Plan to alter affordable homes scheme at Monks Eleigh houses

The Friars View development in Church Field, Monks Eleigh, has come under scrutiny in recent months after it was put up for sale. 

Outline plans for 17 homes, including five affordable properties, were given the go-ahead by Babergh District Council in 2019. 

After the company behind the scheme fell into administration, ways to continue to deliver the affordable homes have been considered. 

Seventeen homes are proposed for the land (Image: Newsquest)

New plans submitted to the district council have revealed the affordable schemes could change if given the go-ahead. 

Currently, they would delivered as "affordable rent" homes, but this would change to "discounted market sale". 

The change would mean the properties are sold for at least 20% below their open market value price. While it would be owned solely by the buyer, the discount must remain in future sales. 

Babergh District Councillor Bryn Hurren (Image: Babergh District Council)

The proposals are currently being considered by planners. 

Councillor Bryn Hurren, who represents Monks Eleigh at Babergh District Council, said: "It has been a disaster and hopefully we can work with the developer to make it better. 

"We look forward to better times."

Fencing has been placed around the development while the houses remain vacant. 

Alan Branthwaite, chairman of Monks Eleigh Parish Council, described the development as an "eyesore" when speaking to this newspaper in August.

He said: "It is an eyesore and a monumental waste.

"The village was keen and prepared to have the extra houses. It has just hung around for too long."

A spokesperson for Babergh District Council said previously: "We are not involved in the delivery of this development but, like everyone else in the village, we would like to see any issues resolved and the homes brought into use as soon as possible.”

Monks Eleigh Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, which was located on the land, closed in 2014.

Planning officers are expected to make a decision on the application by the end of October.