Controversial plans for 35 new homes in Framlingham approved
35 custom and self-build homes will be built along Victoria Mill Road
A contentious application for 35 homes in Framlingham has been approved by councillors after a split vote.
The chair of an East Suffolk Council planning committee was left to cast the deciding vote yesterday as objecting councillors were “uncomfortable” with the loss of green space and road changes needed.
The application by Leaper Land Promotion was for 35 custom and self-build homes, including 12 affordable homes, and a play area on Victoria Mill Road.
It followed the rejection of an application by the same company in May, mainly because councillors felt it included too many homes and were unhappy about the loss of grass verge.
The applicant reduced the number of homes from 49 to 35 in the application heard yesterday. The Framlingham Neighbourhood Plan allocates the Victoria Mill Road site for “approximately 30 dwellings”.
The development still involved the loss of 57 square metres of grass verge designated as an asset for community value (ACV).
This loss was caused by the straightening and widening of Victoria Mill Road and proved to be the most contentious issue.
The label of ACV is awarded by councils to land or buildings that further the social wellbeing or interests of the local community.
Residents have said children play on the verge, while the officer report points out that cars park there – weakening its ‘community value’.
Cllr Colin Hedgley said “this doesn’t sit easily with me” and Cllr Mike Deacon was “uncomfortable” with the application.
Cllr Deacon said: “I don’t like the realignment of the road as I think it’s going to cause highways issues.
“I really don’t like the disregard of ACVs. We grant them for a reason and I think we should uphold them.”
In support of the application, Cllr Stuart Bird said: “We’re getting hung up on the loss of 57 square metres of grass verge against a development that would yield plenty of play space and public space. To me, the benefits here far outweigh the losses.
“We’ve got an obligation to provide self-build housing. There are people waiting on a list for them.”
The final vote saw four for, four against and one abstention – with committee chair Cllr Debbie McCallum casting the final vote in favour of the application.