A BUILDING firm has been given permission for a housing development in Stowmarket town centre.O Seaman and Sons had sought planning permission to develop its site in Stowmarket, despite objections from residents.

A BUILDING firm has been given permission for a housing development in Stowmarket town centre.

O Seaman and Sons had sought planning permission to develop its site in Stowmarket, despite objections from residents.

Mid Suffolk District Council put a decision on hold earlier in the year as councillors wanted to visit the site in Ipswich Street.

But it has now agreed to the firm's idea in principle, however, detailed plans must still be put through the planning process before any work is done.

The company, based in the town since 1912, is planning to leave the site within the next five years. It has proposed to put 14 houses on the site, including affordable homes.

Stowmarket Town Council supports the idea to bring more homes to the town centre, but residents – including David Reed, the owner of neighbouring grade II listed building The Maltings – had opposed the application on traffic grounds.

Mr Reed said an average of two cars for each new family would cause hold ups on Ipswich Street at a time when the council is trying to reduce traffic levels in the town centre.

Ray Melvin, chairman of the council's planning committee, said: "After visits to the site it was thought right to approve the outline application, but only on the condition any detailed plans come through the committee."