Plans for 50 homes at former Bacton Middle School, near Stowmarket, take a step forward

Plans to build dozens of homes on the site of a former middle school near Stowmarket have taken a step forward.

Outline planning permission submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council by Suffolk County Council in 2017, seeking to build 50 homes on the site of Bacton Middle School, were approved in 2020.

Seven of these homes would be affordable while three would be under shared ownership, according to planning documents.

Now, three years later, details of landscaping, appearance, layout and scale of the site have been lodged, in line with planning approval guidelines.

In addition to the 50 homes, the estate would feature a water basin to the north of the estate as well as grassy areas and 3G sports pitches alongside parking.

New pedestrian and vehicle access would join the site from Wyverstone Road, and existing areas of trees and bushes would remain – while more trees and hedgerows would also be planted.

Planning documents also make reference to introducing shrubs and grasses to give the area a ‘natural’ setting.

In addition, a new pumping and substation would be built.

The site would feature a mix of soft and hard landscaping, and each house would have back and front gardens.

Planning documents also show a number of private drives as well as shared areas for cars.

Houses will comprise buff or red brickwork, with brick details and a mixture of grey and red tiles.

The development would be built in two phases, with the houses, roads, pathways and basin being built first, followed by the sports pitches.

There is also the possibility a new school will be built on the site.

Bacton Middle School shut in 2015.

No buildings of the former middle school remain as the site has since been demolished.