80 new homes approved for Stradbroke in boost for local primary school
The new homes are said to be 'essential' for keeping a local pre-school open
Stradbroke has seen 80 new homes approved to support its primary school.
The development, which had originally been proposed for 89 homes — 16 of which will constitute affordable housing — will sit in a portion of land spanning just over 4ha to the south of Mill Lane, in Stradbroke.
The proposals were approved on Wednesday by Mid Suffolk’s planning committee and will also include the provision of a new school car park and bus drop-off area.
On top of this, the developer, Earlswood Homes, will also be paying just over £1m in charges — a large part of which will be used to expand the existing schools, as well as build a new nursery.
Stradbroke had been left without a preschool facility in July 2022, making this development, and the families it promises to bring to the area, essential in maintaining adequate provision.
There were some concerns, however, raised by Skinner’s, a local historic dog food manufacturer with its factory building bordering the development site to the north.
The business argued the new housing would be too close to the factory, creating adverse effects on residents and leading to complaints being filed.
Billy Clements, the agent representing the developer, said the site would ‘not prejudice the future operation of the business and affect the amenity of future residents’.
Committee members also raised concerns over the layout of the development, with fears it would encourage people to use cars rather than walk or cycle.
Ultimately, however, they felt the development was essential to Stradbroke and its future development, unanimously approving the plans.