Bid for 100 new homes in villages sparks safety fear

A view taken in Gislingham on a beautiful Bank Holiday morning. (c) copyright citizenside.com

Roads in a cluster of rural villages could be made more dangerous if more than 100 new homes are built in the area, residents have warned.

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Separate planning applications have been lodged for 40 new homes in Gislingham, along with another 40 in Stradbroke, near Diss.

The Stradbroke one has the potential for another 30 to 40 homes.

But residents have already raised concerns over the increased traffic the new development would bring to their roads, and the positioning of access roads.

Annabel Goddard, of Stradbroke, said: “Our first and foremost concern needs to be safety. I believe that children’s safety would be at risk with the access coming out opposite and then running along beside the park.

“The access road needs to be moved for the safety of our children. Our future.”

Peter Wells Architects proposed developing on land adjacent to the B1118 in Stradbroke, which would see an initial 1.67ha of agricultural land developed into 40 new properties – 14 of which will be affordable housing. The application also sets out the potential for a second development to the east of the first for 30 to 40 new homes. In its application, Peter Wells Architects said the development will: “Help Stradbroke develop new housing in a sustainable location in accordance with current policy and an established local need.”

Another application submitted to Mid Suffolk council by Lovell Homes proposes a development in the village of Gislingham.

The plans seek permission for 40 new homes to be built on a 2.7ha site to the South of Thornham Road.

Lovell Homes’ submission follows an outline application which was submitted in 2015. The initial application was met with strong objection from the community and was initially refused.

However it was approved on appeal following the incorporation of eight affordable homes into the development.

Gislingham resident Martyn Bryant raised concerns about strain the development would put on village services.

“Having a large development like the proposed one will have a detrimental effect on services within the village,” he said.

“Will the drainage cope with the extra sewerage?”