Serious concerns raised over Mildenhall plans for up to 1,300 homes off West Row Road

Serious concerns have been raised over 'nightmare' traffic issues a new development could cause in a Suffolk town.

A public consultation hosted by Suffolk County Council at the Mildenhall Hub gave people the opportunity to give their views on the outline planning application for the land west of the town.

Up to 1,300 houses will be included in the new development, as well as parks, a new school, a new local centre, and an area for jobs.

Following the masterplan for the site that was adopted in November 2022, Mildenhall mayor Cllr Ian Shipp has voiced his worries over the proposal.

He said: “I’m really concerned about the access to the site, not just while it's being built which is going to be difficult with lots of lorries coming and going all day, but in the future too as it's already a very busy road.

"With over 1,000 houses coming into Mildenhall at that end of town, I don’t think at this moment in time that they have adequately resolved the transport access issues.

"One of the arguments is that people will use buses and bicycles. Well, not many people are going to get to Cambridge on buses and bicycles from Mildenhall."

Cllr Shipp added that as Pot Hall Road, in West Row, was small yet busy it would create big issues for people travelling to and from the village as it is their only way in and out.

"Traffic is going to be a nightmare. Not just in Mildenhall but also in neighbouring villages like West Row, Freckenham and Worlington," he said.

"We’re not against the development, but we think it will snarl-up Mildenhall and that traffic will not be managed properly. We’ve been told in previous meetings that traffic would actually flow better but the mitigation measures are simply not up to scratch."

The new site comprises 83 hectares of arable land, next to the Mildenhall Hub and with the B1102 West Row Road through its centre, along the western edge of the town.

One resident who lives in Mildenhall, echoed Cllr Shipp's concerns: "I'm really concerned about the traffic more than anything, it's going to be horrendous.

"The road system has to be improved before we do this, because can you imagine so many cars moving through Mildenhall at eight in the morning, something has got to be done about it."

Another resident, who lives near the hub, said: “It's terrible coming out of Comet Way. Recently, a family member had to have an ambulance called to the house and it was very difficult for the ambulance to get past because it was school time.

"With cars parked along the road, a fire engine wouldn't be able to get through. I just don’t think they have thought out the infrastructure and the impact it's going to have on the locality.

“We also haven't got enough doctors or dentists and the pharmacy can't cope as it is, so how is that going to be good for Mildenhall?"

Following the meeting, a spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “The views of the public are an important part of the process as they will help us shape the eventual application, so we are delighted to have seen so many people here today.

“Anyone who has been unable to attend today can still share their views with us online. This project is significant for the future of Mildenhall and we want to hear from as many people as possible.”