A rejected bid to create almost 500 homes on land near Ipswich is to be reconsidered – following allegations a district councillor was handed a note during the original hearing.

David Busby has said the note that was given to him by a member of Sproughton Parish Council during the Babergh District Council planning meeting in November last year was not read and made “absolutely no bearing on the result what so ever”.

The proposal put forward by developers Taylor Wimpey includes a primary school, a children’s play area, new businesses and up to 475 homes to be built in Sproughton’s Poplar Lane.

The development has faced strong objections from Sproughton; Hintlesham and Chattisham; Pinewood; Copdock and Washbrook and Burstall parish councils.

Helen Davies, vice chairwoman of Sproughton Parish Council, said: “I think we can safely say we are disappointed that the monitoring officer reached the decision that a new hearing is necessary.

“We do not agree with it and we can’t understand why it’s been done. The issues raised at the first committee all still exist.”

Mr Busby, who represents Pinewood on Babergh District Council, was sitting on the planning committee when the note was given to him.

A Babergh District Council spokeswoman said the council had conducted an investigation into the complaint, and after seeking legal advice, the application had been bought back before the committee at the next available date.

“The agenda for this meeting was published in accordance with statutory requirements,” the spokeswoman added.

A committee consisting of all new members will reconsider the application tomorrow morning.