Plans for 48 affordable homes in a Suffolk village have been given the final green light.

A unanimous decision by members of Babergh's planning committee will see the homes built on land east of Rotherham Road, in Bildeston, which is currently laid to grass.

Members considered the reserved matters application, which included details of appearance, scale, layout, and landscaping after outline permission was granted back in 2017.

Rachel Morwood, the planning agent representing Orbit Homes, said the scheme would be essential for families in need.

She added: "[The scheme] relieves these families from the stress and uncertainty of the increasingly unaffordable rents in the private sector."

This feeling was echoed by several councillors. Cllr John Whyman said: "I think it's really brave of Bildeston in a core village to take more social housing and more development."

The make-up of the homes will see mainly two and three-bed houses being built, 38 of which are set to be shared ownership and the remaining 13 designed for social rent.

There were some concerns raised with officers and the applicant over accessibility, but the topic had already been addressed in 2017, meaning details could no longer be up for consideration.

A further three objections were received raising concerns over design, sustainability, traffic, and drainage but officers considered these concerns had been properly addressed by the company.

The officer's report stated: "It is considered that the proposed design sits comfortably with the adjoining development while still incorporating the traditional design elements that are particularly pronounced within the village.

"The site would deliver significant levels of affordable housing over and above the amount agreed — this is a significant benefit of the development and would help to address district-wide need.