Plans approved for nearly 150 new homes near Stowmarket
They'll go on land south of Union Road, near an existing 300 home development
Final approval has been granted for 146 homes near Onehouse and Stowmarket.
Outline approval to develop land south of Union Road, adjacent to the existing 300-property Hopkins Homes development on the edge of Stowmarket, was granted by a casting vote in March 2021.
On Wednesday, the final approval around the layout, landscaping, scale and appearance of the 146 homes was granted approval by six votes to one at Mid Suffolk District Council’s development control committee meeting.
Developer Bloor Homes Eastern said it would “deliver a sustainable
scheme that will integrate and contribute to the surrounding area,” that will “make a positive contribution to the locality”.
Alex Clarke, design and technical director with the firm, said: “While its acknowledged the site does have some constraints, these have all aided and improved the design and layout of the scheme.
“We believe the level of technical work undertaken throughout this application process clearly demonstrates Bloor’s commitment to achieving a positive development on this site.”
The development includes 21% provision of affordable homes – below the target 33% in the council’s policy, with a commitment to provide cabling for electric vehicle charging points at all planned parking spaces and solar panels on all houses.
The developers said hydrogen conversion kits will be provided for all gas boilers to future proof them.
However, questions were raised over why air source heat pumps were not chosen over gas.
In addition, planning officers have been tasked with negotiating bolstered hedgerows to the north and south of the site and opportunities for upgrading the pedestrian paths to shared walking and cycle paths.
Concerns raised by local objections over the location of the pumping house has resulted in developers agreeing to change its location.
Ward councillor John Matthissen acknowledged the work of Bloor liaising with the council to iron out issues, but said “the connection to the gas grid is all wrong in principal – we should be moving to air source heat pumps.”
He added: “Overall, this site with its considerable south-facing slope has actually got the capability of delivering net zero heating and water consumption if we built them to that standard.”
It is not yet clear when work will begin on site.