Allotments earmarked for homes

ALLOTMENT plots which have stood empty for 20 years have today been earmarked for a development of homes.

Bridge Street residents who live near to the Taker's Lane allotments have raised concerns about traffic congestion and sent 49 letters of objection to Mid Suffolk district council.

The council has already turned down two planning applications.

But, eager to answer the town's housing needs, district councillors accepted an outline planning application to build 12 terraced houses at a planning meeting yesterday. More detailed applications will need to be agreed by the council before any work begins.

Developers Maitland Homes and landowners Stowmarket Town Council had submitted two applications.

The second, for ten terraced homes and eight semi-detached homes, was turned down on the grounds it would be too crowded.

The Green Party also raised concerns, saying the area should not be developed without cycle paths being installed.

Councillor Eddie Alcock said: "I have a great deal of sympathy for people living nearby but we cannot resist development at this site any longer.

"What we've tried to do is get the best possible deal for everybody involved."

Neil Ward, a spokesman from Maitland Homes, said: "I hope people realise the benefits of this scheme.

"It's within the built up limits of the town and provides low cost housing at the lower end of the market which the town needs.

"It is also in a location where people can walk to jobs and facilities in the town centre."

A former application from the developers was rejected by councillors in August. An appeal lodged against the decision is now due to be withdrawn.

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