PLANS for the demolition of a village's former bus depot to build new houses have been recommended for approval.

Babergh District Council's planning committee is due to discuss a bid submitted by Rosper Estates to build a commercial unit alongside 14 new apartments and houses in Church Square, Bures St Mary, near Sudbury.

The new homes would be built after the substantial demolition of the former Chambers bus depot, the total demolition of outbuildings and in-filling of former vehicle inspection pits.

The bid follows planning permission granted in 2022 for a local convenience store and 10 new homes, which has since been deemed unviable.

Planning officers have said the benefits of repairing and reusing redundant buildings, most of which were said to be in a poor state, would outweigh the potential harm.

Bures St Mary Parish Council said it supported the plans and the transformation of the site, but expressed disappointment at changes made to the new building's proposed appearance over the application's life.

The parish council said: "We regret the removal of those features which added authentic interest and character to the new dwellings and which has now rendered the buildings somewhat nondescript and mundane.

"This is a missed opportunity to create a significant centrepiece for the very heart of the village."

Should they be approved during the committee's meeting on Wednesday, the proposals would warrant £157,955 in statutory developer's contributions meant for school provision, transport and library improvements.

Though the council's strategic housing team requested a further £246,792 contribution to make up for the lack of affordable homes included in the scheme, a viability assessment submitted by the applicant showed it would make the development unviable.