Shotley Parish Councillors met with representatives from Wavensmere on Monday, 13th February 2023. They asked a number of questions which had been sent to the Parish Council by our Parishioners. and the responses received (and other updates) were as follows:
Phase 1 - Will hopefully be completed by the Autumn of 2023, but understandably this will depend on the rate of sales.
Phases 2 and 3: Subject to all going well with the dialogue between the Developer and Babergh District Council Planning, it should begin in the Spring of 2024.
Retail: A major retailer is close to signing up on the dotted line for the main 4,500 sqft retail space. Non-competing businesses will take up the remaining 4/5 smaller retail units.
Roundabout: Works have already begun for the roundabout, which will link the development to the B1456, and it is hoped to be completed by the end of June, beginning of July 2023.
Signposting: There will be a public highway throughout the development, but this will not be until a later stage. This highway will be accessible to all, not just those living/working/socialising on the Ganges site. Signposting will be down to Suffolk County Council Highways and will happen in due course.
Boundary Metal Railings/Fencing: A large proportion of the metal railings will be retained (along the B1456, Caledonia Road, School Road and the first 100m or so of Marsh Lane.
Mast: The refurbishment and repairs are expected to be completed by the Summer of 2024 and will be marked by a public celebration when the time comes.
Specific enquiries from neighbouring residents: These will be answered directly by Wavensmere.
General: The Ganges site will not be a gated community or neighbourhood, as has been incorrectly rumoured. It will be open to all and accessible to all.
If you have any other queries, please email the Parish Council so they can be included in our next meeting and update.
We would like to thank Wavensmere for the opportunity to visit the site and for the information provided.