Planners give the go ahead for 204 new homes in Elmswell as plans revealed for petrol station and drive through restaurant

Planners have given the go ahead for up to 204 dwellings on land in Elmswell while a plan has been put forward to create a petrol station and drive through restaurant close to the A14.

Members of the Mid Suffolk District Council planning committee gave approval for the development in Wetherden Road but put off granting the green light to 38 new homes in Warren Lane due to a minor technically in the planning application.

The meeting was attended by up to 20 residents in the village, who were given a short time to put forward their views, and objections to both projects were made by Peter Dow, Elmswell Parish Council clerk, and Sarah Mansel,  Mid Suffolk councillor – Elmswell and Norton Ward.

Both made strong arguments supporting the community and how it has been continued to be surrounded by developments and how the infrastructure and village will not cope with the major influx.

The councillors debate centred much around on how bad the councillors felt for the residents and how they have to follow process, policy and the law; regardless of their feelings.

Meanwhile, plans have been submitted to the council to create a petrol station and drive through restaurant close to the A14 at junction 47.

Rebecca Styles, the heritage officer at Mid Suffolk District Council, said that her team has concerns with the proposal and considers that insufficient information has been submitted in support of the scheme to be able to assess the level of harm this development may pose to heritage assets.

She added: “The Heritage Team recommends that a comprehensive Heritage impact assessment is prepared by the applicant taking into account how the proposed development may affect the character and special interest of the church of St Mary, in Woolpit, the church of St John, in Elmswell, the relationship between these churches, the impact of the proposal on the Woolpit Conservation Area and historic village of Elmswell, and impact of the proposed development on adjacent listed buildings.”

you can check whether they have been received by reviewing comments on the website under the application reference number. Please note that the completed form will be posted on the Councils website and available to view by the public.