Holiday lodge plans at Brett Vale Golf Course, in Raydon, near Ipswich, refused by Babergh District Council after development and environmental concerns raised
Plans for 38 new holiday lodges at a golf club have been refused due to concerns about its impact on the environment and neighbourhoods.
Brett Vale Golf Course, in Noaks Road, Raydon, near Ipswich, lodged the change of land use application with Babergh District Council on September 26 last year, which was rejected today.
The project also caused concern with the village’s parish council, which felt the number of lodges was ‘far too many’, as well as noting the potential impact on the environment and wildlife.
The application attracted 40 public comments, of which 35 were objections.
A statement outlining the reasons for the refusal, signed by chief planning officer Philip Isbell, said: “This proposal fails to present suitable justification of an overriding business need for the additional tourist accommodation at this site, in the countryside.
“Furthermore, the proposed change of use of land for the siting of an additional 38-lodges adjacent to the boundary of the AONB amounts to development of an inappropriate scale for its context, that does not respect the tranquil and scenic character of the landscape.”
Holton St Mary Parish Council also lodged an objection to the application, making reference to the Babergh District local plan and raising points where the plans would infringe upon this.
The refusal statement further noted that the plans contained insufficient surface water management regarding drainage.
It also made reference to how the application would be go against local neighbourhood plans, namely the Joint Local Plan of Barbergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
Regarding the potential for disturbance of wildlife, it was said that the project would likely impact on ‘sensitive interest features’ of the area.
It also added that the applicant did not provide a proportionate financial contribution to any ecological mitigation and enhancement measures.
