Objectors rally public over controversial Suffolk playing field homes proposal
The packed RAGE meeting to protest about plans to build homes on playing field at St Felix School, Reydon - Credit: Archant
Campaigners battling proposals for 69 homes on a Suffolk school playing field are holding a public meeting tomorrow to gather views ahead of a crunch planning meeting.
Reydon Action Group for the Environment (RAGE) is inviting people to have their say about the proposals for Saint Felix School, just outside Southwold, tomorrow evening.
RAGE’s third public meeting takes place at Reydon Village Hall in Lowestoft Road from 7.30pm.
RAGE chairman, Stephen Chessher said: “This application would mean the permanent loss of a valuable part of the AONB and most of the houses built will inevitably become second homes which Southwold and Reydon do not need. And it will be taken as a green light to build elsewhere in the AONB.
“We need to get Waveney District Council to think again.
“The meeting on July 5 is an ideal opportunity for residents to make clear their views in advance of the upcoming district council by-election on July 12 and the planning committee coming up in July or August.”
The application has proved controversial since its submission but won support from Waveney District Council’s (WDC) planning committee last July.
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More than 200 objections were submitted by the public, as well as organisations such as Reydon Parish Council, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB, Suffolk Preservation Society and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
However, Saint Felix School says it needs to fund a long list of projects ‘necessary to ensure its continued sustainable operation’.
These include upgrading of computer systems; refurbishment of science laboratories; refurbishment and modernisation of boarding houses and the replacement of the central heating system. Projects will also include provision of a sand-based hockey pitch; new sports changing room and a new rugby pitch including new sprinkler and turf,
A spokesman for WDC said: “Members of the Council’s planning committee will shortly receive an updated report in relation to the proposed development, this will consider the applicant’s proposed legal agreement to secure certain matters from any grant of planning permission.”
RAGE formed after last year’s planning meeting and has held two well-attended public meetings since then.
