Having transferred ownership of the old Deben High School site from Suffolk County Council to East Suffolk Council, work is now underway to approve planning design of the proposed development . And although its unlikely to make much difference,  local people are being invited to have their say on the housing and leisure proposals for the  site.

The Council have a statutory duty to allow public consultation on housing plans for a district. Due to covid there will be no public exhibition. However, all the designs and plans can be found on line from 12pm on Monday 7 December until 12pm on Monday 14 December.  During this time, people can view the proposed plans at

https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/features/have-your-say-on-proposals-for-former-deben-high-school-site/

and email comments to leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

Proposals for the redevelopment include a new home for Felixstowe Cricket & Bowls clubs, retention of the old Lower School Assembly Hall  – and lots and lots of new housing. In total, the master plan consists of 61 new homes built to PassivHaus standard – which is apparently a new innovative German design that conserves energy costs re heating and efficiency.

The new builds will comprise 32 affordable rented, 10 shared ownership and 19 open market homes, this equates to a 69% affordable homes contribution.

The proposed designs for the properties meet the changing needs of modern living, with the majority being south facing to help reduce energy bills, and will have home-working or office spaces as well as access to outside space either in the form of rear gardens, communal gardens or balconies.

Green spaces have been designed to connect the proposed development to the surrounding community, walking links are proposed between the new development and the park at Valley Walk. The former Assembly Hall will be retained as a community space, with the striking clock tower visible from Garrison Lane.

Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “We are committed to increasing leisure opportunities and improving the housing mix in Felixstowe, so this is an exciting scheme for the Council and for the town as it will help us to fulfil our ambitions on these two important fronts.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the consultation where they can view the exciting plans for the scheme, which showcases how the Council plan to transform this disused brownfield site into a sustainable housing and leisure development for Felixstowe.”