The Development Control Committee of West Suffolk Council met on Wednesday 29 April 2026 to discuss a range of planning matters. The committee approved amendments to the public speaking protocol and granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the former St James's CEVA Middle School site in Bury St Edmunds.

Amendments to Public Speaking Protocol

The committee approved two minor amendments to their public speaking protocol, which will come into effect from the next scheduled meeting on 3 June 2026. These changes include a slight alteration to the wording regarding data protection and the introduction of an online form as an additional method for registration.

Redevelopment of Former St James's CEVA Middle School, Bury St Edmunds

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the former St James's CEVA Middle School site at The Vinefields, Bury St Edmunds¹. The approved plans involve the partial demolition of existing school buildings, the conversion of three buildings to create 14 residential dwellings, and the construction of nine new dwellings in three terrace blocks. The development also includes associated parking and landscaping.

The application was considered a departure from the local plan as the site lies outside the designated housing settlement boundary. However, officers considered the site to be previously developed land, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)² places substantial weight on the redevelopment of such sites. A key benefit of the proposal is the significant heritage-related improvements, including the repair and long-term maintenance of the Grade 1 listed and scheduled monument precinct wall that borders the site. Historic England³ considered that these public benefits outweighed the low level of less than substantial harm to the heritage assets.

Concerns were raised by objectors, including the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership⁴ and the Bury Society⁵, regarding the visual impact of the new terrace blocks (Terraces B and C) on the setting of the Abbey of St Edmund Scheduled Monument and the River Lark Valley. They argued that these buildings would be too close to the river and Abbey ruins, appearing intrusive and obscuring views of the precinct walls.

The committee also discussed the provision of 23 new dwellings, the reuse of brownfield land, and improvements to active travel infrastructure. The vacant building credit⁶ mechanism meant that no affordable housing was required on this development.

The decision to approve the application was made with 13 votes in favour and one against.