The SUDBURY SOCIETY

Caring for the Past and the Future

Brown Field? LATEST May 2009

Large gardens are now a target for developers, particularly if you can create an access. They are classified as 'brown field' sites by the government and therefore an appropriate site for housing. Such a site has been acquired by a developer behind Nos 98-101 Waldingfield Road by buying up sections of back gardens. His plans for 12 houses there and then 11 have both been fought by neighbours and refused by Babergh but he is back with plans for 7 (larger than previously and thus occupying much the same footprint.) We have backed their fight but it is difficult when what you are opposing is government policy.

The latest refusal of planning permission was appealed against by the potential developer and the appeal process started in December. The Town Council have asked Babergh to produce a Backland Development Policy but to no avail. This could set out some clear principles establishing where such development would be appropriate.

The result of the Appeal has now been published and the Inspector  has found in favour of the Applicant. His reasons are set out in a very detailed report. There are some quite stringent conditions attached and the Planning Group will look very carefully at the detailed application when it is submitted.

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