18/09/2025
Rowley Drive regeneration plans go to public consultation
An artist's impression of how Rowley Drive could look according to Flagship's draft masterplan.
Members of the public will be able to have their say on a draft masterplan for the future of a Newmarket neighbourhood.
West Suffolk Council (WSC) has agreed to allow Flagship Housing – part of Bromford Flagship – to consult with the community on its vision for the Rowley Drive area of the town.
Flagship will host three sessions for residents of the areas around Rowley Drive – including Icewell Hill, Churchill Court and Regents Court – and three further sessions, including one online, for the wider public.
Members of WSC’s planning committee gave the green light to the consultation earlier in September.
The draft Rowley Drive masterplan has been developed over several years through extensive consultation with residents, local schools, West Suffolk Council and the Jockey Club.
This document outlines the potential for significant improvements to the area – including the possible redevelopment of existing apartment blocks, enhanced green spaces, improved street safety and up to 400 new homes. However, it remains a flexible framework rather than a definitive proposal, and any further development will be shaped by what the community wants. This will be done on a phase-by-phase basis with ‘reserved matters’ planning applications shaping the detail.
An outline planning application would be submitted at the earliest next year, and only with community support.
Dave Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer at Bromford Flagship, said: “We are pleased to have been granted permission to consult with the public on the Rowley Drive Masterplan. We now look forward to talking to residents and the wider public about these exciting possibilities, listening to their views and working together to shape what comes next.”
Under the masterplan, older blocks would be replaced with energy-efficient homes that complement Newmarket's character. The steep Icewell Hill site could enable underground parking, creating a greener, less car-dominated environment.
New amenities would include enhanced play areas, safer walking routes, a community hub and better access to nature. Designs will honour the town's racing heritage, with potential improvements to the Rowley Drive horsewalk.
The plan addresses resident concerns including anti-social behaviour and poor lighting, whilst delivering environmental benefits through nature-friendly landscaping and new trees. All homes would meet high energy standards to reduce costs for residents.
A spokesperson from the Jockey Club’s partners, the Newmarket Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Industry Forum, said: “[The Forum] is grateful to Flagship Housing for engaging with us about their masterplan for the redevelopment of Icewell Hill, Churchill Court and Regents Court, which will bring much needed regeneration to that area of the town and improved social housing for those who need it. We look forward to seeing the plans progress within the character and design of Newmarket.”
The overall public consultation runs from today (September 18) to November 3, and there will special sessions for residents of the Rowley Drive area from 7-9 October. There will be an online session for the wider public on Tuesday, 14 October, 11am-midday, email shapingplaces@flagship-housing.co.uk or fill out the form here to register. This will be followed by two in-person exhibitions for the general public at Newmarket’s Memorial Hall. These will take place on Tuesday, 21 October from 5pm-7pm and on Saturday, 25 October from 10am-midday.
The draft masterplan is available to view here www.samphire-homes.co.uk/rowley-drive-public-consultation/ where you will also find a link to a feedback form.
Dave Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer at Bromford Flagship.