Nearly 90 new homes could be built

NEARLY 90 new homes could be built on the edge of Ipswich at the Eastways Business Park.

The site between Bramford Road and Sproughton Road has been the subject of controversy in the past but the latest project has faced few objections.

Previously earmarked as an industrial site, the local plan now refers to it as an area for residential development allocated for more than 3,000 homes.

In a previous application in 2001, a section of Eastway was believed to be contaminated with industrial waste from several factories dating back to the 1950s and 1960s.

But according to planning applications, which have been discussed by Ipswich council, the current site is "relatively clean compared to the rest of Eastway."

And though the Environment Agency has forged an objection it is not on these grounds.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: "The objection is based on the impact on surface water drainage.

"It is fairly standard on developments of this size and we believe a flood risk assessment should be done before planning is approved and that should be run past us."

Planning officers have approved the development with conditions to include the assessment of noise levels from surrounding industrial sites.

A flood risk assessment is also expected and the possibility of play areas will be considered.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust would also like an area of biodiversity to be included.

Dr Simone Bullion, conservation officer for Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: "We would want to be consulted on this and hope there will be an area provided for biodiversity.

"There is a rare species of wasp on the site and other areas of interest."