A Suffolk town councillor has spoken of his "disappointment" that controversial plans to build 35 homes have been approved despite concerns the development did not accord with the town's neighbourhood plan (NP).

East Suffolk Council's planning committee has given the green light for Leaper Land Promotion's new estate in Victoria Mill Road, Framlingham, although the NP only allocated "approximately 30 dwellings" for the site.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Developer seeks to revive controversial 49 homes

The developer is also in the process of appealing against a decision to refuse 49 homes at the site, but a decision is yet to be made.

However, Simon Garrett, chair of Framlingham Town Council's planning committee, said: "I am disappointed because the reasons that they rejected the one for 49 homes still apply.

"There is no difference and I am concerned that the planning officers persuaded the council that they could go against their previous decision because the reasons have not changed and all the reasons that it was rejected before still apply."

READ MORE: Suffolk: Funding issue over legal appeal to 35 homes

He feared the developer was looking to submit separate applications for 35 homes and then for 14 homes at a later date, which would bring the total number to the 49 envisaged in the original plans.

The town council had been considering launching a judicial review against the approval of the 35 homes, but the £40,000 cost of the review was set to be prohibitive.

READ MORE: Framlingham news

However, Mr Garrett said there was a chance residents opposed to the plans might be able to raise the money through a crowdfunding appeal.

Part of the Victoria Mill Road land is designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which is awarded by councils to land or buildings that further the social wellbeing of the community.

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Prior to the approval of the 35 homes, there had been concerns about the loss of 57 square metres of grass verge designated ACV.

This loss was set to be caused by the straightening and widening of Victoria Mill Road - safety work which must be done before any housing can be started. 

Leaper Land has been approached for comment.