Work on an expansion of more than 800 homes in Thurston has moved a step closer – with work set to begin early next year.

Applications had been lodged by five separate developers to develop parcels of land to the north of Thurston, totalling 818 homes.

Hopkins Homes secured outline planning permission in October last year for 175 homes off Norton Road, with the final details being approved by Mid Suffolk District Council’s planning committee this week.

Councillor Derrick Haley, ward member for Thurston gave a written representation at the meeting which said: “I am very pleased the developer has spoken to the parish council and taken on board many of the issues raised at the meeting.

“I hope that this being the first development in the vast expansion of Thurston will encourage other developers to engage with the council and community.”

A thorough eight-page representation by Suffolk police highlighted a series of concerns over the plans, which included fears that rear parking would make theft from cars easier and the ability for potential offenders to go about undetected easier.

Mid Suffolk had originally refused outline planning permission, but the decision was overturned in October last year after an appeal by Hopkins Homes.

Simon Bryan, development director for Hopkins Homes, said: “We are delighted that our detailed plans for Thurston have been approved by the planning committee.

“The committee had already approved the principle of development earlier this year but commented how pleased they were with the detailed designs, style and layout of the development recognising Hopkins Homes’ commitment to delivering high quality homes.

“The new community will comprise 175 high quality new homes in a variety of different sizes and styles, including 61 affordable homes.

“The development will also make contributions totalling nearly £1million towards the construction of a new primary school and various highway improvements around the village.

“Now the detailed plans have been approved, we expect building work will start on-site early in 2019 and the first homes to go on sale by the end of 2019. We look forward to working with the local community while the new homes are constructed.”

Currently, Persimmon have outline permission for 250 homes and Pigeon has outline permission for 200 homes nearby, while Bovis secured full planning permission for 129 houses.

Laurence has submitted plans for 64 homes which have not yet been decided on, but the committee has previously said it is “minded to approve” it.