Temporary road to 1,375 homes in Great Barton backed

The homes were given the green light by Government inspectors in October 2022 alongside a new local centre, primary school and two roundabouts on land north east of Bury St Edmunds, off Bury Road, in Great Barton.

On Wednesday, West Suffolk councillors were asked to consider Vistry Homes’ request to build a temporary three-year access route for construction vehicles onto the site.

It was estimated the new six-metre-wide bellmouth junction would accommodate 80 HGVs, 40 LGVs and 160 private cars making two-way trips a day as a result.

This had attracted significant concerns from residents, who feared the route was too close to an already hazardous junction.

(Image: West Suffolk Council)

Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger, the ward member, told members the route could further reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents.

Approval of the plans was subject to a document detailing traffic management, pedestrian and cyclist protection and other mitigation measures.

This document, however, was not yet available.

Artists Impression of the development's northern entrance. Picture: Omega Architects

Cllr Hopfensperger said residents were being asked to ‘place their faith’ in something which did not and in which they would have no formal opportunity to comment.

The county council’s highways team, which had initially objected to the plans, withdrew its concerns, subject to conditions.

Cll Rachel Hood said although the objection had been withdrawn, the plans were still not acceptable to residents.

A proposal to push the decision back until the key document was submitted narrowly failed a vote.

A decision was then taken to approve the new route, subject to conditions, with eight votes to seven.

Once built, vehicles using the route will be expected to exit the A14 at junction 43, travel along Compiegne Way and approach the construction access from the south-west, finally turning right into the site.