A developer has submitted plans for a 135-home scheme opposite Bury St Edmunds railway station which they say will “allow the regeneration of this degrading site”.

But Hopkins Homes, which is looking to redevelop this brownfield site in Station Hill, has come under criticism for a complete lack of affordable homes in its proposal.

The developer is planning to build a total of 135 flats, made up of 28 one-bed and 107 two-bed homes, with 125 car parking spaces for the site, which is five less than there is currently.

The land in question is earmarked for redevelopment within St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s blueprint for future growth called Vision 2031, which is currently being examined by a planning inspector.

Hopkins Homes has submitted a full planning application to the borough council for the land it owns at the site, which is called phase one.

Independent councillor David Nettleton, who represents the Risbygate ward, is keen for the area to be redeveloped, but believes affordable homes should be included in phase one. “I’m not happy about that aspect,” he added.

St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s policy is that 30% of any new large housing residential developments must be for affordable housing.

A design and access statement submitted with the planning application said: “As part of the overall masterplan for the local area no social housing has been included within the phase one development covered here.

“The social housing element will be included further within the site during phase two.”

The borough council’s Vision document says the Station Hill development area should have about 300 homes.

A planning statement with the application said the site was a key “gateway” to the town. It said: “The phase one proposals as submitted form a viable and deliverable scheme which can be brought forward immediately to provide a high quality residential scheme which relates well to the railway station and the surrounding area.”

The development would mean businesses, including Club Brazilia nightclub, would have to leave the site.