Plans to overhaul the Rowley Drive area of Newmarket have moved a step closer after West Suffolk Council's cabinet adopted the Rowley Drive Masterplan as informal planning guidance.

Prepared by Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL), the UK's largest provider of new affordable homes, the long‑term vision could, as a minimum, replace all 263 existing homes across seven blocks at Icewell Hill, Churchill Court and Regent Court.

James Payne, Director of Regeneration at BFL, said: "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do something genuinely transformative for the people who live in this part of Newmarket.

"We've been working with residents and the local community on this since 2022, and they've told us loud and clear that they want to see significant change. This approval means we can move to the next stage, enabling people to thrive in homes and a neighbourhood they can be proud of."

-- Advertisement --

BFL, which owns around 85% of the homes in the masterplan area, has engaged with residents and the wider community since 2022. More than 5,000 pieces of feedback were gathered through face‑to‑face workshops, online surveys, text messages and youth sessions with local schoolchildren, while a formal six‑week consultation last autumn attracted majority support.

The existing 1960s and 70s blocks have long faced issues including antisocial behaviour, fly‑tipping and a shortage of usable green space and play areas.

Residents have consistently argued that inaction is not an option, calling for modern, energy‑efficient, affordable‑to‑run homes, safer routes after dark, children’s play areas close to home and a neighbourhood better connected to the rest of Newmarket.

Following consultation, the masterplan was revised to remove earlier density uplift figures and computer‑generated images that suggested a finalised design. Updated height parameters now indicate most buildings would be three to four storeys, stepping down across the site.

Mr Payne said: "We've listened carefully to what residents, the town council and councillors have told us, and we've made real changes as a result.

"This masterplan is a broad vision, not a blueprint, and there will be plenty more opportunities for people to shape the detail as individual phases come forward through the planning process."

BFL has acknowledged Newmarket Town Council's concerns over building height, density and form, and has committed to continuing engagement as more detailed proposals are worked up.

The redevelopment represents a significant investment in Newmarket and is expected to be delivered in phases, with each phase requiring its own planning application.