Controversial plans for 25 new homes in a picturesque Suffolk village have been resubmitted to the district authority and have already gained the support of parish councillors.

In November last year, developer Iceni Homes and Suffolk Housing submitted plans to build the properties on Sand Hill in Boxford, including 20 local-needs homes to be rented to Boxford people and five that would initially be sold to local people.

However, the plans split the village with a small number of residents speaking out against the development because they believe Boxford will become “overloaded” if more new homes are built.

The protestors claimed victory when the plans were withdrawn in February. One of them, Sue Beven, from Cox Hill, said the Suffolk Design Review Panel had reviewed the proposal because of the “significant number of objections” to the scheme.

The review panel highlighted issues raised by the Environment Agency about possible standing water at the Sand Hill site. They also saw potential hurdles with footpaths and the design of the development.

But now the plans have been revised and resubmitted to Babergh District Council. Bryn Hurren, Babergh councillor for the area said: “Several elements of the plans have been changed including a footway down Sand Hill and access to the site has been moved away from the junction. The houses also look more rural and in keeping with a village setting.

“Boxford is a popular village with a lot of older people who serve on the various committees. In fact the population has only increased by 30 people during the past 15 years according to census information, which is quite staggering.

“It would be nice if some of the younger residents who want to stay in the village could afford to do so.”

The application is expected to go before Babergh’s planning committee on December 10.