Third stage of Chilton Woods1,150-home development in Sudbury green-lit by Babergh District Council

The third stage of a 1,150-home development has been green-lit by councillors.

Members of Babergh's planning committee met earlier today to discuss a reserved matters application submitted by Taylor Wimpey for 149 new homes on a 5.9-hectare plot of land north of Woodhall Business Park, in Sudbury.

The plans, which also included residential amenities, open space and parking, formed the third phase of the 1,150-home Chilton Woods mixed development, which has already welcomed roughly 180 new residents.

Reserved matters applications are the last major stage of the planning process and are used to nail down details such as appearance, scale, layout, landscaping and access — all but the latter were up for consideration this morning.

Sam Caslin, planning manager at Taylor Wimpey, said the company remained committed to the whole development despite a challenging environment for housebuilders.

The homes will be heated by a new community heat network approved in March last year and awarded £700,000 in Government money later in 2023.

Officers confirmed the proposals of just 28 affordable homes, representing less than the 35 per cent council requirement, were due to a lack of site viability — earlier phases of the development provided more affordable housing than required.

The officer's report stated: "The delivery of this site is considered of strategic importance, contributing a significant amount to Babergh’s Housing Land Supply."

As part of a s106 agreement, which legally requires developers to contribute to local infrastructure, Taylor Wimpey will have to pay around £12.7 million for education, transport, sports provision and more.

Prompted by committee members, Mr Caslin agreed to provide a community defibrillator alongside the plans.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the developer.

Mr Caslin said the company hopes to get to work on-site next year.