|
A decision to throw out plans to build sheltered apartments for the elderly in the centre of Sudbury has been backed at appeal by The Planning Inspectorate.
In May, members of Babergh District Council’s Development Control Committee refused to grant outline planning permission to developers McCarthy & Stone for the proposal, which would have seen a reasonably large residential development in the town including elderly accommodation, house manager’s office, some small retail outlets, landscaping and car parking.
McCarthy & Stone appealed against Babergh’s decision and a Planning Inquiry sat at the beginning of October.
A decision by the Inspectorate was released at the end of last week – and backed Babergh’s refusal of the application by dismissing the appeal.
Chris Gossop, from The Planning Inspectorate, said in his decision papers the development would prejudice the emergence of a coherent development brief for a high quality redevelopment of the area, there would be an adverse effect on the vitality and viability of the town centre area contrary to the Local Plan and the benefits of the proposed development were outweighed by the harm that would be caused.
Cllr John Hinton, Chairman of Babergh’s Development Control Committee, said: “I am delighted our decision has been upheld by the Planning Inspectorate. It shows that Babergh’s Local Plan is an important - and vital – part of the planning process and the Inspectorate respects the policies set out within it.”
And Rich Cooke, Babergh’s Planning Policy Manager, added: “Babergh is also extremely pleased that the Council’s clear approach has been vindicated by an external, independent authority.
“The site in question forms a key element of a much larger and wider possible redevelopment area. In turn, this presents a very rare and valuable opportunity to strengthen and promote the well being of Sudbury town centre.
“Babergh firmly believes the rejected development would have offered nothing towards achieving such important objectives.” ENDS
|