Ground-level raising works at Rougham Tower Avenue, Rougham

What was proposed

The application sought engineering works to raise ground levels across land of just under one hectare using soil from the approved Phase 1 development.

“Proposal: The application seeks planning permission to raise the ground level of an area of land that is just below 1 hectare in size. The soil used would arise from the development of phase 1 that was approved under application DC/25/0515/HYB that is due to commence in the middle of March 2026.”

“It is unknown when phase 2 of the AME will come forward on this site. As such this application does not seek consent for a temporary time limited permission. However, at the point phase 2 is completed the soil will need to be removed. However, its relocation at this stage supports the ready implementation of this important phase 1 planning application.”

Officer report

The site

The site lies south of Rougham Tower Avenue, west of Woodlands Road, and between the former airfield and Rougham Industrial Estate.

“Site details: The parcel of land is located to the south of Rougham Tower Avenue that was originally referred to as the Eastern Relief Road. The site would be to the west of Woodlands Road which is a privately owned access road. The wider site is located to the south of the former Rougham Airfield and to…”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

The flood authority recommended approval subject to a condition, ecology officers raised no objection subject to conditions, and no representations had been received.

“Consultations: Suffolk County Council – Lead Local Flood Authority: Suffolk County Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), have reviewed application Ref: DC/26/0147/FUL and recommends approval of this application subject to a condition.”

“Place Services – Ecology: No objection, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support of the application.

Members’ discussion

A councillor asked about the temporary soil storage and whether there was a fixed timescale for removing it; officers said there was no defined timescale.

“Councillor Carol Bull posed a question with regard to the temporary storage of soil and asked if there was a fixed timescale in connection with its export…”

“…from the site. The Principal Planning Officer confirmed that there was no defined timescale and the applicant would need to manage the matter alongside the development of the site.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and agreed unanimously.

“Councillor David Smith proposed that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation. This was duly seconded by Councillor Jon London.”

“Upon being put to the vote and with the vote being unanimous, it was resolved that…”

Minutes