Babergh's planning committee have this morning given the green light for new cycle paths to be laid between Chelmondiston and Holbrook as part of its approval for a landowner to build 22 new houses in Woolverstone and on the outskirts of Freston.

Councillors voted seven for and three against, in favour of Cllr David Busby's proposal to accept the officer's recommendation for approval, seconded by Cllr Susan Ayres, following the 90 minute hearing held in person at Endeavour House.

Peninsula farmer and landowner Geoff Mayhew had applied for a mix of 22, one, two and three-bedroom red brick houses over five sites, two of which will be used as affordable social homes.

The scheme includes an extension of the Berners Hall car park area with an improved entrance. Dedicated open space for community use, and cycle lanes between Chelmondiston to Woolverstone Hall, and another from Woolverstone to Holbrook.

Designer Roger Balmer, speaking as agent on behalf of Mr Mayhew who is part a third generation farming family based in Woolverstone and surrounding villages, told the committee: "This is a truly unique and complex proposal in which we have sensitively woven a definable layer of development and landscaping into the grain of this historic village.

"We have undertaking a detailed process to ensure the proposal is well considered and appropriate. This has been a design led exercise driven by our client's desire to create the best realistic ft for the village as a whole, rather purely a monetary return based on a financial matrix - this is far from that."

In answer to questions he also added that the two affordable homes would be taken on by Hastoe housing association, where one be used for affordable renting and the other on a shared ownership basis.

He confirmed electric car charging points would be fitted at each home, footpaths would be widened,

The committee heard the AONB, Suffolk Highways, Heritage and Holbrook parish council had not objected.

Cllr Busby accepted it was finely balanced decision to make but pointed out no statutory bodies objected and it was recommended by for approval.

He also pointed out if the applicant had put in for five separate permissions, Babergh and the community would not get any affordable houses or befits.

Cllr Busby added: "The cycle path from Chelmondiston to Holbrook is probably going to be one of the most pleasant cycle routes you can take, it is beautiful countryside around there."

Objector Simon Pearce, speaking on behalf of Woolverstone parish council, said: "This application seeks to find a way around planning restrictions for building in the country side, in our view.

"It is a conjuring trick with the cycle paths used as a glamorous assistant to take your eyes off what is really happening here. That is building 22 houses in open countryside in protected landscape and impacting of our heritage assets."

He also pointed out that Woolverstone should not be designated at a hinterland village, but should be identified as a hamlet, and the new development would represent a 21% growth in the village.

Mr Pearce also rejected the public benefits and denied there was a need for a bigger, better car park, or villagers wanted dedicated open space.

Planning committee member and Stour ward member (which includes Holbrook) Mary McLaren aired concerns about who would use the cycle lanes, which would total around 3.5 miles, and the access to the two dwellings on Harkstead Lane.

You can watch the whole meeting on Babergh's YouTube channel shown above. The Woolverstone application starts at 10:15 minutes into meeting.