Developers have decided to appeal the council's refusal to build 660 homes and a nursery in north Ipswich. 

Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk Council had rejected an outline planning application for a site to the rear of Humber Doucy Lane and Tuddenham Lane by developers Barratt Redrow and Hopkins Homes in June.

This followed objections from residents, Sports England, National Highways, National Rail, Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council and Tuddenham St Martin Parish Council. 

Sports England was amongst those appealing the decision due to the plans impact on Ipswich Rubgy Club's grounds.Sports England was amongst those appealing the decision due to the impact of the plan on Ipswich Rugby Club's grounds.  (Image: Stock image of Ipswich Rugby Club/Newsquest) However, the developers have now decided to appeal this refusal - submitting a 229-page document. It is set to take them six days to present their evidence in court. 

A spokesperson for Barratt Redrow and Hopkins Homes said: "While we are disappointed to find ourselves in the position of pursuing this appeal, Barratt Redrow and Hopkins Homes remain committed to the early delivery of much-needed homes on this sustainable, allocated site.

"Our proposed development not only aligns with the community's pressing housing needs but also supports the broader objectives of sustainable development as outlined in the local plan."

In their application, they state that they had discussed and addressed all matters that were ultimately grounds were refusal with the local planning authorities in the five-month-long pre-application period. 

They added: "Notwithstanding the large number of reasons for refusal, the areas of substantive disagreement are considered to be relatively few and very specific.

"Ultimately, this is an application for outline planning permission for the residential development of circa 600 homes on land that is allocated for circa 600 homes in recently adopted Development Plans.

"The principle of the development is not an issue in these Appeals."

If the plans had been approved by the borough council, it would see a mix of 660 flats and houses a third of which would be affordable. 

Additionally, Barratt David Wilson and Hopkins Homes said they had also made provisions for a retail space and a nursery for 57 children at the site. 

The councils are still actively seeking applications for additional housing between Humber Doucy Lane and Tuddenham Lane.