12/03/2026
Rowley Drive masterplan updated after community has its say
People shared their views on the future of the Rowley Drive area of Newmarket at a series of public exhibitions late last year
An updated plan to regenerate the Rowley Drive area of Newmarket has been submitted to West Suffolk Council, after community feedback prompted a series of changes.
Flagship, part of housing provider Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL), put an earlier version of its draft masterplan to the community last year – and has changed its plans to suit what people wanted to see.
The earlier draft included indicative density figures and computer-generated images. Feedback showed that some people interpreted these as finalised proposals, when in fact the masterplan is intended to set out broad principles rather than fixed designs.
In response, the updated version of the Masterplan focuses more clearly on high-level key principles, which will ensure the vision remains flexible and can continue to be shaped with the community as detailed plans are developed.
James Payne, Director (Regeneration) at Flagship, said: "People told us the original masterplan felt too detailed for this stage, and we've listened. This is about setting a direction, not locking anything in. The community will be at the heart of the detailed design work that follows."
Flagship is aiming to replace older blocks of flats with energy-efficient homes that complement Newmarket's character.
Mr Payne said: "We want to bring the community back into the heart of the neighbourhood. That means better play areas, safer walking routes, a community hub and more access to nature. And of course, any designs will respect Newmarket's racing heritage, including potential improvements to the horsewalk along Rowley Drive."
The masterplan’s guidance on heights has been updated to give clearer reassurance that new buildings will step down towards existing properties, with none exceeding the current maximum number of storeys.
Regents Court and the Icewell Hill flats, which are both part of Newmarket’s Rowley Drive neighbourhood
Updated design guidance better reflects Newmarket's heritage, with character areas now including example materials and images of local buildings to help shape the look and feel of new homes.
The changes follow a consultation that ran from September to November last year, during which residents and the wider Newmarket community were invited to share their views through six events, an online feedback form and a dedicated webpage. Three sessions were held specifically for residents of the scheme, two were open to the wider town, and a virtual event was arranged for those unable to attend in person.
The plans for Rowley Drive – including the Icewell Hill flats – will be shaped by further public consultation
West Suffolk Council is now reviewing the updated masterplan with a view to formally adopting it. Once adopted, Flagship will begin working with residents on detailed design proposals for the area.
The Rowley Drive area includes Icewell Hill, Churchill Court and Regents Court, as well as homes on Rowley Drive, St Mary's Square and Exning Road. Many of the homes are managed by Samphire Homes, part of the Bromford Flagship group.
The revised masterplan can be found at www.samphire-homes.co.uk/my-community/rowley-drive-consultation. Anyone with questions can contact the Placemaking Team at shapingplaces@flagship-housing.co.uk or on 0808 169 9301.