A ‘once in a generation’ vision to transform a Newmarket neighbourhood – including the replacement of 263 homes – has been adopted by West Suffolk Council.
The revised plans for the Rowley Drive estate were laid out to the council by affordable housing provider Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL) at its committee meeting on April 14.
The redevelopment scheme would see seven blocks of flats at Icewell Hill, Churchill Court and Regent Court demolished and replaced with new, mostly three or four-storey blocks.
New open spaces would also be introduced while maintaining the neighbourhood’s important role for horse movement.
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.”
The latest update comes after the vision was first unveiled in September 2025, followed by a formal six-week public consultation in October and November which saw more than 5,000 pieces of feedback submitted to the housing association.
Artists’ impressions were initially shared by the housing association last year but were withdrawn as they gave the impression plans had been finalised.
Concerns had also been raised by Newmarket Town Council over the height, density and form of the new buildings – with developers initially saying up to 400 new homes could be built throughout the neighbourhood.
The adoption of the masterplan does not mean the scheme has been given planning permission and only acts as informal planning guidance.
Detailed proposals for each phase of the redevelopment would require their own full planning applications.
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.”
Simon Lea, Director at project partners, architecture firm Levitt Bernstein, said: “We’re pleased to see the Rowley Drive masterplan adopted, as it marks an important step towards regenerating a neighbourhood that better reflects the needs and aspirations of local residents.
“The adoption of the masterplan provides an essential framework to guide future work, and we look forward to seeing the project move into more detailed stages, working collaboratively with the community to achieve meaningful, long‑term change.”
