RAVENSWOOD's new "village green" should soon start to take shape as the next phase of development gets underway.Bellway Homes has applied to Ipswich Council for planning permission to build 121 homes in an arc around the former airport terminal building.

RAVENSWOOD'S new "village green" should soon start to take shape as the next phase of development gets under way.

Bellway Homes has applied to Ipswich council for planning permission to build 121 homes in an arc around the former airport terminal building.

It is the fourth phase in the proposed development of the town's former airfield, which will eventually include 1,000 new homes.

Planning officers accept this is a key phase in the whole development – leading to the creation of the village green.

The development includes 74 individual houses and 51 flats – and the total includes 15 "affordable" homes.

That number is lower than in the rest of the development, but it is considered acceptable because this is very near an already-approved development of "very sheltered accommodation" for elderly and disabled people.

The proposal is due to be considered at Ipswich council's development control committee on Wednesday. The committee is expected to allow officers to approve the scheme once all negotiations with Bellway Homes are completed.

Councillors are also being urged to approve the creation of two play areas at either end of the Martinet Green public open space on Ravenswood.

The proposal has attracted some objections from residents worried that the play areas could attract vandalism.

However, officers say the area could be patrolled by park rangers, who should prevent vandalism becoming a major problem.

They are urging the committee to grant planning permission for the play areas.

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