A view of Chilton Woods from a local resident

I cannot comment at present on the reactions to the latest plans for a major development to the north of Sudbury which has been designated ‘Chilton Woods’.  The County Council is the principal landowner, and as such, will be seeking planning permission later in the year. 

I have however received the words below from Brian Tora, local writer and broadcaster, and formerly the Chairman of Little Waldingfield Parish Council.   This was part of an article that was published in the Box River News recently and Brian has given permission for me to reproduce it here. 

I think that many of the points he makes represent the views of others who attended one of the community engagement events over recent weeks. These were all very well attended, and officers will be sifting and assessing the feedback received in advance of finalizing the plans for an application.

Brian writes:

I have had cause to visit the new Sudbury Health Centre close to Homebase on Chilton industrial estate. Very smart it is too, though I gather it has had its share of teething problems. Its location makes it most convenient for the proposed Chilton Woods development, should it ever go ahead. With such a major building programme on the cards, I thought it sensible to take myself to one of the exhibitions setting out the County Council’s plans.

Building between Tescos and the old Chilton aerodrome has been on the cards for some time. The last developer to get involved, Redrow – a very large national housebuilder, withdrew on the basis that it would be difficult to make money from it. But the County Council is anxious to realise value for an asset it largely owns (about a third of the proposed site is in private hands), while Babergh are under pressure to deliver more homes in the District. The 1250 houses mooted for Chilton Woods would provide over a fifth of the number they need.

It is hard to find supporters for the scheme, though. In a way, this is a pity. Clearly much thought has gone into determining the nature of the development, with a proper village centre planned for Chilton, including a village green and a pub – and there aren’t many new pubs being built these days. Ancillary services include a new school, employment opportunities through new industrial units, maybe a hotel (badly needed in Sudbury) and the possible re-siting of the Sandy Lane recycling plant on the edge of the development, beyond the Tesco store. Having spent too much time queuing to dispose of rubbish in the narrow approach to our existing plant, I view that as a plus.

But the principal objection appears to be the added burden this development would place on our already crowded roads. Sudbury can be a nightmare for drivers, particularly on market days. The heavy lorries that plough through our narrow streets must be damaging some of the historic houses, which Sudbury is fortunate to possess, as well as providing a hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike. While overall I believe the Chilton Woods development should be a plus for our area, I can only hope that the authorities plough back the money they receive into road improvements that make life better for those living and visiting Sudbury, rather than just coping with any extra traffic created by the new homes.