171 Bury St Edmunds homes approved on land, in Tayfen Road, initially earmarked for food shop and pub
Plans for more than 170 apartments on long-empty Bury St Edmunds land initially earmarked for a food retailer and a pub have been approved despite concerns.
Weston Homes has been given the green light from West Suffolk Council for six apartment blocks for 171 homes, a retail unit on the ground floor of one of the blocks and public space with pedestrian and cycle routes at the former gasworks site, in Tayfen Road.
The land is next to the firm's Tayfields Development of 215 homes and outline permission has been granted for a care home on land immediately next to the site.
Bury St Edmunds Town Council had recommended refusal due to insufficient play areas and provision for children and said the plan did not meet West Suffolk Council's requirement to intersperse affordable housing throughout the development.
The plans include 31 affordable homes - seven rented, 18 shared ownership and six discount market sale.
Following a consultation, three responses raised concerns over the height of the buildings, the 138 parking spaces planned was not enough for 171 homes and a toucan crossing was needed for Tayfen Road.
The Tayfen Road Masterplan envisaged a food retail shop and family pub for the land, which has been empty since the removal of a gasholder in 2015. However, a retail study from West Suffolk Council said there was no identified demand for a foodstore, though companies are known to be looking for an extra site in the town.
In an officer report, West Suffolk Council's economic development team said that while it was regrettable there was no provision for a food retail store as initially planned, the scheme made a positive contribution to the area with the commercial unit, new links to the railway station and views into and out of the site.
Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board said a developer contribution of £102,700 was required as the homes would create more demand on services.
The East of England Ambulance Service Trust required a contribution of £58,174 as the development would place increasing pressure on the trust.
The Bury Society said it was in general support of the development but was concerned it should not repeat the impact of the 'monolithic block' at The Lantern apartment block in Tayfen Road.
It said: "It is reassured that the building heights and alternating elevations will help to avoid this and to create a new and attractive street scene along Tayfen Road."
The applicant initially offered 16.4 per cent affordable housing but officers negotiated an increased offer of 18 per cent, which will be across the blocks.
The report added that while the plan is a departure from the masterplan, it still sought to deliver an element of retail, residential uses and strategic landscaping and public realm improvements.
