Barn built opposite Friar's Meadow Sudbury prompts shock

Laura Smith, who represents Sudbury South West on Babergh District Council, has hit out at a new barn that is being built on land across the River Stour from Friar's Meadow. 

She said the appearance of the barn, which has also caused a stir on social media, left her shocked and frustrated.

The barn across the river from Friar's Meadow (Image: Newsquest)

“I was really shocked when I saw the barn in construction from Friars Meadow on Saturday morning - it makes quite a significant visual impact on the view," she said.

"I understand that the structure will be used as a straw barn - it is automatically allowed as Permitted Development for Agricultural Use - and that the landowners had already agreed to move it from a more prominent and visible position.

"The landowners have also promised to grow hedges and trees to screen it – there is no legal requirement to do so, but they are doing this out of good will.

"I do find it frustrating that such an important landscape setting and iconic local view bear no consideration in the planning process, especially when Babergh District Council and the town council are working so hard to ensure that Sudbury is regarded as a significant tourist destination," she added. 

Cllr Laura Smith (Image: BMSDC)

A Babergh District Council spokesperson confirmed the structure is allowed under permitted development, which is a national planning policy that means a landowner does not need to apply for planning permission. 

Babergh District Council does not have any say over this policy and cannot impose any conditions.

Cllr Smith is now calling for a neighbourhood plan to be introduced in Sudbury. 

According to the Babergh District Council website, neighbourhood plans "give local communities the opportunity to develop a shared vision for their area". 

There are currently 37 across Babergh, including in nearby Long Melford, Great Cornard and Great Waldingfield, but Sudbury does not yet have one. 

Cllr Smith said: "In my view, Sudbury needs a Neighbourhood Plan – that is the only way the town’s voice would have proper weight with the planning authority, and the only way to have a say on this sort of development going forward.

"Let’s hope the hedges and trees grow quickly and effectively in this wet weather to the screen the barn from view," she added.

A Babergh District Council spokesperson said: "Neighbourhood Plans give local communities the opportunity to develop a shared vision for their area and they have statutory weight and status, so – once adopted – may be used to help decide future planning applications.

"Our officers have already helped 37 parishes across Babergh through the Neighbourhood Planning process, with many plans already adopted and others at an advanced stage of development. 

"We would be more than willing to help residents of Sudbury should they wish to do the same."