Plans have been unveiled to build four much-needed bungalows in an east Suffolk village.

Flagship – part of housing provider Bromford Flagship – has submitted a planning application for Neave Close in Walpole, replacing two unused properties with four new two-bedroom bungalows for affordable rent.

The plans were drawn up by London-based architects Gbolade following conversations with Walpole and Cookley Parish Council and East Suffolk District Council, and engagement with village residents including a workshop and a public exhibition.

Residents' feedback helped shape the plans, including a decision to make the new homes bungalows instead of two-storey homes, avoiding neighbours being overlooked.

Tamzin Coombs, placemaking and regeneration project officer at Flagship, said the homes would match the character of the village.

Ms Coombs said: "All four homes will look out onto a communal green space so residents have got a nice spot to sit out, chat with neighbours, and just enjoy being outside.

"They will be built to modern accessible and adaptable standards, so they'll work for people with reduced mobility and can be easily adapted if residents' needs change. There's a real need locally for single-storey homes like these, particularly among older people."

The new homes will each be suitable for two or three people. Each home will have parking and two cycle storage spaces, plus a rear garden.

There will be new trees planted, and bat and bird boxes will be installed on each home to support local wildlife.

Ms Coombs said the existing properties had been vacant for over three years and were no longer fit for purpose.

She said: "This is a really positive opportunity to create something that really benefits the village."

The planning application will now be considered by East Suffolk Council.