Plans for almost 500 new homes and a relief road in Bury St Edmunds have been refused amid concerns over its impact on a nearby village.

Applicant Pigeon (Bury West) Limited first submitted proposals for 485 homes on land off Newmarket Road back in 2019, but concerns were raised around access as well as the green buffer and the total number of homes included.

In this latest hybrid application, which was received by West Suffolk Council last July, the applicant once again sought outline permission for up to 485 homes, but included the construction of a full relief road with new junction works with Newmarket Road, Westley Road and Hill Road in Westley.

The proposal also included the construction of drainage basins next to the relief road as well as pedestrian and cycle connections from the relief road onto Newmarket Road. 

The plans proved unpopular with residents as over 30 people submitted comments to West Suffolk Council, many of which raised issues over the relief road, parking and traffic. 

Westley Parish Council, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and the Bury Society also raised objections with the plan. 

In a decision notice published by West Suffolk Council on Tuesday, April 2, the plans were refused. 

West Suffolk Council said, amongst other issues, the development "would not protect the identity of Westley" and was "too close to the village and encroached significantly into a designated buffer." 

The decision notice also stated the plans failed to demonstrate that they "would not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety" or the transport network. 

The design of the relief road was also not considered acceptable by the local authority's planning department.