Plans for the next phase of a 1,200-home development, including a sought-after new local centre, have been submitted.
Persimmon Homes has submitted plans to West Suffolk Council for phase 3A of the 1,200-home development in Ann Suckling Road, Haverhill.
This phase of the development includes proposals for 83 new homes, 26 of which will be affordable, as well as a brand new 583sqm local centre.
Cllr Joe Mason, who represents Haverhill North on West Suffolk Council and sits on the county council, said the local centre has been ‘eagerly anticipated’ by residents.
"Throughout the process, I have strongly advocated for a development that prioritises not only functionality but also fosters community connection—a need often overlooked in new developments around town," he said.
“I hope this local centre will meet that need, becoming a vibrant and well-used gathering place.”
Cllr Mason said he was pleased some requests he had made regarding visual impact and accessibility had been taken onboard and was confident the site would blend well with other phases.
He also called for work to start as soon as possible as residents have had to wait for amenities - particularly when it came to the relief road now two years behind schedule.
“Residents remain frustrated that the final surfacing of Farrant Road is still not complete and that landscaping across the development has been poor with many dead trees not yet replaced,” he said.
“Whilst the new play park itself is much enjoyed by the families, much of the wider park area is unusable and covered in weeds/thistles.
“Whilst I am confident that this development will bring the much-needed facilities that local residents need and deserve, I am keen to urge Persimmon to ensure it delivers what it has promised in a timely manner and to prioritise the needs of the community. Something so far it has consistently struggled to do.”
The initial outline application was submitted in 2009 and finally decided in 2015.
The relief road, costing £9.7 million, was meant to have started construction either by March 2023, or once the first 500 homes had been occupied.
It is meant to take traffic from the development and avoid Wratting Road and the residential section of Withersfield Road.
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