PLANS for the demolition of more than 60 garages to make way for nine affordable homes has received approval.

Councillors on a Mid Suffolk District Council planning committee voted to approve the plans for the former garage site in St Edmunds Road, Stowmarket, at a meeting last week.

The land is to the rear of houses between Nos. 46-60 St Edmunds Road.

Committee members heard that the site had previously been used to provide parking and had a total of 63 garages.

But the garages had not been used for several years and had become a hotspot for vandalism, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

District councillor Duncan MacPherson, who is also a town councillor for the area, said: “Stowmarket Town Council does not object – this has been on the cards for some time. I have had no representations from anybody with any concerns.”

Councillor Ray Melvin said: “I think it is an excellent plan and it is high time it was cleared up.”

The plans indicate there would be four one-bedroom flats, three two-bedroom bungalows and two three-bedroom semi-detached two-storey dwellings.

The existing driveway would be altered and widened along the rear of Nos. 46 and 48 St Edmunds Road.

The site was identified as a potential location for development in 2005 by Mid Suffolk.

But earlier attempts to re-develop the site were delayed.

A public consultation evening was held on July 9, to discuss the plans.

The event was attended by about 30 local people.