Haverhill town council calls for Havebury to explain planned development

Haverhill Town Council has called on a housing association to explain its motivations over a controversial housing development.

Havebury Housing’s plans to demolish garages in Nayland Road to make space for more housing were opposed by the town council and rejected when they came before St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s planning committee earlier in the month.

An appeal against the decision was granted and now it looks as though the development will go ahead despite the protests of residents and councillors.

At a meeting of the town council’s planning committee, the council agreed a proposal to call Havebury’s chief executive, Karen Mayhew, to the next meeting to discuss the housing association’s motivation for the development.

Councillor Clive Turner said: “We need to make the strongest objection possible. A mistake like this should be exposed.

“I think it’s time to ask Havebury to come in to explain to us what they are thinking.

“The town council needs to represent the people they [Havebury] are stamping all over.”

Former mayor, Roger André, attended the meeting as a member of the public. He said: “Havebury is at risk of disengaging with our town. It is unthinkable that or town council should continue to support any group which is so arrogantly set against the will of the community to pursue their financial ends, whatever the cost to our wellbeing.”

Paul Edwards, director of resources at Havebury Housing Partnership, defended the development.

He said: “Our development at Nayland Road will enable us to provide quality affordable homes for those on housing waiting lists who are suffering from the effects of an under supply of affordable housing in an area of high demand.”