Suffolk County Council recommends less houses at HMS Ganges (South Suffolk Liberal Democrats)

South Suffolk Liberal Democrats <southsuffolklibdems@googlemail.com>

Suffolk County Council recommends less houses at HMS Ganges

April 11, 2005 3:30 PM

Dave Wood and Kathy Pollard holding an HMS Ganges brochure by a 'Stop Ganges Plan' sign

Councillors Dave Wood and Kathy Pollard

Suffolk County Council has recommended that planning permission for 325 houses at HMS Ganges be refused on the grounds that such a large development is not sustainable. The Executive Committee, including Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate, Kathy Pollard, recommended instead that planning permission be granted for 200 homes, providing the developers improve public services and infrastructure in the area.

The Committee proposes that the developer fund significant improvements to the B1546 and A137, provide more buses to Shotley and upgrade the ferry link to Harwich and make a contribution to extending the local schools.

Local Councillor, David Wood, who spoke on the development at the meeting on behalf of local residents said:

' We all recognise the fact that some development has to occur at HMS Ganges, I think that a development of 200 homes and the necessary infrastructure improvements is a sensible step forward. I still want to make sure that a sustainable community is built with shops, employment and services all accessible to the residents. '

Councillor Kathy Pollard added:

' We want to ensure that people in Shotley have improved facilities for their community, but that those living along the route are also protected as much as possible. I welcome the proposed improvements to the B1546 and A137 which will greatly benefit local people. '

The County Council recommended that the developer contribute to the following:

Highways - Improvements to the A137/B1456 and B1456/B1080 junctions, and the introduction of traffic management measures in Chelmondiston and Shotley, the latter two to be subject to local consultation before implementation;

Public transport - Contributions towards an increased frequency of bus service linking Shotley and Ipswich and bus infrastructure improvements in Shotley.

Shotley-Harwich-Felixstowe Ferry - Contributions towards improving the ferry infrastructure, including introduction of a vessel capable of all-year, all-weather operations, and towards a guaranteed service frequency;

Education - Contributions towards meeting the requirement for additional school places, but not to move Shotley Primary School to Shotley Gate.

The Planning application is subject to approval by Babergh District Council as the local planning authority