FORMER allotments in Stowmarket could be transformed into an 18-home housing development, it was revealed today.Stowmarket Town Council has agreed a substantial sum to sell the land to housing developer Maitland Homes.

FORMER allotments in Stowmarket could be transformed into an 18-home housing development, it was revealed today.

Stowmarket Town Council has agreed a substantial sum to sell the land to housing developer Maitland Homes.

The deal, which is subject to planning permission for the site being granted, will see the land used for the first time in a number of years.

Marilyn Finbow, chair of the town council's planning and amenities committee, said: "It's a piece of land that has been left and it's not in a nice state for the people who live there.

"It has got very run down and, if this development is done to enhance the area, I'm sure the town will benefit from it, as will the neighbours in the area."

She added consultation with residents in the area had so far raised little objection, although concern was raised when the developers moved on to the site to begin clearing it.

This has since been stopped until a decision on the planning application is reached.

The land, which has not been used as allotments for at least ten years, was purchased by the town council as an investment.

Mrs Finbow added: "We bought the piece of land at a time when it was right to buy. We were thinking of the future and trying to make best use of it for the town."

The decision to sell was made following an approach to the council by Needham Market-based Maitland Homes.

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