A contentious 161-home development on a hill in Halesworth has been given the green light - despite dozens of concerns being raised.

East Suffolk Council's planning committee north voted in favour of the reserved matters application for 161 homes on land south of Chediston Street in Halesworth last week.

With approval of reserved matters sought for the Hopkins Homes application, it centred around "residential development of 161 dwellings, together with associated infrastructure and open space".

The meeting at Riverside in Lowestoft last Tuesday, February 14 heard outline planning permission for up to 200 homes on the site had already been granted to Christchurch Land & Estates (Halesworth) in 2019, with the site in the council's adopted local plan.

The reserved matters application was approved despite councillors’ concerns about flooding, visual impact and lack of access options.

Speaking at the meeting, Peter Dutton, Halesworth Town councillor, said: "The outline application should never have been accepted in the first place.

"If this is approved it will result in Halesworth getting a large housing estate that virtually nobody in Halesworth wants."

The development will be on a hill that falls from 27m above sea level to 12m above sea level.

Of the 161 homes, 51 will be affordable, with space for nine self-build properties.

Just over four hectares from the nine-hectare site will be public open space, including a play area to the south.

Eastern Daily Press: Cllr Tony Goldson. Picture: East Suffolk CouncilCllr Tony Goldson. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: Archant)

East Suffolk councillor, Tony Goldson, who represents the Halesworth and Blything ward, said: "I have many, many concerns.

"We really shouldn't accept this. We should throw this back."

With flooding concerns raised, the lead local flood authority has assessed the flood mitigations and infiltration basin and confirmed they are acceptable.

A total of 27 objections from locals had been lodged.

Speaking afterwards, Jonathan Lieberman, Head of Planning for Hopkins Homes, said: "We are pleased that our detailed plans to create 161 high quality homes in Halesworth have been approved."