Humber Doucy Lane home developers react to refusal

Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk Council rejected the plans for Humber Doucy Lane on Tuesday, stating the lack the environmental impact, loss of rugby pitches, lack of transport links and objections by National Highways amongst their reasons for refusal. 

However, developers Barratt David Wilson and Hopkins Homes, who submitted an outline application in April, say they will try again to deliver the housing. 

A spokesperson for them said: "The project team behind the development of 660 new homes at Humber Doucy Lane is disappointed by Ipswich Borough Council’s decision to refuse the outline plans for the site."

They added that the lane between Humber Doucy Lane and Tuddenham Lane is designated for residential development and that the local authorities should have supported their plan on principle.

"Regardless of this setback, we remain committed to achieving a successful outcome in delivering much-needed new homes and community facilities on this allocated site. We will review our options and explore the best possible path forward," they added. 

The historic Ipswich Rugby Club, which has been in the area for 150 years, would have also have been impacted by the development's approval and spoke in November about the active search to find a space to relocate. 

The loss of two pitches raised concerns from Sports England. 

Both organisations told the borough council that they wish to be consulted over provisions for additional pitches for the club before the plan is approved. 

RFU objected to the plans over the loss of the pitches (Image: Stock image of Ipswich Rugby Club/Newsquest)Ipswich Rugby Club chairman Mike Hancock welcomed the decision (Image: Newsquest)

The club's chairman Mike Hancock said: "The club re-states its position (endorsed by The Rugby Football Union and Sport England) that the loss of two rugby pitches and adjoining training areas would have a severely detrimental effect on the club's ability to deliver rugby to the Ipswich and wider community.

"We welcome discussions on a way forward that protects not only Ipswich Rugby Club member's interests but that of the local community who we have been involved with for over 150 years as one of the oldest rugby union clubs in the world."

Rushemere St Andrews Parish Council had also submitted their objections to this plan stating that the plans would make the road unsafe for pedestrians. 

In response to the refusal, their spokesperson said: "The parish council as consultees in the planning process, welcomes East Suffolk's response to this application.

"In the light of concerns raised by local residents, Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council look forward to future proposals made by the applicants for this development."

Tuddenham St Martins Parish Council has also submitted similar objections to the plans and welcomed the decision taken by the councils. 

National Highways had also submitted thier objections to the plans

The National Highways committee had added to these concerns stating the plans would put too much pressure on the A12, its service roads and the junctions.

Finally, Network Rail has also objected to it, claiming that the Westerfield Road station will not be able to take additional traffic from the new residents in the area, due to its small platforms, lack of parking provisions and unsafe crossings. 

Network Rail objected to the plans on the grounds that Westerfield Road Station could not take the additional traffic (Image: Greater Anglia)

If the plans had been approved by the borough council, it would see a mix of 660 flats and houses a third of which would be affordable. 

Additionally, Barratt David Wilson and Hopkins Homes had also made provisions for a retail space and a nursery for 57 children at the site. 

The council are still actively seeking applications for additional housing between Humber Doucy Lane and Tuddenham Lane.

In a joint statement, the councils wrote: "The development of new housing, and especially affordable housing, is a top priority for Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk District Council, especially on sites allocated within our Local Plans.

"With the growing demand for housing, we are keen to see this strategic, allocated site developed. However, the proposals need to align with our strategic vision for sustainable and balanced growth."