Temporary construction access at Bury Road, Great Barton

What was proposed

A temporary construction access from the A143 would serve the first phase of an approved residential development for up to three years.

“Proposal: The application seeks temporary planning permission for the construction of a dedicated temporary construction access from the A143, positioned approximately 40 metres north‑east of The Avenue, to facilitate the build- out of Phase 1 of the wider Land North East of Bury St Edmunds strategic development.”

“The approved hybrid planning permission established the principal access strategy for the completed development via two permanent roundabouts onto the A143. However, it did not fix the precise location or arrangement of construction access during the build phase.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The access would occupy a small parcel beside the A143, including highway verge, field edge and native hedgerow near The Avenue.

“Site details: The application site comprises a small parcel of land located on the northern edge of the wider Land North East of Bury St Edmunds allocation, directly adjoining the A143, approximately 40 metres northeast of The Avenue. The wider strategic site extends to around 79 hectares, bounded to the south by the Cambridge–Ipswich railway line and to the north by the A143.”

“The temporary access red line area incorporates sections of highway verge, grassed field edge and existing native hedgerow, the majority of which has already been approved for removal under the permanent northern roundabout works. An additional 27m of hedgerow is proposed for removal to provide the required visibility splays for the temporary junction. The access sits within a gently sloping corridor containing drainage ditches and utility infrastructure.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The wider development was approved on appeal in 2022 for up to 1,375 homes and infrastructure including two permanent A143 roundabouts.

“DC/19/2456/HYB Hybrid Application - i) Outline application (with all matters reserved except for access) - for up to 1375 dwellings, access (including two new roundabouts onto A143 and creation of new foot and cycleway links into the site which would include new cycle/pedestrian crossings of the A143 and cycle/pedestrian link through the existing railway underpass), public open space (including buffer to Cattishall and Great Barton) and landscaping; new local centre (which…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the access was needed during construction of the permanent northern roundabout and its impacts could be controlled.

“Given that the permanent northern roundabout cannot provide construction access during its own build phase, the temporary access is a necessary, transitional intervention directly linked to the implementation of an extant consent. Accordingly, the principle of development carries positive weight in the planning balance.”

“The environmental impacts of the proposal are limited, temporary and reversible. Landscape effects relate principally to hedgerow removal, most of which (with the exception of 27 metres) has already been approved under the permanent northern roundabout works. However, as identified above, the temporary removal of hedgerow and introduction of engineered surfaces would result in a modest degree of short term visual harm.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority ultimately raised no objection, while ecology, trees, landscape, archaeology, environmental health and rights of way matters were addressed through advice and conditions.

“Suffolk County Council - Local Highway Authority – Informal Update (No Objection Following S278 Discussions) Date: Mar 2026 Following Section 278 discussions, SCC as Local Highway Authority confirmed it was satisfied with the proposal, noting forthcoming safety measures (e.g., a 30mph Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) and restricting construction traffic from The Avenue, to be secured through the S278 process).”

“Suffolk County Council – Local Highway Authority – Final Formal Response Date: Mar 2026 SCC Highways confirmed no objection, stating impacts are controlled through the existing hybrid permission’s Construction Management Plan and through wider Section 278 processes. Provided a set of recommended access, surfacing, drainage, visibility and ditch‑piping conditions, and reiterated that a (separate) S278 approval is still required for all works in the highway.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Resident objectors, the parish council chair and ward member spoke against the proposal, while the applicant spoke in support.

What members debated

Members focused on highway safety, the missing detailed construction method statement, the access location, possible resident use and hedgerow loss.

“During the debate a number of the Committee voiced concerns principally in relation to highways matters. Some Members expressed reluctance to approve the application without having sight of the detailed Construction Method Statement (CMS); the submission of which was required via a pre-commencement condition.”

“Queries were raised with regard to the proposed location of the construction access. In response to which, the Chair invited the Suffolk County Council Highways Officer present to respond, who outlined the rationale behind the location, mindful that it was specifically for the first phase of the development and moving it any further south would result in the access being closer to routes with higher rates of congestion.”

Minutes

The votes

A deferral motion was tied and lost on the Chair’s casting vote, while approval was then tied and passed on the Chair’s casting vote.

“Following which, the Chair put the motion to the vote, and with 7 voting for the motion and with 7 voting against, on the Chair’s casting vote against, it was declared that the MOTION WAS LOST.”

“Upon being put to the vote, and with 7 voting for the motion and with 7 voting against, on the Chair’s casting vote for, it resolved that…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions requiring a three-year limit, restoration, highway safeguards, biodiversity measures and landscaping controls.

“Time Limit 1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission. Compliance with plans 2. The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and documents, unless otherwise stated. Temporary Permission and restoration 3. The temporary construction access hereby permitted shall cease no later than three years from the date of first use.”

“…written confirmation that no birds will be harmed and/or that there are appropriate measures in place to protect nesting bird interest on site. Any such written confirmation should be submitted to the local planning authority. Landscape and Ecological Management Plan 11.”

Minutes