A134 Sicklesmere Road roundabout developer, Hopkins Homes, ‘declines’ to pay compensation to Bury St Edmunds businesses despite plea from Suffolk council leaders

The housing developer behind a controversial roundabout project has declined to pay businesses compensation for lost trade - despite a plea from council leaders.

Cllr Cliff Waterman, leader of West Suffolk Council, and councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, wrote to Hopkins Homes to raise concerns about lost trade for businesses during the construction project on the A134 Sicklesmere Road, Bury St Edmunds,

The developer is installing a roundabout, and accompanying relief road towards the A14, as part of work on its 363 home Abbots Vale estate.

The work, which began on March 7, has involved eight weekend closures of Sicklesmere Road, with a 43 mile diversion route in place.

Traffic lights have also been in place during the week but were, this week, moved north of the new roundabout, over a shortened distance.

Rushbrooke Lane has also been closed for access only after fears of rat-running and Low Green, which was also initially closed, has re-opened after a campaign.

One bakery owner in Low Green feared his business could be forced to close due to the ongoing road closures and loss of passing trade.

Cllr Cliff Waterman, leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “We know there are a number of businesses in the area that have been impacted by these road closures.

“Together with Cllr Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, I wrote to Hopkins Homes to raise their concerns and to make the case for them to offer goodwill payments to these businesses.

“Regrettably, Hopkins Homes has declined to take us up on our suggestion and have instead advised that businesses should be claiming under their own business interruption insurance.”

Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, added: “Together with Councillor Cliff Waterman, the leader of West Suffolk Council, I have written to Hopkins Homes asking them to consider the possibility of compensating businesses with goodwill payments for loss of trade during these works.

“We recognise that these are major infrastructure works and that some disruption is unavoidable, but we also feel that provision should be made for those businesses directly affected as a result.

“Hopkins Homes have declined to do so at this stage and are instead advising that compensation should be through business insurance.

“Meanwhile, we note that Hopkins Homes are progressing on the scheme and we look forward to the completion of the works.”

Hopkins Homes says the work on the roundabout and relief road is progressing well with key tasks completed ‘ahead of schedule’.

A spokesman for Hopkins Homes said: “We fully recognise the disruption caused by the essential highway improvements on the A134 Sicklesmere Road and have taken significant steps to minimise the impact.

“This includes contributing an additional £455,000 to reduce the extent of road closures, as well as a further £40,000 for additional signage, following feedback from local residents and parish councils.

“We have maintained ongoing dialogue with local businesses, parish councils and residents through consultation meetings, direct communications, and our dedicated community liaison website.

“Whilst we understand and appreciate the concerns raised by Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk Council, it is important to note that these works are being delivered in accordance with planning obligations and under the authority of Suffolk Highways.

“As contractors operating under a Section 278 agreement, compensation matters fall within Suffolk County Council’s remit. Affected businesses are advised to refer to their Business Interruption Insurance, as outlined on the Council’s website.

“Work is progressing well, and we remain committed to engaging with and supporting the local community where possible.”

The next stage will see the installation of ‘deep drainage infrastructure’ with works scheduled to continue over the weekends of April 11 to 14, April 25 to 28, and May 2 to 5.

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