The first phase of a major development in Ipswich which includes almost 200 homes has been given the green light.

On Wednesday, Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee approved plans by Bellway Homes to build 198 homes.

This is the first phase of a larger 815-home project coming to the Garden Suburb, formerly Northern Fringe, in north Ipswich. 

It is a part of the Ipswich Garden Project, which includes other major developments in the town such as Henley Gate, and involves building new homes in the town's green spaces.

The development at Westerfield Road will have two, three or four-bed family houses, as well as one and two-bed flats.

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

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 placed conditions for the developers 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 electric vehicle charging on the site and street name plates, utilities and lighting would all have to be agreed as well.

This phase also includes provisions for restaurants, pubs and takeaways, and space for a health centre, a leisure centre, buildings for business uses and a primary school.

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