Possible new council homes in Glemsford

A plan for 15 new council homes in Glemsford has been recommended for approval despite a petition from Glemsford residents opposing the scheme.

Sixty people have signed the petition objecting to houses being built on former farmland at the rear of Schoolfield.

Major concerns have been expressed by residents about the impact of increased traffic and demand for parking from the new development.

Officers at Babergh District Council have said this would not be an issue.

In his report, case officer John Davies said: “The local highways authority is satisfied the junction of Schoolfield on to Broadway is capable of taking the additional traffic generated by the development.

“Increased parking demand should not arise as the development would provide adequate parking for residents and visitors.”

Glemsford Parish Council chairman Michael Brown said the plan had been around for three years, with several other sites in the village looked at before Schoolfield was proposed.

“The parish council supports the application because there is a need for affordable new homes in the village,” he said. “We have already had people coming to the parish office asking if they can go on a waiting list.”

The latest figures show 62 applicants seeking accommodation in the village for mostly one and two-bedroom properties.

If successful, the proposal is for nine two-bedroom and six three-bedroom homes.

The plans have been drawn up by Ely-based The Design Partnership on behalf of Babergh District Council.

Although recommended for approval, officers have suggested a number of conditions, including a financial contribution towards Glemsford Library and funding towards improvements at a bus stop in Broadway.

The planning application will be heard by Babergh District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.