AN enquiry is set to take place into a controversial application to build 2,000 homes on the edge of BT's Adastral Park complex.The proposal has come under fire after originals plans to build 1,050 and improve local infrastructure almost doubled last July.
IPSWICH: An enquiry is set to take place into a controversial application to build 2,000 homes on the edge of BT's Adastral Park complex.
The proposal has come under fire after originals plans to build 1,050 and improve local infrastructure almost doubled last July.
Since then dispute has continued between campaigning residents of Martlesham and Waldringfield who are opposed to what they call a potentially disastrous “new town.”
The plan prompted objectors to set up the No Adastral New Town (NANT) group, which favours a distributed housing policy as part of the Suffolk Coastal local development framework (LDF).
They argue that the concentration of properties, as part of the council's core strategy of 7,710 new homes by 2025, will increase urbanisation.
But planning bosses say the development, east of the A12 in Martlesham Heath, would boost facilities in the area, improve infrastructure and provide a “stand alone community.”
The proposed development could make way for pending plans for a new country park, in order to provide adequate green space for the population of Ipswich, particularly the northern part of the borough. But objectors argue a new leisure destination would dramatically increase traffic levels.
The plan also promises to house a community large enough to support new facilities and services, including a primary school and possibly a high school or sixth form but NANT members are concerned that not enough pupils would come from elsewhere.
The plan has already been subject to consultation but Trinity Park will host a public meeting tonight regarding the LDF.
NANT members will be present as the council's scrutiny committee considers plans from 7pm. A final decision will then be made at a later date by Suffolk County Council.
Are you concerned by the plans? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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