Thurston 61-home plan slammed by councillor over safety

If Persimmon Homes plans before Mid Suffolk District Council are given the green light, 61 new one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes will be built on the land west of Ixworth Road in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds.

This is the second phase of the Persimmon Homes development, the first phase being known as College Park.

The site at Ixworth Road in Thurston (Image: Google maps)

David Bradbury, who represents Thurston on Mid Suffolk District Council, has joined some 50 members of the public who have submitted comments of objection to the council. 

Mr Bradbury wrote: "The design of this development bears no resemblance to the Thurston local plan with straight rows of houses. 

"The land was originally earmarked for education purposes within the village and many within the village, feel it should be used for the benefit of the village, not to boost the profits of a large building company."

He said the existing Persimmon Homes development is "not complete" and none of the infrastructure promised with the houses built in the village over the last four years has come to fruition. 

Cllr David Bradbury (Image: Babergh District Council)

He said there is a "serious safety issue" at many junctions in the village and added: "The existing roads are not suitable for the speed and volume of the traffic."

Mr Bradbury added: "If this plan is approved, I would recommend a 20mph speed limit to improve the safety of residents who we are trying to encourage to walk and cycle to the other village facilities." 

In a statement before the council, Persimmon Homes said: "It is considered that the proposal constitutes a sustainable and well -designed development that accords with relevant National and Local policies.

"If approved, this will make a positive contribution to the growth of Thurston." 

The plan is with Mid Suffolk District Council pending consideration and a decision will be made at a later date.