BABERGH District Council has agreed to sell land once again after the previous bidder pulled out.

Cllr John Ward, Babergh's leader, asked cabinet members have given the green light to selling a portion of land next to the Weaver's Meadow residential development, in Ipswich Road, Hadleigh.

The council had initially approved the sale of the land in May, but it was revealed the bidder had now decided to withdraw its offer due to construction costs being higher than anticipated.

Cllr Ward said it was disappointing to see the offer withdrawn, but stressed the need to sell the land.

"It will bring that land back into use, and it will provide employment in Hadleigh," he said.

In 2021, the council stated that it wanted to develop the land with an employment scheme for eight to 10 starter units for light industrial uses, creating around 49 new full-time jobs, but decided against it after it found the project to be unviable.

Last year, it agreed to the sale of part of the site to be used as a Starbucks drive-through.

The latest proposal is to sell the land to a local developer, although details were kept confidential as sensitive financial information.

Cllr Derek Davies stressed the disappointment about the previous scheme not progressing, but was optimistic about the new bid.

"We know the new people are trustworthy," he said, "it's good business for the council and it's good business for our residents."

Cllr John Whyman added the new bidder had a 'proven track record of delivery'.

Any future development will depend on planning permission.

Hadleigh Town Council, which had an interest in buying the land, confirmed in February it would not submit any bids.

Councillors agreed to the sale unanimously.