REVISED plans to build 65 news homes in a historic Suffolk market town have been given the green light.

Suffolk Coastal District Council has given the go ahead to a development in Castle Brooks, Framlingham.

The scheme had been put forward by Hopkins Homes Ltd, which is based in Melton, near Woodbridge.

The 65 properties would include 22 affordable homes and permission is also reliant on the developers funding a play area.

However concerns had been raised over the design of the scheme, with the town council and some residents feeling it would detract from the character of its surroundings.

There were also fears that because some of the homes are three storeys, it would set a precedent for future development.

However the report to last week’s meeting of the north area development control sub committee concluded: “The applicants have indicated this is not just an alternative design but one which is achievable.

“The proposal would secure 22 affordable dwellings for the town and a substantial play area. It is considered that although more three-storey properties are included in this development they do not adversely impact on, or restrict views of the town from existing properties or detract from the character or appearance of the area. The design and layout of the proposal is acceptable.”

Outline planning permission for the scheme was originally granted in 2007 but the scheme had to be revised and the application amended.

A spokeswoman for Hopkins Homes said they were delighted the development had been given the green light and that they hoped to start work by the end of the this year or the beginning of 2011.

“We were very pleased to have the initial application approved but we do review things as we progress,” she said. “What we have now proposed is an even more attractive development. We are delighted the application has been granted.”