Dear All

Welcome to the first of a series of email newsletters from Babergh aimed at keeping local stakeholders, especially parish councils, up-to-date about the future of the former HMS Ganges site.

Babergh's guiding principles

Babergh takes the opinion of the Secretary of State in her July ruling as the starting point for future deliberations. In particular, Ms Kelly stated that the site of HMS Ganges needs to be re-used and that the principle of residential re-development has been established. She states that “….while an alternative application might still raise concerns in terms of access, sustainability and traffic, it is possible, perhaps through a reduction in the total number of dwellings and a different mix of employment and residential uses of the site, that these impacts could be reduced to acceptable levels”.

What has happened since June?

While in many respects there has been very little to report back upon, the applicant Haylink Ltd. has contacted Babergh on a couple of occasions recently with a view to start discussions with the Council. We believe that it is their intention to come forward, informally at first, with new proposals in light of the Secretary of State's decision.

Babergh aims to keep interested parties up-to-date as to how these communications are progressing , and to ensure that both we and the applciant engage with all stakeholders in the consideration of the future of this site. It is unlikely, however, that there will be any formal application made before the middle of next year.

What will be happening in the near future?

Babergh is keen to meet with local parish councils as the details of any conversations with Haylink emerge. As previously, Babergh would welcome any timely observations and comments as this process unfolds.

We hope you found this issue of Ganges News useful.

Rgds

Paul Simon

Paul Simon ACIPR

Communications & PR Manager

t: 01473 826634

f: 01473 825742

m: 0776 4195331