New council homes in Laxfield the first in Suffolk districts for nearly 30 years

Laxfield is set to welcome nine new council houses — the first to be built in two north Suffolk districts for nearly 30 years.

It is part of a project from Mid Suffolk District and Babergh Councils to build a combined 65 new homes in their areas.

Villages like Laxfield have a need for all types of housing to allow people to live in their own local area.

A sod cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday to mark the start of the work.

Four one-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom homes will be built on the Noyes Avenue site, while three two-bedroom bungalows set to be built on a separate site on Mill Road. All of the homes will be let under ‘local needs’ rules, with priority being given to people on Mid Suffolk District Council’s housing register.

The £1 million project will be carried out Lowestoft-based constructor Wellington.

In the long term, 38 council houses will be built in Mid Suffolk, with 27 set for Babergh, delivered by development partner, Havebury Housing Partnership, with the homes also to be constructed by Wellington.

Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “Villages like Laxfield have a need for all types of housing to allow people to live in their own local area.

“Mid Suffolk is committed to ensuring there are the right types of houses, the right amount, and in the right locations in our district. We are being proactive in seizing opportunities to fulfil that commitment.”

Cllr Julie Flatman, ward member for Stradbroke and Laxfield, added: “I am delighted this development will benefit the existing residents by giving them more parking and that these new homes will enable more people and families to live in the areas they grew up in, or have a connection with.

“I look forward to seeing them receive their keys, and welcoming them to the community, in the near future”