Original Plan was for 69 Units, 1/3rd Affordable Housing

UPDATE 5th July 2019

…although Suffolk Coastal’s Cabinet member Robert Whiting told us in the report below the development would be for x 69 new ‘homes’ and an exciting opportunity right next to Woodbridge town centre – this is no longer true, now x 100 units/flats?

Detailed Planning Application has now been submitted again following the rejection and refusal of the previous

Site to be Bulldozed, 100 Units, 7-blocks of High Density Flats

7 High-Density Blocks of Flats planned for Historic Woodbridge

‘London Style’ high-density Blocks of Flats planned for central Woodbridge riverside location? Without doubt significantly changing the Woodbridge Character forever. Most recently an appeal for a proposed development on the outskirts of Woodbridge next to Dukes Park was rejected by Planning Inspector Mr Major, saying “…the development would harm the character and visual qualities of the area.” East Anglian Daily Times ‘Report’: Taking this into account, it could be asked why Suffolk County District Councillors appear not be questioning these proposals for central Woodbridge? The huge impact in terms of ‘Mass, Height and Size’ this proposed development will have (This site is directly next to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and opposite a Conservation Area in central Woodbridge).

THE FACTS

• ‘High Density’ Blocks of Flats x 100 Units (No longer the promised x 69 homes)
• The x 7 Blocks of Flats – towering above local neighbouring cottages, a conservation area and an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• The proposed Blocks of Flats do not respect the heritage of Woodbridge in style, mass or the existing skyline
• The new proposal is touted as ‘Car-free’ – the proposed plans show ‘underground parking’ that woefully falls short of the SCDC own minimum allocated parking guidelines. This will push overflow cars in to the already highly congested and polluted road system?
• On a positive note the new proposals 1/3rd will be for ‘Social Housing’ – often described as ‘Affordable Homes’ which could be described as misleading as there are no provisions for young families on a local wage to be able to afford these luxury penthouse flats or the smaller 1-2 bedroom flats?

DRUMMER BOY & LANDMARK BUILDINGS to be Bulldozed

The two historic landmark buildings that front the existng Suffolk Coastal Offices are to be bulldozed to make way for ‘London Style Blocks of Flats’ (…planning application has now been submitted 30th June 2017). The Drummer Boy and the two Heritage Buildings are ‘Gateway Landmarks’, collectively seen as you enter Woodridge – part of the historic character of Woodbridge… for these to be bulldozed without a proper public hearing could be seen as very questionable?

HAVE YOUR SAY

• Lower the height of x 7 Blocks of Flats to 2-3 Storey homes?
• Re-design the proposal to explore a better mix of housing stock?
• Take into account new residents will still need cars, even if these are hybrid electric
• Respect the existing riverside location, its character and natural beauty

TAKE ACTION

• Your local District Councillors have been elected to represent the local community, your views should be taken into account
• How to object to the proposed Melton Hill Development

20th March 2015 Suffolk Coastal Announces x 69 New Homes:

Melton Hill Development Site:

Suffolk Coastal District Council have outlined that the development will number 69 new ‘Units’ with a requirment of 1/3rd for Social ‘Affordable Housing’ x 46 Private Freehold and x 23 Social Rented (Social Rented is housing for rent from Local Authorities and Registered Providers, succesful appllicants are chosen on a points based system i.e. those with the highest priority score).

Affordable Housing Requirement: The communities need for affordable housing is a material planning consideration and covered by Policy DM2 of the Local Plan (Core Strategy). There is a requirement for affordable housing in both the Parish’s of Woodbridge and Melton.  The scheme is expected to provide one-third (33%) of all housing on site to be affordable.  The preference for any affordable housing is to be rented accomodation.

Robert Whiting, Suffolk Coastal’s cabinet member with responsibility for resources and chairman of its accommodation project board, said:

“The sale of Melton Hill will create an exciting opportunity for new homes right next to Woodbridge town centre, with stunning views across the River Deben. We are investing in a modern building, which is sustainable, cheaper to run and will be adaptable for our future needs. Our new base also has the additional benefit of using a brownfield site, which has stood derelict for some time, and we will be giving Melton a boost by moving into the village…

…equally, we hope that freeing up the Melton Hill site will help the Woodbridge economy, by creating new homes in a prime location, within easy walking distance of the town centre shops.”

Ipswich Star Press Article