Appeal by Persimmon to build 300 homes in Bell Lane, Kesgrave, dismissed as unsustainable
The land at Bell Lane, Kesgrave, where plans were submitted to build 300 homes. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
An appeal by developers to build 300 homes in Bell Lane, Kesgrave, has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate after it branded the controversial scheme as unsustainable.
Debbie McCallum, Suffolk Coastal district councillor for Kesgrave said the decision was "good news for Kesgrave". Picture: COLIN SHAW - Credit: Archant
Persimmon Homes lodged a planning application to build 300 homes on greenfield land off Bell Lane and Foxhall Road in December 2015.
A public meeting in January 2016 resulted in dozens of comments against the proposals, prompting Kesgrave Town Council to recommend refusal.
The controversial scheme was then deferred for a decision by planners, before finally being rejected in June last year, leading to persimmon lodging an appeal.
Bell Lane, Kesgrave, where the homes were planned to be built. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
After a series of delays, the appeal finally took place in August.
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Yesterday, the Inspectorate issued its decision in which it dismissed the appeal.
Suffolk Coastal district councillor for Kesgrave, Debbie McCallum said it was “very good news for Kesgrave”.
Dr Dan Poulter said it was important the right infrastructure developments were submitted with planning propsals. Picture: PAUL GEATER - Credit: Archant
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She said: “It was quite obvious from the number of people that came along to the public meeting that they didn’t feel they wanted the proposal.”
A spokeswoman from the town council added: “The town council argued strongly on behalf of its local residents that the site is unsustainable and this was the main reason that the secretary of state will not allow the 300 homes to be built on this site.”
In the appeal decision, inspector Paul Clark said the development “would not be in a sustainable location because it is distant from opportunities to undertake day-to-day activities,” and added that growth patterns needed to be managed to ensure best development of infrastructure such as transport and public services, which the application did not provide.
Suffolk County Council's Robert Whiting said it was a relief for the people of Kesgrave. Picture: ARCHANT - Credit: Archant
Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dr Dan Poulter hailed the work of the town’s councillors in representing the best interest of the community, and added: “It is a welcome decision by the Planning Inspectorate and one I know will be supported by many people who live in Kesgrave and the surrounding area.
“There has been a lot of development but we haven’t seen the necessary infrastructure going with that.”
Suffolk county councillor Robert Whiting added: “The proposal, in my opinion, added no significant benefits to the existing community of Kesgrave and would have provided greater pressure and stress upon all forms of the local infrastructure.”
Read more
•Plans submitted for 300 homes off Bell Lane•Town Council recommends refusal of homes•Kesgrave homes scheme deferred for possible larger development•Plans for 300 homes rejected•Persimmon announces plan for fresh proposal while planning appeal is underway•Planning inquiry begins into Bell Lane homes
