I don't know who were more shocked and surprised yesterday evening at the Acton Parish Council meeting, the 70 or so members of the public who turned out to learn about a potential new development in the field to the east of Barrow Hill, or the representatives from the owners and developers who came to present their ideas for the site.
The village clearly knew something was up since the turn out was greater than I have ever seen at a Parish Council meeting. There was quite a buzz of excitement mixed with apprehension from those whose homes were likely to be affected by any development. As the developers' ideas were revealed the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees, despite the fact that the evening sun was still bathing the playing field outside with summer warmth.
The land it seems is owned by a body called the Innominate Trust which, apparently, is a Quaker organisation. A quick Google did not come up with much, although it is clear that the Trust is keen on funding aid projects and anti slavery campaigns largely focussed on the third world.
As the Trust's representative outlined his vision for the site it was clear that Acton was not being offered just another overcrowded characterless housing estate of the type springing up all over Suffolk. It seems what is being proposed is a retirement complex that includes some 32 'special needs' bungalows and a 40 bed care home. It might also include a hairdressing salon and a library. The Trust it seems is not intending to develop this themselves but will seek outline permission and then sell the land on to an appropriate development company.
Acton was not particularly impressed by this, rightly being concerned that the promised plans would not actually materialise as described. It has to be said therefore that enthusiasm for the idea as proposed was somewhat muted. Additionally concerns were expressed about the wildlife that frequents the site and which is adjacent to the village's wildlife reserve. The usual comments about lack of adequate drainage were also heard, along with concerns about traffic on Barrow Hill. The high spot of the evening came when a member of the public asked where the entrance to the development would be situated. The answer came that there might be a land swap so that this could be driven through the existing allotments. The collective groan was palpable. The allotments! Impossible....
Planned in concentric circles, apparently residents of the proposed establishment would move steadily closer to the centre (the care home) as they age and their needs become greater. One wag was heard to remark that it might be best therefore to build the complex around a cemetery and thus provide a complete service.
I left the meeting with Colin Spence a little after most of the public had dispersed, but while the Parish Council was continuing to deliberate. As we stood in the gathering gloom we were interested to see the representative of the Trust driving away in the most enormous black shiny Mercedes Benz.
No formal planning application has yet been lodged at Babergh and no approach has been made to Suffolk County Council to see if there is actually a need for such a facility in the area. It will be interesting to see what happens next
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment