More than 180 objections to Framlingham homes plan

Framlingham Town Council remains firmly opposed to plans for 135 homes on a 32-acre site in Woodbridge Road in Framlingham, proposed by Bellway Strategic Land.

Despite recent amendments to the application, the council said the changes do not address its concerns, which include flooding, drainage, housing mix, and compliance with planning policies.

On its Facebook page, the town council said: "It was encouraging to see so many residents at the meeting, taking the opportunity to share their ongoing concerns about the proposed development.

"Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.

"After considering the amended application and the concerns raised, councillors unanimously agreed to maintain the council’s original objection.

"The council’s position remains unchanged following consideration of the proposed amendments."

More than 180 people have objected to the scheme, which includes 128 homes and seven self-build homes.

The town council has raised nine key issues in its formal response to East Suffolk Council.

It argues the scheme conflicts with the town’s neighbourhood plan and would undermine a "community-led plan" by placing most of the housing outside the settlement boundary.

Concerns were also raised about the dominance of larger family homes in the design, despite the town’s housing needs assessment calling for more one- to three-bedroom properties.

The council also highlighted the visual impact of the scheme and the cumulative effect of multiple developments in the area.

Flooding and drainage remain a major worry, particularly in light of Anglian Water’s objection and recent flooding during Storm Babet in October 2023.

The letter to East Suffolk Council also criticised the site’s design, saying it does not reflect the character of the surrounding area.

Traffic concerns were raised about Woodbridge Road, which already experiences high volumes and has seen multiple accidents.

The council also questioned the sustainability of the location and noted that its neighbourhood plan review has identified alternative sites that are better connected to schools, services, and the town centre.

In its letter, the council said: "We are of the view that the proposed development is premature, unsustainable and contrary to both the adopted Neighbourhood Plan and findings from our current review of the plan.

"This application would cause harm to the landscape character, increase flood risk, strain local infrastructure and deliver the wrong type of housing for local needs."

A Bellway Strategic Land spokeswoman said: “We have worked closely with local stakeholders to shape our proposals for the land to the east of Woodbridge Road in Framlingham, which have been developed in response to the housing crisis.

“This proposal reflects the need for new homes in east Suffolk and will increase the local supply of affordable homes.

"It will also unlock significant infrastructure benefits, including the employment space allocated in the Neighbourhood Plan, as well as a new early-years centre for Framlingham.

“We recognise the impact flooding has had on local residents, particularly following Storm Babet in 2023.

"That’s why we’re investing in new blue and green infrastructure that goes beyond the standard requirements and will aid in improving Framlingham’s current flood effects.

"For two years our specialists have been working with the Environment Agency and the Lead Local Flood Authority, and we have also taken on board recommendations from the report commissioned by Framlingham Town Council.

“Our plan for new flood attenuation measures goes hand in hand with our approach to nature that proposes new extensive green landscaping, tree planting and ecological corridors that will create a Biodiversity Net Gain.

“We have also reviewed the accessibility of the site for pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport in detail, and made further suggestions on how to improve this.”