Planners have been granted permission to build dozens of new homes on a substantial site near Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: Burnt out remains of the derelict thatched cottage after the fire in 2017 Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNBurnt out remains of the derelict thatched cottage after the fire in 2017 Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

A sale has been agreed for the site in Rushmere St Andrew which could be home to 53 new properties, including retirement apartments and affordable houses.

The 4.5-acre plot of land, adjacent to The Street, was originally left to a consortium of charities by owners Charles and Norah Baldwin more than a decade ago.

The plan was to convert the site, including the thatched cottage where the couple once lived, into a plot of 14 homes.

However, nothing ever happened to the property. The cottage remained empty for 10 years after Mrs Baldwin died at the age of 94.

Ipswich Star: Charles Baldwin with his daughter, June Picture: PAUL NIXONCharles Baldwin with his daughter, June Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: Archant)

It emerged that the charities sold the land on to a private property development firm based in Essex in July 2016.

But the cottage was destroyed in a huge fire in October 2017, and since then the land has remained untouched.

Now it appears the site could finally see a new lease of life, more than a decade since it was earmarked for development.

Property and land auctioneers Goldings, based in Ipswich, said a sale has been agreed for the 4.5-acre plot after it went under the hammer in May - with a guide price of £3million.

It currently has planning permission for 53 dwellings, including 18 retirement apartments, 14 affordable houses and 21 open market houses.

However the proposed development has proved controversial with Rushmere residents - many of whom objected to the plans when they were up for consultation earlier this year.

Another resident who lives in The Street said: "I am shocked at this proposal to build 53 dwellings almost next to my home. It is almost like a nightmare.

"I can't imagine the noise and disruption there will be when and if the construction starts. I vehemently oppose the proposition and hope all the residents of the village do the same."

Diane Hance, also of The Street, added: "This planning application has a ridiculous amount of housing and parking for such a small village.

"The traffic to and from this site will have a massive impact on our street, which is narrow, has a footpath only on one side of it - which is also narrow and sometimes impassable due to irresponsible vehicle drivers parking on the pavement, and is already used as a rat-run."