160-home housing development at Land North Of Mount Road, Rougham

Allocation and planning history

The site is allocated for around 120 homes, while an environmental impact screening opinion found the proposed development was not EIA development.

“The site is allocated for residential development under Policy AP7 in the West Suffolk Local Plan, which proposes around 120 homes. However, the application seeks permission for up to 160 homes. The application is supported by a comprehensive suite of technical documents, including assessments on transport, ecology, flood risk, archaeology, and landscape impact.”

“DC/25/0586/EIASC R EIA screening opinion under Regulation 6 (1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2017 on the matter of whether or not the proposed development is considered that there are likely significant environmental impacts for which an environmental statement would be required for up to 160 residential dwellings Development is not EIA 24 April 2025”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a Section 106 agreement because the proposal could meet policy requirements and its effects could be controlled through conditions and detailed design.

“The proposal illustrates the potential for a sustainable design approach, incorporating energy efficiency, water conservation, and climate resilience measures, with compliance to the Future Homes Standard anticipated. Transport and connectivity have been addressed through acceptable access arrangements, new bus stops, toucan crossing, and footpath improvements, ensuring safe and sustainable travel options.”

“Subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure the following matters, and compliance with the recommended conditions, the application is considered acceptable and is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

What people objected to

The parish council, residents’ association and neighbours raised concerns about traffic, services, housing numbers, health, education, paths, noise, drainage and loss of green space.

“Moreton Hall Residents Association Position: Objection – support for allocation but strong concerns about infrastructure and housing numbers. Summary: The Moreton Hall Residents Association accepts that the site is allocated for housing in the emerging West Suffolk Local Plan but strongly objects to the proposed increase from 120 to 160 dwellings, citing a lack of supporting infrastructure.”

“A total of nine neighbour representations have been received to the first round of public consultation. Between them these raise the following matters – Pedestrian and Footpath Concerns • Objections to footpath link into Cely Road due to amenity and safety impacts. • Concerns about multiple paths near SuDS basins encouraging anti- social behaviour. • Suggestion for a single, well-lit route avoiding SuDS areas.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A residents’ association representative and a parish councillor spoke against, the ward member spoke on the application, and the applicant’s representative spoke in support.

The vote

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission.

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

“Planning permission be GRANTED subject to:”

Minutes