Vote against Grove Farm and keep Stradbroke a village

People often say there is no point in voting and sometimes they have a point. But on May 7th this year there is every reason for Stradbroke residents to vote and send a clear message to the Parish and District councils about the future of our village.

If we didn't know it before the market research commissioned as part of the neighbourhood plan for Stradbroke told us clearly what most Stradbroke residents want. We want Stradbroke to stay the small friendly village we grew up in or moved into. We don't want Stradbroke to turn into a small town.

Just before the elections the Grove Farm development - which appears to get bigger each time it is proposed - has reared its head again.

Local blogger and author Richard Pierce-Saunderson has already blogged about this and sent his objection to Mid Suffolk which sums up the situation so well I quote it in full below:

I went to the public consultation on this proposed development, and what I saw did not impress me at all. The proposed development is too large for this village in many ways, and will significantly adversely affect the village in very many ways. 

The first issue, in my view, is that the village does not currently have the infrastructure to deal with this sudden explosion of housing. The doctor's surgery is already oversubscribed, power failures are not uncommon, broadband infrastructure is not fit for purpose, and the roads especially are not capable of taking any more significant traffic flow. 

Traffic is the second issue to address. The proposed Co-op development on Queen Street has already been objected to (and withdrawn, for the time being) because of traffic issues. This proposed development will add significant traffic flow to Queen Street, the busiest road in the village, and the exit of preference for people driving from the village to Diss and other northern settlements. This development would seriously increase the risk of a fatal accident on that road, and I feel that the planned road layout for the development is extremely poorly thought out. 

Third, the development is seriously out of character for the village and would, in fact, totally change the character of the village. It does not abide by the commonly agreed view that the village should retain its narrow waist in order to retain views of the countryside. Nor does it abide by the agreed view that the village would benefit most from small, discrete developments which would not be intrusive. This development would definitely be intrusive. The design of the houses, too, is not in keeping with the character of current habitations. 

The proposed development is obtrusive and absolutely unsuitable for the village of Stradbroke. It would contribute in no way to the economic and cultural development of the village, and I vigorously oppose it.

Stradbroke residents that are opposed to the Grove Farm development as proposed should consider voting for candidates in the Parish and District council elections who clearly indicate they will oppose the development. This will send a very strong message to both councils.

If you want to have your say on the development you have until 21st April to give their views to Mid Suffolk District Council who will determine the application then you have a few options:

• You can make a comment online on the Mid Suffolk Planning Website (note you have to register first on the site to comment)
• You can email Mid Suffolk District Council planningadmin@midsuffolk.gov.uk
• You can come along to the Parish Council Meeting on Monday 13th April and tell the parish council your view