Council Faces Legal Challenge over New Homes Plan

Babergh Council is facing a High Court battle over controversial plans to build dozens of new homes in Bildeston.

Protestors claim they have been overwhelmed by the level of support for their cause, and residents in the village have raised over £20,000 to help fund the legal fight.

Jocelyn Targett from Keep Bildeston Beautiful claims Babergh Council has flouted planning law by approving the plans without proving that the homes are actually needed. He said:

"We are not a bunch of NIMBYs – in fact we do want houses in our back garden rather than on the edge of the village. There are brownfield sites in the village which should be developed first. The support from people living here has been terrific.

"We all appreciate that new homes are needed in the area but the council has not proved local need."

A spokesman for Babergh Council said:

"One of the factors driving growth is the Office of National Statistics' prediction that over the next 20 years the populations of Babergh and Mid Suffolk will grow by 10 per cent and 20 per cent respectively which, along with other factors such as increasing life expectancy and the smaller number of people in each household, translates into up to 20,000 new homes needed across the two districts by 2036."

If you are involved in a planning dispute, our specialist mediation solicitors may be able to help. Call us on 01206 299282 to discuss your circumstances.

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