Hill Farm Barn

Our team’s scope of works included full planning consultancy, liaising with Ardent Consulting Engineers on highways and access, community consultation (to address concerns), and collaborating with Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council (to meet policy requirements).

Key challenges faced included access and road safety. The original road layout raised concerns about traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and congestion. To address this, Concertus collaborated with Ardent Consulting Engineers to develop a comprehensive transport strategy. This included the implementation of cost-effective traffic calming measures, road narrowing, new pedestrian crossings, and dedicated cycle-friendly routes, ensuring a safer and more efficient road network. Additionally, the site was located outside the settlement boundary which posed a significant hurdle in securing planning approval. To overcome this, the team successfully demonstrated an exceptional need for housing and infrastructure improvements, aligning the development with local planning objectives and securing policy support for its approval. Community concerns regarding parking and congestion were also carefully considered. The initial layout was refined to integrate adequate parking provisions and highway improvements, ensuring the new development would not negatively impact existing residents while enhancing connectivity for future occupants.

This site had previously been plagued by antisocial behaviour, including fires, fly-tipping, and vandalism. To combat this, the development is designed to revitalise the area, replacing the derelict farm buildings with high-quality housing, safe infrastructure, and enhanced public spaces. By introducing proper site management and community-focused improvements, the project aimed to create a safe and welcoming environment for both new and existing residents. The new development will provide a range of facilities including 2- and 3-bedroom houses, a play area and green spaces, pedestrian and cycle links to Copdock Park & Ride, shops, and Suffolk One College (minimising car dependency). A SUDS basin was integrated into the public open space, reducing the need for separate drainage infrastructure. The drainage strategy reduces flood risk and waterlogging.

Ecological constraints were a critical factor in the planning process, with the site supporting protected species such as bats, badgers, and slow worms. To mitigate this, a Biodiversity Net Gain strategy was developed, ensuring the protection of wildlife habitats. It was determined that as part of the application and future development of site, slow worms would be relocated to Belstead Country Park where their population could be better sustained, and additional landscaping measures were introduced to support local biodiversity. A 10% Biodiversity Net Gain enhancement will be achieved through tree planting, hedgerows, and habitat improvements.