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Your views are being sought on major development plans which could change the shape of Haverhill forever. These changes could include the creation of more than 750 new homes and a new school.

The area of land to the north west of the town, between Wratting Road and Withersfield Road, has been earmarked for development in St Edmundsbury’s Local Plan. The borough council has now put together a concept statement for the site, which will eventually be used by developers or landowners to draw up a masterplan which will shape the huge project.

St Edmundsbury is now asking for people’s views on the concept statement before it is discussed by councillors. The concept statement shows that the development could include up to 755 new homes before 2016, a primary school, open space for recreational use and local centres which could include shops and may also have community, health and recreation uses. As part of the plan, the north-west relief road linking Withersfield Road at Meldham Bridge and Wratting Road, next to the Fox public house, will be completed.

Cllr Terry Clements, portfolio holder for Transport and Planning, said:

“We asked for the opinions and ideas of local people at a planning workshop in March, and these views have already been used to help shape this concept statement. But this is a massive development which will change the shape of the town forever – so it’s vitally important to get it right.

“We’d now like to hear from even more people so their opinions can be fed back into the planning process.”

The public consultation will run until 14 August. The full concept statement is available at St Edmundsbury’s offices in Lower Downs Slade or at website address below.

Anyone who would like to make a comment can fill in a form downloaded from the website and email below or write to Planning and Engineering Services, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, St Edmundsbury House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3YU.

E-Mail Link: LDF@stedsbc.gov.uk