Grundisburgh residents concerned about traffic in village

The Planning Inspectorate has granted developer Hopkins Homes permission to build on land to the west of Chapel Road in Grundisburgh, despite villagers' concerns about the impact the development will have on roads.

The proposals include affordable homes with public open space, roads, accesses, parking, garages, drainage and associated infrastructure.

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Initially, Hopkins Homes had wanted to build 80 homes, but the plans were scaled down to 70 homes, with the application being submitted to East Suffolk Council in February 2021.

Although planning officers recommended that the plans were approved, councillors instead opted to defer a decision to seek independent technical advice on highways matters and for a site visit to be undertaken.

Subsequently, Hopkins Homes decided to appeal against the decision.

In documents with the appeal, Hopkins Homes said: "The evidence prepared on behalf of the appellant will establish the strong positive case for the appeal proposals, where they would deliver much needed open market and affordable housing and large areas of public open space on an allocated site in a timely and sustainable way through a well-considered and
high-quality development."

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In objecting to the plans, a number of the residents raised concerns about 'traffic chaos' in the village and also a lack of footpath provision.

But the applicant stated the proposed surfacing of Public Footpath 20 would provide a sufficient footway.

Hopkins Homes also said that opportunities to promote sustainable modes of transport had been taken up, including the provision of suitable pedestrian connections and financial contributions to school and bus transport services in the village.

In addition, "safe and sustainable" access to the site could be provided for all users.

READ MORE: Suffolk news