Plans to build a five bedroom house in woodland in Ipswich have been rejected after well over 100 objections were raised and a demonstration was held before the decision meeting.
Ipswich Borough Council’s planning committee met on Wednesday to discuss the proposals for a five bed house and garage on a plot of land in the Mitre Way woodland.
The green space has been the subject of various applications since 2002 – including plans for 20 flats – all of which have been refused.
The latest plans were for a two-storey home partly dug into the sloping site, as well as garage and storage outbuilding, but during the consultation phase gathered a swathe of criticism.
More than 100 objections were submitted citing concerns over the impact on wildlife and woodland, the loss of trees, parking issues and the design not in keeping with the surrounding area.
The site is a designated local wildlife site in the Ipswich local plan, with Suffolk Wildlife Trust stating in its consultation response that “any loss of such habitat would be a net loss to the area”.
A group of objectors also gathered at the meeting with placards demonstrating against the proposals, while ward councillors Barry Studd and Liz Harsant also gave representations.
Planning officers had recommended the build be approved subject to a handful of conditions, despite the borough council’s park and cemeteries, environmental health and wildlife teams all objecting to the plans.
The application was unanimously refused at Wednesday’s meeting.
Ms Harsant said it proved why people having their say during planning consultations was important.
“It’ a green corridor and the wildlife travel across to Landseer and Holywells parks and integrate into the countryside,” she said.
“I think it’s power to the people – the local people came with placards, and they were very well done ones. It makes people realise they really can make a difference, they did brilliantly.”
Architect Ian Smillie representing the applicants said: “It’s a decision they have made but we don’t wish to comment any further.”
It is not clear if any appeal or revised application will be submitted.
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