The first phase of a major development in Ipswich, which includes nearly 200 homes, is set to be discussed next week.

Ipswich Borough Council has been recommended to approve the first phase of a 815-home development being built in Westerfield Road.

The larger Ipswich Garden Project, which includes other major developments in the town such as Henley Gate, involves building new homes in the town's green spaces.

The first phase of the Westerfield Road development, being built by Bellway Homes, would result in 198-homes being built, with 22 of these being affordable housing.

The development will consist of mainly family houses, comprising of two, three or four bed houses, but there will also be one and two bed flats available.

A number of concerns have been raised including increased traffic, an increase in light pollution, harm to the natural habitat and the fact it would change the semi-rural character of the area.

In a report to the planning committee, the plans have been recommended for approval and officers have suggested requirements the developer would be asked to meet.

These include submitting more details in regards to the development's boundary treatments and gates and around the materials used such as bricks, roof finishes and elevations.

Details about EV charging on the site and street name plates, utilities and lighting would all have to be agreed also.

This first phase is part of an 815-home development which will also include restaurants, pubs and takeaways.

It will also include a health centre, a leisure centre, buildings for business uses and a primary school.

Each house will also have its own solar PV system and the plans also include provisions for an electric substation to meet the energy needs of the residents. 

The development will be done on the grounds of the Fonnereau neighbourhood which would connect it to two neighbourhoods, Redhouse Farm and Henley Gate.