A SCHEME to re-develop a former brickworks site and build 15 new homes has been given the green light, subject to conditions.

Members from Suffolk Coastal District Council’s North Area Development Control Sub-Committee have approved plans for the old Reade site in Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh. Applicant MS Oakes Securities Limited will build 10 four-bedroomed two-storey detached properties and five two-bedroomed single-storey almshouses, that would be used for affordable homes.

The district council had received objections to the scheme, while Aldeburgh Town Council, Aldeburgh Society, The Alde and Ore Association, Suffolk Preservation Society and RSPB had raised concerns.

There were calls for the almshouses to be protected against becoming second homes, while fears were also voiced over the impact on the surrounding landscape and that – as the development is outside the town envelope – it could set a precedent for the future.

However the scheme was deemed acceptable by councillors subject to a number of conditions.

Theses included satisfactory conclusion of design negotiations and no objections from the landscape manager; a section 106 agreement to cover issues of affordable housing provision and management; off-site contributions towards sports facilities and county council requirements; and a legal mechanism to provide public access.