Plans submitted by Persimmon Homes for 138 new properties look set to be granted approval at Mid Suffolk District Council's development control committee this week.

The project, covering over 11 acres south of Eye Airfield, is the first phase of a development that could see 265 homes built at the site.

The scheme is made up of 10 two-bedroom, 58 three-bedroom, 16 four-bedroom and 26 five-bedroom properties, as well as 16 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom affordable homes.

The design statement for the project, prepared by Pegasus Design, on behalf of Persimmon Homes, says: "The proposed development will create housing choice and provide areas of accessible public open space, whilst improving public access across the site and the wider pedestrian network.

"The site layout is founded on best practice urban design principles, community integration and sustainable development, with strong links to the wider area. It aims to create a development for the 21st century, while reflecting the desirable elements of the local vernacular.

"The development respects, as well as draw inspiration from the local character of Eye but also move the community towards a more sustainable future, through a significant increase in housing choice."

Documents from the upcoming development committee meeting disclose the reasons why the scheme looks set to be given the green light: "The layout of the site would provide a significant amount of open space within the development and Eye is noted as being deficient in its provision of open space.

"The appearance of development within the scheme shifts within the site dependent on its location and the overall design is traditional, taking key elements of design from the character of development seen within Eye itself and is reflective of the traditional design aesthetic visible within the town."

Ward member, councillor Peter Gould said: "The suitability of this site for the proposed housing development was agreed some time ago.

"The Eye Neighbourhood Development Plan was agreed by the town in May last year with a big majority and this development was included having been given outline approval in 2018.

"Over recent months the town council and I have been working with the applicant Persimmon Homes to improve the proposals in meeting Eye’s needs.

"If the committee approves the application, this will be a significant step forward in delivering Eye’s Neighbourhood Plan."

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes Suffolk said: “Following extensive liaison with Mid Suffolk District Council and Eye Town Council, we submitted our latest development proposals at the end of last year.

“Our plans would provide 138 new homes, of which 28 would be designated as affordable homes for local people.

“We welcome the officer recommendation for approval and hope that the application will be approved by the planning committee on 9 February.”

The Mid Suffolk development committee meeting takes place on Wednesday, February 9.