A140 Brome service station plans deferred by council

Mid Suffolk District Council planning committee met on Wednesday to discuss proposals for land off the A140 in Brome, north Suffolk.

The outline plans had been recommended for approval, but a decision has been deferred following concerns surrounding flooding.

The north roundabout on the A140, where the service station would be located (Image: Google Maps)

Councillor Jessica Fleming, who represents the Hartismere division at Suffolk County Council, told the meeting she had concerns "that the water management elements of this application are not sufficiently comprehensive".

She added: "I would like to ask that this application is deferred until a firm position can be taken in favour of a comprehensive assessments of surface water drainage, from the point of view of both quantity and quality, and a holistic flood and water management review of the Eye Airfield area."

Phillip Freeman, of Thrandeston Parish Council, said: "There have been problems with flooding more recently than previously and the landowners say it’s the only time in living memory that there has been regular flooding.

Councillor Jessica Fleming (Image: Suffolk County Council)

"We are all aware of the events that happened last October. Nonetheless, that was an extreme event, but there was a lot of flooding associated with it."

Jack Wilkinson, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the proposal was "suitably located in a transport corridor".

He said: "This application requires a rational and logical decision, based on the fact that the locality is commercially established with established transport links.

“The site is capable of accommodating the proposed end use, the scheme will stimulate employment, supply chain services will be supported, and the units offered will mutually cohesive to the wider airfield.”

It was the second time the planning committee had debated the plans, after they were first discussed in November 2022. 

A decision was made by councillors to defer a decision.