Plans to build 320 homes on the derelict Brantham Industrial Estate were given the green light by Babergh District Council’s planning committee this morning.

Ipswich Star: Brantham Industrial EstateBrantham Industrial Estate

St Francis Group’s proposals to build up to 320 homes on the 59-hectare site, which consists of both greenfield and brownfield land, have in the past received objections from three neighbouring parish councils.

The application features plans to develop employment space, playing pitches and a new road network.

In a report released by the planning committee today, Tattingstone Parish Council suggests that a development of this kind would be an “inappropriate use of prime agricultural land,” while Brantham Parish Council raised concerns over the proportionality of the development, the availability of affordable housing, highways issues and the overall viability of the plans.

Approximately 453 letters of objection have been lodged against the bid so far.

Comments from those concerned are featured in the report, with some claiming “Brantham is in ‘no man’s land’ – forgotten about by Suffolk and not part of Essex”, and others suggesting Brantham will become “a small town” if the development goes ahead.

Planning committee chairman Peter Beer said: “This decision, which is the result of a long and thorough process, means that we can begin to turn Brantham Industrial Area from a largely empty and redundant site into a thriving centre of employment and retail.

“Along with the new housing north of Factory Lane and the access to 12 hectares of public open space, this will help secure Brantham’s future, ensuring it remains a place to live and work for residents of all ages and that the next generation are able to remain in the village as their parents did.”

Factory Lane runs from the A137 through the middle of the application site, and ends close to Decoy Pond.

Although the application has been approved, some conditions to the proposal, addressing concerns such as flooding and environmental risks, are laid out in the report.

Anglian Water had no objections, but asked the committee to implement a drainage strategy to reduce the risk of flooding downstream, while Suffolk Fire and Rescue asked that fire hydrants be included in the plans.

Both Suffolk County Council and Essex County Council recommended their approval but insisted changes are made to the current traffic modelling layout.

For more information about the development, visit babergh.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning/brantham-regeneration-area/.