After a decade of delays and setbacks, new plans for more than 1,000 homes in the Sudbury area have been submitted, with a new consultation taking place.

East Anglian Daily Times: Part fo the site that was earmarked for the new Chilton Woods development near SudburyPart fo the site that was earmarked for the new Chilton Woods development near Sudbury (Image: Archant)

People are becoming increasingly frustrated over the Chilton Woods development, with no end in sight even after majority landowner Suffolk County Council decided to invest £1.6million to get the plans back on track in 2015.

Concerns have also been raised by a wildlife group that Sudbury will need more green spaces near the town if the development goes ahead.

The latest planning application has been submitted by Suffolk County Council after public consultation identified a range of concerns. The number of houses in the application has increased from 1,100 to 1,150, while the designated commercial space on the site has reduced in size.

The site, which lies within the parishes of Chilton, Acton, Sudbury and Long Melford, will include employment land, houses and a primary school.

John Sayers, Sudbury Town Councillor, said it was about time they “just got on with it”, lamenting years of back and forth.

“Most of the councils support the project, we need it to go ahead, but it is just not happening,” he said. “You never really know why they can’t do these things quicker. The employment it will create is good for young people in the area. They need to get on with it to ensure there are enough houses and jobs for younger people.”

The development includes 50% green space, a village centre with retail units, a waste recycling centre, and sports facilities.

Nick Miller, of the Sudbury Green Belt Group, said: “With all the recent building on land round the town, and a further increase in the number of houses at Chilton Woods to 1,150, we believe the need is even greater, for the county council to provide compensatory green space close to town.”

Babergh District Council, who will decide the application, are holding an online consultation on the plans from June 1.

Babergh is failing to reach Government housing targets, leading to a situation where it is now easier for developers to get planning permission. This has led to fears that villages around the Chilton Woods site, such as Acton and Long Melford, will see hundreds of houses built on top of the planned 1,150.

• Go to www.babergh.gov.uk to take part in the consultation