A further 114 dwellings on the Henley Gate development set to be approved by the Council despite objections

The planning application, which was previously denied, comprises 114 dwellings, roads, parking, landscaping, earthworks and associated works.

Set for approval subject to conditions

The committee is recommending that planning permission be granted subject to 31 conditions to ensure the development is conducted in accordance with approved plans and ecological standards.

Key conditions include the use of specific materials, the removal of certain Permitted Development Rights, and the approval of utility, landscaping, and parking details.

Ecological considerations like installing hedgehog holes and bird boxes and air quality mitigation are also required.

The conditions stipulate strict guidelines for lighting, fire hydrants, refuse lorry access, and tree felling and drainage measures.

Compliance with these conditions is required to ensure the development is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly, and functional.

Objections

Westerfield Parish Council raised objections to the proposed development, reciting their concerns, including increased traffic on local roads, insufficient details on pedestrian and cyclist provisions, and the overwhelming volume of documentation.

They also noted a lack of specific details in the application, hindering their ability to provide a thorough response.

The owners of 180 Henley Road, who purchased the property due to its overlooking countryside, also objected to the application.

The Disabled Advice Bureau has expressed several concerns regarding the proposed Henley Gate Phase 3B development, particularly focusing on accessibility and the needs of disabled individuals:

1. Housing accessibility: There is a lack of single-story housing suitable for people with disabilities. All planned apartments are on the first floor or higher, with no lift provision for daily access or emergency evacuation.

2. Parking issues: Insufficient visitor car parking and potential challenges for in-home carers due to the distance from parking spaces to homes.

3. Hedge and path maintenance: Maintaining hedges is difficult for wheelchair and pushchair users and visually impaired individuals. Overhanging fruit trees pose slip hazards for them.

4. Bicycle storage: Concerns about the lack of secure bicycle storage, especially for apartment residents.

5. Seating in green areas: Benches with backs and arms to support people with back problems and those needing assistance to stand.

6. Public transport: The No 7 bus service runs infrequently and has limited capacity for wheelchairs and pushchairs. An increase in the number of buses is recommended.

7. Disability-friendly features: It is unclear if the houses are disability-friendly, as there is no indication of ramps or steps at the front or back doors.

8. Local shops: The latest plan does not include small local shops, which are important for the social, mental, and physical health of people with disabilities.

9. Potential vandalism: Concerns that wooden litter bins and seats could be vandalized.

10. General design and layout: Clearer details and improvements are needed to ensure accessibility and safety for disabled individuals.

Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend or follow the proceedings. Detailed documents and further information are available on the Ipswich Borough Council website.

For additional inquiries, contact Linda Slowgrove at 01473 432511.