Developers at the former HMS Ganges site have briefed a Babergh councillor and senior planning officer about progress of the first phase and pans for phases two and three.

Councillor Derek Davis, Ganges ward member for Babergh along with a senior planning officer and some parish councillors, met with representatives from Galliard and Wavensmere, including its managing director and chairman, on site for an update.

CMG demolished

They walked around the first phase and went into one of the first houses to be built, which are nearing completion and saw the work on the roundabout which will link the main B1456 and the spine road leading down to Shotley marina.

The roundabout is expected to be completed by July but will initially only feed the first group of houses, and final permissions need to be obtained by Suffolk Highways.

Once the work has been completed the whole site will be completely open and accessible. All facilities, including cafe, large grocery shop, gym facilities, retail units and open spaces will be open to all villagers.

Work on the refurbishment of the iconic mast being carried out by TS Rigging continues to progress well and on course to be completed by the summer of 2024.

Watched by a hawk.

The ceremonial gates in Caledonian Road will provide pedestrian access and large sections of the black railings will be retained along with protected trees for screening.

Plans for phases two and three are being finalised and discussions between the developers and Babergh continue to ensure benefits to all residents are secured, and the viability is maintained.

Cllr Davis said: "It was a very useful meeting and I'm delighted to see tangible proof of what we have been hearing about for years is actually being delivered.

"Having a extra 300 homes or so homes in the village will have an impact so it is important that we also get all the promised benefits.

"It is also vital we continue to work to ensure the infrastructure matches the growth and I will continue working with various partners to make that happen."