Councillors unable to agree on possible development of Northern Fringe

Proposals to develop the Northern Fringe of Ipswich have caused conflict within the town council.

Local MPs Ben Gummer and Dr. Dan Poulter are unable to agree whether building new homes in the region is the best option for the town.

According to eadt.co.uk, Gummer believes development of the fringe is "inevitable" and that a top-class infrastructure in the area would be a "vital" boost to the town. However, Dr. Poulter believes that it would more beneficial to develop the brownfield sites near the town centre before expanding the town's boundaries.

There could be up to 4,000 more houses to let in Ipswich if the council agrees to develop the Northern Fringe of the town. According to ipswich.gov.uk, it will first seek the opinions of the general public before making a final decision.

Arguing for an expansion of the town, Gummer recently said: "There are some great examples of successful new communities in Europe and I would urge the council to look at them before a final decision is made. This has to be a first-class new development to boost the town as a whole."

Nevertheless, Dr. Poulter remains unconvinced that developing the fringe is in the town's best interests.

He said: "Before any thought is given to developing the green fields on the edge of the town, the planners should concentrate on re-using brownfield sites which would boost the town centre."

Posted 22-05-2012
Author: Joe Elvin