PLANS for a host of new homes along the A127 have been thrown out... after over-development fears were put forward.

Two planning applications were thrown out this week which would have seen up to 30 homes built in Prince Avenue.

The plans were rejected with concerns raised over highways issues, over-development, and a lack of parking.

New Labour council leader, Ian Gilbert, insisted he would not rule out further development neighbouring the A127 in the future, but insisted it must be “appropriate” for the area.

He said: “There is always a balance that needs to be struck, as we all know, we need new homes but they have to be of the right type and in the right locations.

“I would never say: ‘No, we will not provide new homes,’ but the development control committee have to take note of the plans and the issues and form a view. And in this case they have formed the view it is not suitable.

“Whenever you talk about homes, particularly about homes near main, busy, roads like the A127, you have to really account for issues relating to highways and traffic, as well as parking.”

He added: “There is a lot of housing surrounding the A127, and I would not rule out future development there, but it has to be appropriate and suitable.”

If approved, the plans would have seen one development create 12 flats in a three storey block and eight houses built at 277 Prince Avenue.

While the other rejected plans would have seen two, three-storey blocks made up of 11 flats built at the rear of 95 Prince Avenue.

Both sets of plans were rejected at a development control committee meeting on Wednesday, with the decision notice issued the following day.

Officer’s reports indicated a number of concerns relating to both sites, including access, over-development on small plots of land, with the plans for 277 Prince Avenue development falling within a designated employment area.