One of east Suffolk’s largest housing developments in decades could be approved this month – nearly 10 years after proposals first emerged.
Suffolk Coastal’s planning committee is holding a special meeting on Monday, January 15, to consider the latest plans for the 2,000 home Adastral Park scheme near Martlesham Heath.
The development, which is integral to district’s future housing strategy, has faced major challenges since its inception in 2008, including repeated legal battles with groups concerned by its impact on the nearby Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Last year, developers Carlyle Land Ltd and CEG produced an outline application for the development, with the most detailed submissions to date, including conceptual images of the housing and proposed “gateway” into the new housing from the A12.
Suffolk Coastal’s planning committee heard how extensive green spaces had been included in reference to its closeness to the Deben Estuary.
The plans also included areas for sports and recreation, a green corridor running through the development for cyclists and walkers and on-site lake with “beach-like environment”.
Committee members responded with highways concerns – particularly with the new T-junction and traffic lights scheme, which would form the main entrance into the development from the A12 – and calls for more specific healthcare proposals, such as a GP surgery.
This month’s special planning meeting will consider the revised proposals made in response to the comments raised last year by the committee.
A Suffolk Coastal spokesman said Adastral Park is a “major housing component”in the Local Plan. “It is a key site identified to deliver much-needed housing, including affordable homes, for local people in the district,” he added. “Considerable effort has been expended by the applicants to produce the proposals, which are now to be presented to the planning committee.
“The committee has responsibility for independently scrutinising and assessing these proposals, to ensure they are given the careful consideration they require, including full assessment of views of the local community and consultees.”
If approved, the developers hope to deliver around 160 homes a year until 2031.
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