A new development featuring 65 homes in the Suffolk village of Eyke, near Woodbridge, has been given the green light by East Suffolk Council, despite concerns from local residents and parish councils.
The approval came during a meeting of East Suffolk’s planning committee, where the detailed plans submitted by Denbury Homes were reviewed. The proposed development will occupy agricultural land south of Eyke’s primary school and east of The Street. Of the 65 new homes, 21 will be designated as affordable housing. Additionally, the plans include expanding the village car park and setting aside land for the adjacent primary school’s expansion.
While the project aims to address local housing needs, it has sparked opposition. Five residents, along with the parish councils of Eyke, Bromeswell, Melton, and Hollesley, formally objected. Their concerns centered around increased traffic, the village’s speed limit, and the strain on local services.
During the meeting, Eyke resident and local councillor Isabelle Abu-Hejleh voiced the community’s worries. She highlighted the potential impact on the village’s character and described the anticipated traffic from this and other developments as “madness,” warning it could make the area even more dangerous.
In response, the planning officer acknowledged these cumulative concerns but assured that the traffic generated by Denbury Homes alone would not significantly affect the wider area. He described the 65 new dwellings as a considerable addition but not one that would overwhelm the local infrastructure.
Representing the developer, Robert Eburne emphasized that the project prioritizes local residents. “Local people in housing need will be given the first opportunity to occupy the affordable homes before they are offered to individuals connected to surrounding parishes,” he stated. Eburne also expressed eagerness to collaborate with the community to create a high-quality, sustainable, and sensitively designed development.
Despite the reservations, the committee members generally praised the quality of the plans. Councillor Colin Hedgley suggested that the development might bring new services to the village, potentially reversing the decline in local amenities. Councillor Bennett also called for provisions for alternative transportation, such as cycling and e-scooters, to reduce car dependency.
The developer will contribute nearly £850,000 to local infrastructure, including education, school transport, libraries, and waste management. Additionally, the village car park will be transferred to the parish council, with the developer either completing the expansion work or providing £41,000 for the parish council to do so.
The committee’s decision was unanimous, and construction is slated to begin in November, with the first homes expected to be ready for occupancy by October 2025.
