A housing developer is hoping the creation of five new houses will form part of an investment drive in an area that hasn't been shown much love for many years. 

After Ipswich MP Tom Hunt's column this week, regarding giving the River Gipping more love, the developer for five new houses along it has spoken of the importance of tapping into natural beauty.

Mark Ling, developer at Riverside Views, agreed with what Mr Hunt said, and has added that the development of the five homes would add to the landscape.

He said: "The houses will be really nice and they will look good in terms of the landscape.

"It will be along one of the nicest stretches of the River Gipping in terms of scenery."

The homes are being built in Badley, between Stowmarket and Needham Market.

They will be a mixture of two four beds, a three bed and two semis, with Mr Ling saying it will be a "lovely place to live for someone".

He continued: "I think it's just a wonderful opportunity to really invest in the river.

East Anglian Daily Times: Five new houses will be built along the River Gipping adding to the landscaping. Credit: NewsquestFive new houses will be built along the River Gipping adding to the landscaping. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"The river is sitting on natural beauty, but it's just simply not being tapped into really.

"We have had the planning application for around a year and we were waiting for the right opportunity.

"We are doing it now because it's just a wonderful thing for Suffolk and adds to the River Gipping."

In his column, Mr Hunt said: "We rightly hear a lot about the waterfront and the River Orwell, but the reality is that there are two rivers in Ipswich, one of which we hear far less about.

"It is often filled with algae, shopping trolleys and largely devoid of any community life, the river has so much potential that is currently underutilised."

East Anglian Daily Times: The River Gipping runs from Ipswich to Stowmarket. Credit: NewsquestThe River Gipping runs from Ipswich to Stowmarket. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)