After nearly 4 years of multiple building applications the Developers David Hughes – Active Urban have had their contract to build the controversial ‘Cheese Wedges’ development at Melton Hill Woodbridge terminated.
This comes after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal made by Active Urban relating to their second planning application. The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal 12th February 2020, saying that “the shortfall in affordable housing would be substantial”. Active Urban had previously withdrawn their first application in favour of attempting to win a second application that reduced the number of affordable homes for the scheme.
With this decision the council’s contract with the developers immediately comes to an end, meaning that the development will not be built. East Suffolk Council will now review and decide what happens next. Most likely the sale, development and design of the site will be rebooted. This gives East Suffolk Council the opportunity to make a fresh start and take advantage of new emerging building design technologies… much has happened in the last four years in terms of how councils view sustainability and carbon footprints. New Government policies have been introduced regarding future town development and planning – we may see the first Suffolk housing development that is exclusively for electric vehicles, with solar power and reusable water systems – perhaps an inspirational development that not only meets the requirements of all the Woodbridge Community but is a leading example of what can be done. Whether it is ultra modern or a mix of traditional frontages the local Woodbridge community hope to see the end of the brutal blocks of flats no matter how they are rotated.
This is good news not only for the local Woodbridge Community… who have always wanted better, a development that reflected and respected its surroundings, its neighbours and the need for affordable homes… but also for the wider community – hopefully it means better local town planning – unfortunately if the ‘Cheese Wedges’ had gone ahead it would have set a precedent to build further high density flats in other sensitive locations. For many the local planning procedure that was intended to involve the local community, respect and reflect this historic town had somehow failed… however both the developer and local community have the opportunity to appeal against any decision made by the council – in this case the Planning Inspectorate have dismissed the developers appeal.
Read more – Suffolk paper ‘Evening Star’: ‘Cheese wedges’ no more after planning appeal dismissed | 15th February 2020 – click here
The future of former council offices which were set to be tuned into homes is now in doubt after plans for the site fell through.
Eamonn O’Nolan, chair of Woodbridge Town Council planning committee, said: “I am delighted that the planning inspectorate has dismissed this appeal.
“A massive opportunity now exists for East Suffolk to create something really special here, which fits with its surroundings, respects the local habitat, and most importantly delivers the right mix of social housing which only a council can do.”