Discussion due on new home within back of 8A Northgate Avenue in Bury St Edmunds as concerns over access mount

A discussion is due on proposals for a new home in a garden as concerns over access mount.

Members of West Suffolk’s development control committee are due to meet on Wednesday next week to discuss plans for a new home within the back of 8A Northgate Avenue, in Bury St Edmunds.

The development is being proposed by Mr Neil LaThangue and would follow the demolition of an existing greenhouse and pool.

There have been, however, some concerns raised, particularly with the proposed access to the property, an unadopted track known as Pig Lane, which ultimately brought the development before committee members.

The proposal followed several other homes approved at the back gardens of existing properties, the most recent in September this year, which raised similar concerns.

The development received formal objections from three residents and Bury St Edmunds Town Council.

The ward member, Cllr Diane Hind, also said she could not support the development and pushed for it to be considered by committee members.

In her representation, Cllr Hind said: “I have every sympathy for the applicant but there are so many objections about the use of Pig Lane I really don’t think I can support approval.

“In reality no one should ever have been allowed to build additional properties using Pig Lane for sole access, but I’m aware that many have been given permission.”

These other developments, one resident said, left the access track ‘in a very bad state’ due to construction vehicles accessing other developments.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of Mr LaThangue states Pig Lane has had work carried out with tarmac apron and improved visibility, a requirement of previous application approvals.

One resident representation said holes in the road make it ‘more awkward’ to drive in and out despite the works.