BRICK DOCK: PLANNING APPEAL BY DEVELOPER FOR PERMISSION TO BUILD 43 HOUSES
Reference_ APP/J3530/W/17/3172629
Brickfield Barns, Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
The Alde and Ore Association is concerned to protect the estuary and its use and enjoyment for all members of the public. The proposed development at Brick Dock to build a further 43 houses would effectively urbanise that corner of the valley, creating a swathe of roofs, instead of the green country corner, and having windows overlooking the river creating both a built up effect and light pollution both at night and from glinting glass during the day. The larger housing area is also likely to affect the relative tranquillity of the Brick Dock shore affecting the much prized range of habitual migratory and residential birds, the presence of which is acknowledged by the range of natural environment protection designations. The Association has already submitted three full objections to the proposal during the course of its hearings in Suffolk Coastal District Council in 2013, 2015 and 2016.
The developer has now taken his case to appeal with the Secretary of State. The Association, as others have done, submitted a further objection against the appeal in 2017. A Public Inquiry will now take place for at least five days beginning Tuesday 11 September. There are many local people, organisations and bodies representing different interests and a single counsel covering all their overlapping interests is being engaged.
The Aldeburgh Society has taken on the co-ordinating role of collecting in the funds to meet the costs of some £15,000. Given the need to use money and resources most effectively and the strict planning inquiry process the Association Trustees have decided that the Association’s key concerns to protect the environment can best be met by contributing £1000 to the fund which is being collected on behalf of all by the Aldeburgh Society.
Alde and Ore Association members are also invited to contribute directly if they so wish. For further details see the Aldeburgh Society’s website, www.aldeburghsociety.org.uk.
Alison Andrews
Chairman of the Alde and Ore Association
23 July 2018