Public inquiry scheduled as developers seek to appeal decision to refuse plans for 660 homes off Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich

A public inquiry has been scheduled for the new year as part of a battle by two developers with local authorities to build a large estate on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Hopkins Homes and Barratt David Wilson Homes are appealing a decision by both Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk Council to refuse plans for 660 homes on land off Humber Doucy Lane.

The proposals, submitted in April, were thrown out by the authorities in June because the project did not properly meet the needs of the community.

Now, the developers will bring a case before the authorities in a bid to get the decision reversed.

A two-week public inquiry will begin on January 21 and run until February 19.

Members of the public are able to attend the hearing, either in public at Grafton House, in Ipswich, East Suffolk House, in Melton, or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

However, the hearing on the final day will only take place at Grafton House.

A spokesman for Barratt Redrow and Hopkins Homes said the site was ripe for development.

He said: “While we are disappointed to find ourselves in the position of pursuing this appeal, Barratt Redrow and Hopkins Homes remain committed to the early delivery of much-needed homes on this sustainable, allocated site.

“Our proposed development not only aligns with the community’s pressing housing needs but also supports the broader objectives of sustainable development as outlined in the local plan.”

Parcels of land running between Seven Cottages Lane and the railway line, next to Tuddenham Road and behind Westerfield House, were earmarked for the project.

Ipswich and East Suffolk Council expressed the need for affordable homes in the area. However, they felt future projects should align with their visions for sustainable growth.

The number of homes – originally planned to be 600 – exceeded allocations.

The borough council also called for a transitional green space to the north of the site to separate it from the surrounding countryside.

When a consultation into the plans launched in October last year, residents expressed their concerns to SuffolkNews.

The proposals also called into question the future of Ipswich Rugby Football Club at its site in Humber Doucy Lane amid fears it may have to move, as the development would have robbed it of two pitches.

Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council and Tuddenham St Martin Parish Council also objected to the plans, alongside Sport England and National Highways.

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