Rushmere parish council objects to Ipswich Humber Doucy Lane

Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council discussed the planning application by developers Barratt David Wilson and Hopkins Homes on Thursday.

The developers had submitted plans to Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk Council to convert about 80 acres of land into 660 homes, of which just under a third would be affordable. 

However, the parish council objected to the plans due to the possible impact on traffic in the area.

The council said the development would bring additional traffic harming Humber Doucy Lane, which serves as an important connection to Ipswich Hospital for residents living to the north of the town.

A parish council spokesperson said: "Increased traffic from the Ipswich Garden Suburb (Henley Gate) is not considered in the traffic survey and this should be considered as part of the impact of traffic on Humber Doucy Lane."

The council further objected to the plans, saying that it does not meet the policy requirement of Active Travel England - including provisions for a segregated cyclist facility.

The parish council believe the impact of increased traffic should be considered (Image: Derry Salter)

The junction of Seven Cottages Lane and Humber Doucy Lane also has restricted visibility, due to a bend in the road, and increased traffic could cause danger to motorists, the council said.

It said this violates the policy set by the borough council and hence is one more objection put forth by the parish council. 

The council also expressed concerns over the number of school places and health services.

Both developers have said they will make contributions for school places in the area.

Matt Ward, land and planning director of Hopkins Homes, had previously said: "The site offers a highly sustainable location and will allow for the delivery of high-quality open space and green infrastructure and community facilities."

The plans are undergoing a public consultation.