Community leaders in a west Suffolk town where plans for 485 new homes are causing controversy have urged residents to voice their opinions as they said they remain open-minded.
Applicant Pigeon (Bury West) Limited first submitted proposals for 485 homes on land off Newmarket Road in 2019.
But concerns were raised around the access roads, which included roundabout access onto Newmarket Road and a part relief road onto Fornham Lane, as well as the green buffer and the total number of homes included.
In a new application before West Suffolk Council, the applicant is once again seeking permission for up to 485 two and three storey homes of various sizes and tenures, but has made changes to the planned relief road including roundabout site access on Newmarket Road and Westley Road, as well as a new priority junction from the relief road onto Hill Road.
Donna Higgins, who represents the Minden ward on West Suffolk Council, said: "The process is still in the early stages and much of the information necessary for any decision has yet to be submitted.
"The online application shows comments submitted by residents and I think that the applicants would do well to engage with residents.
"As I sit on the Town Council Planning Committee and I am a sub for Development Control at West Suffolk Council, I will keep an open mind, but follow developments closely."
Richard O'Driscoll, who also represents the ward on West Suffolk Council, said the district and wider country faces a "significant housing challenge" that the Local Plan, within which the site has been identified for development, seeks to meet.
"The planning application is at a very early stage. Currently it is out for consultation to enable residents and statutory consultees such as Suffolk County Council’s Highways service to make comments for consideration," he said.
"These views are extremely important and will help the Council to determine the merit of the application and any modifications that may be required.
"A number of residents have already responded and have provided very valuable feedback and I will be listening to what they say in order to ensure that their voices are heard."
Robert Everitt, who represents Tower ward on Suffolk County Council, said: "The number of houses that need to be built within a certain area are determined by the last census.
"Central government doesn't give us a figure plucked out of the air - they work out knowing who lives where what is required for an area.
"West Suffolk then come up with a plan to decide where the houses will go. These houses are for local people to facilitate the increased demand for houses within West Suffolk."
Mr Everitt said he believes it is vital that a new ring road is also built for the town alongside the plans, to avoid increasing traffic.
"It will be to the detriment of the whole of Bury St Edmunds if this is not done," he added.
The application has been met with criticism from the town council and residents.
In a statement submitted to West Suffolk Council, Bury St Edmunds Town Council said, based on current information, the application should be refused.
The statement said the council believes insufficient information has been provided regarding the application, and called for wider public consultation.
This comes after more than 20 comments from residents on the neighbouring Westley Estate objecting to the plans were submitted to West Suffolk Council, many of which have raised noise and traffic concerns, as well as worries for wildlife on the currently disused plot.
The scheme is on land allocated for residential development.
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