Controversial proposals to build seven new homes behind historic cottages in the middle of the picture-postcard village of Kersey have been given the go-ahead despite residents’ objections.
Babergh’s Planning Committee voted to approve application because they felt the benefit of the affordable housing in the village outweighed any harm caused to the heritage assets.
They also considered Kersey to be a sustainable location, as it has a strong community and is home to several facilities including a school.
The proposal sparked widespread opposition because of the proposal to develop land behind old cottages – and because of the difficult access to the site between two historic buildings.
Parish council chairman John Hume said: “Kersey Parish Council voted unanimously three times against this proposal for heritage and safety reasons. The vast majority of people in the village are against it and shocked and disappointed by the decision by Babergh District Council’s Planning Committee to support it.
“We feel let down because the plans do not comply with all the relevant national and Babergh policies. The Planning Officer, Historic England, Suffolk Preservation Society and Suffolk County Council Highways department all recommended refusal.
“We accept there is a need for more housing but know there are other more suitable sites within the Parish. We are not NIMBYs – although this will literally be in someone’s backyard - and have a record of supporting suitable applications. Currently, in the centre of the village, some 8% of the houses are unoccupied long term rental properties.
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