Bury West scheme approved after planning appeal success

Pigeon is pleased to announce the successful outcome of the planning appeal for their Bury West scheme – a key milestone in delivering a well-connected, sustainable new community to the west of Bury St Edmunds.

The appeal decision reflects the considerable progress made ahead of the planned Public Inquiry, with both West Suffolk and Suffolk County Councils formally withdrawing all reasons for refusal and supporting approval of the appeal. Westley Parish Council also voiced its support for the appeal to be allowed to the Secretary of State’s Inspector presiding at the Public Inquiry.

Along with the delivery of new homes, including an affordable provision exceeding policy requirements, the approved scheme includes funding for the expansion of local GP surgeries, primary & secondary education places, and enhancements to local sports, leisure, and library services. Investments are planned for new and improved active travel walking and cycling infrastructure, to be delivered by the County Council, as well as a new regular bus service. There will be the creation of a new on-site pre-school and a new country park to the west of Bury St Edmunds – providing significant ecological enhancements for the local area. Working alongside the County Council, a relief road will be delivered for the benefit of Westley.

Cllr Jim Thorndyke, Cabinet Member for Planning at West Suffolk Council, said: “There is a real need for more housing and more affordable homes in our communities as illustrated by the thousands of households on our housing register and the number of households we are working with to prevent or lift out of homelessness.

“But how it is delivered is also important which is why we have planning policies in place. The approved scheme represents growth that is both sustainable and supported by appropriate infrastructure that benefits existing communities as well as the future residents of West Suffolk.

“I am delighted that Pigeon has worked collaboratively with both West Suffolk and Suffolk County highways to overcome our concerns and bring forward a scheme which will make a notable contribution to the town. We now look forward to further discussions with the applicant to progress the scheme, which will involve the submission of further detailed planning applications and supporting Suffolk County Council with the delivery of the road.”

Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said: “Officers from SCC worked closely with Pigeon and West Suffolk Council to overcome and address all the reasons for refusal, such that both authorities were able to advise the Inspector that the appeal should be allowed.

“Alongside the approval of a scheme for up to 485 much-needed new homes, significant mitigation measures to fund local infrastructure were agreed with Pigeon. Of note, is the delivery and funding secured for the new relief road – this important piece of strategic infrastructure will help to relieve traffic congestion for Bury St Edmunds and in particular the village of Westley.”

Simon Butler-Finbow, Group Planning Director at Pigeon, adds: “We are delighted with the outcome of the appeal and particularly pleased with the collaborative approach taken by Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk. The new homes, infrastructure, and community benefits secured through the appeal process will have a lasting positive effect on the local area and for generations to come.”