Monks Eleigh housing development, near Sudbury, makes key progress towards completion after years of uncertainty
Renewed optimism has been sounded about the progress of a new rural housing development after a turbulent few years which has seen the homes standing empty.
Babergh District Council revealed that it is working with the developer to resolve key issues around a housing scheme in Northcote Drive in Monks Eleigh, in the hope that the site can be completed and occupied in the near future.
The development of 17 homes on the village’s former primary school site, off Churchfield, received planning permission in 2018, with much of the construction carried out in the following years.
But their delivery stalled after the original developer fell into administration, forcing a change in ownership, while several planning requirements for the scheme remained unresolved.
This resulted in concerns about what has been described locally as a ‘ghost estate’, because of the properties staying vacant for several years.
However, the district council says that, in recent weeks, progress has been made on several outstanding issues at Northcroft Drive – named after the 20th century Monks Eleigh rector, the Rev Hugh Northcroft.
A council spokesperson said: “Like everyone else, we want to see these homes occupied as soon as possible.
“Following the change of ownership, we advised the new owners on their potential next steps, and have been working with all parties to try to secure the best possible outcome for the local community.”
The first major issue was securing £160,350 in community infrastructure levy (CIL) money, a requirement of the initial planning permission, from the new ownership.
Work is now ongoing to resolve another planning condition – the provision of social housing, which is mandatory on all developments over a certain size.
Although five affordable homes have been built at the site, the owner has been unable to find a housing association to buy them, while Babergh District Council confirmed it is also not in a position to acquire them.
A new application is now under consideration, seeking to designate these properties for discounted sale, rather than affordable rent.
If approved, this would see the five homes discounted at least 20 per cent below market value, and earmarked specifically for local people.
The district council spokesperson added: “These schemes typically see the homes sold below the market price to buyers with a local connection who meet strict criteria – meaning some form of affordable housing will still be delivered by this site.”
The final outstanding issue is the completion of remedial work on the homes, after an inspection determined that some elements did not comply with building regulations.
Following the recent progress, Monks Eleigh Parish Council stated it was pleased to see the development move closer to completion after “three years of uncertainty”.
Parish clerk Lucinda Rogers, on behalf of councillors, said: “At present, there is a team from the new owners working to make the houses ready for sale, and a show house has been prepared.
“The outcome has been satisfactory on two counts, beyond the prospect of the houses being occupied and the village being able to welcome new residents.
“The first is that a commitment has been obtained from the owner that five houses will be on a restricted covenant for sale and occupation by local people at a discount.
“The second is that the full original CIL commitment has been secured.
“This will enable the village to invest in two projects that are well beyond our precept capacity – low-level footpath lighting from the church to the village hall, and repairs and rebuilding of the causeway footpath, which is in a poor condition.
“We stand ready to play whatever role we can at parish level to support getting these houses occupied and with people contributing to village life.”