A decision over controversial plans to build nearly 300 homes in Rendlesham is to be made on Monday – with planners recommending the plans are rejected.
Christchurch Property submitted outline plans shortly before Christmas to build 290 homes off Redwald Road, which also includes car parking, open space and allotment provision.
The scheme was first unveiled in July when a public exhibition was held, and at the time Rendlesham Parish Council was broadly in support of elements of the plan which complied with the neighbourhood plan – around 50 homes of the proposals – and could secure infrastructure development.
However, part of the scheme is outside the physical boundary of Rendlesham, which has been a key concern.
On Monday, a special planning committee at Suffolk Coastal District Council will decide on the plans, which have been recommended for refusal by planning officers.
The executive summary for the meeting said: “The application is recommended for refusal on the grounds that the majority of the site is outside the physical limits to Rendlesham, the development is not necessary, adverse highway impact, impact on nearby special protection areas, poor relationship with existing development.”
The greenfield site had previously been the subject for two planning applications in 1986 to build 300 homes for US Air Force personnel – both of which were refused on the grounds that it would intrude development.
Heather Heelis, parish clerk for Rendlesham Parish Council said: “The parish council would support all those reasons and in their reasons [submitted] to Suffolk Coastal for the planning application the application is non-compliant with the neighbourhood plan.
“There is no benefit to Rendlesham whatsoever.”
Others formally objecting included Eyke Parish Council, Campsea Ashe Parish Council and Suffolk county councillor Alexander Nicoll.
A spokesman from Richard Brown Planning, which represents developers Christchurch, was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press, but previously said that more homes would allow for the development of more facilities.
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