, a community building would be located next to the existing medical centre, likely to house a shop and working hub.

Construction on the new homes at the Heath Road site has already begun, with access to the new estate being built as part of the first phase of development.

Under the amended plans, 23.4 per cent of the site would be green space and would feature a ‘natural play area’, planning documents said.

The plans submitted in May drew ire from residents.

In total, 57 comments from residents were lodged.

One opposed the plans, believing them to be a ‘disingenuous change’ from the original scheme.

The removal of a children’s play area and reduction in green space were key topics highlighted by the resident.

Another resident felt a lack of new infrastructure with housing developments would only drive up the price of properties in an already pricey village.

A common complaint among residents was the number of homes proposed, with several believing the density was too high.

Under the original plans, 40 homes would have been built in the first phase of development, with 68 in the second.

The amended plans will be discussed by East Bergholt Parish Council on November 14 and will go before planners at Babergh District Council soon.