Suffolk Local Plan Watch - Spring 2020
Our Planning team constantly monitor the activities of local planning authorities in Suffolk to identify opportunities for clients. April's update provides an insight to latest local plans coming forward across the region.
Things you need to know:
- The proposed Ipswich Northern Relief Road project, which was proposed to connect the A12 and A14, has been shelved due to a lack of political support.
- Following the conclusion of the East Suffolk (Suffolk Coastal) hearings on 20 September 2019 the inspector produced a letter (31 January 2020) outlining the way forward for the examination. Critically, he considered that subject to main modifications the Plan is likely to be capable of being found legally compliant and sound. The Main Modifications consultation is expected to commence shortly.
- The emerging Joint Local Plan for West Suffolk is in its infancy, so the submission of new sites for consideration is being encouraged. Land for two new settlements (‘large mixed-use sites’) have been submitted as part of the Call for Sites process. One is located to the north of Bury St Edmunds, and another at Higham.
Suffolk Coastal
Waveney’s Local Plan was Adopted on 20 March 2019. The Suffolk Coastal Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination on 29 March 2019. Suffolk Coastal are currently responding to the Inspectorate’s letter, with the Main Modification consultation expected to take place soon, with Adoption in spring/summer 2020.
Once Suffolk Coastal’ s Local Plan is Adopted, it is anticipated that work will commence on a new Joint Local Plan for East Suffolk Council (Waveney and Suffolk Coastal).
It is anticipated that work will commence on a new East Suffolk Council Joint Local Plan in earnest, once COVID-19 restrictions have eased.
Covid-19 response:
All Committee meetings cancelled until the end of April. Increased delegated powers have been given to Planning Officers. Officers are working remotely, though delays are being experienced in processing and validating planning applications. Site visits postponed until further notice.
Forest Heath & St Edmundsbury (West Suffolk Council)
On 1 April 2019, Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury Councils merged and were replaced by West Suffolk Council. Following the merger, the existing Adopted Local Plans for St Edmundsbury, and Emerging Local Plans for Forest Heath continue to apply, until a new Local Plan for West Suffolk is Adopted (scheduled for 2023). A ‘Call for Sites’ exercise ran from Wednesday 21st November to Thursday 20th December 2018 and provided the opportunity to submit details of sites that may be suitable for development.
The SHELAA consultation has just concluded. This reveals available sites within the Districts to be considered for allocation as the Local Plan progresses. The Issues and Options Consultation (Reg 18) is expected to be held between May and July 2020. The following Preferred Options Consultation (Reg 18) is due to take place from May to June 2021 with adoption of the West Suffolk Local Plan (Reg 26) expected in February 2024.
The emerging Joint Local Plan is in its infancy, so the submission of new sites for consideration is being encouraged.
Land for two new settlements (‘large mixed-use sites’) have been submitted as part of the Call for Sites process. One is located to the north of Bury St Edmunds, and another at Higham.
Covid-19 response:
Officers are working remotely, though delays are being experienced in processing and validating planning applications. Site visits cancelled until further notice.
Ipswich Borough
The Council are due to submit their draft Local Plan to the Inspectorate for Examination shortly. Currently, it is unclear when the Local Plan Hearing will take place, due to the situation regarding COVID-19. As such, Ipswich Council are not in a position to say when the Local Plan will reach Adoption.
Covid-19 response:
Planning Committees postponed indefinitely. Planning officers have extended delegated powers to determine all planning applications.
Babergh & Mid-Suffolk
Babergh and Mid-Suffolk District Council’s Joint Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation (Reg 18) closed on 10 November 2017.
Babergh and Mid-Suffolk District Council’s Joint Local Plan (Preferred Options (Reg 18) was issued for consultation from 22 July – 30 September 2019. The Councils are currently reviewing the Plan, and are yet to advise timescales for their next stages.
The proposed Ipswich Northern Relief Road project, which would incorporate land within Mid-Suffolk District, has been shelved.
Covid-19 response:
Officers are working remotely, with less than 25% of staff seconded to other Council services. Council to trial virtual Planning Committees by the end of April 2020.
Waveney and Suffolk Coastal
Waveney’s Local Plan was adopted on 20 March 2019. The Suffolk Coastal Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination on 29 March 2019. Suffolk Coastal are currently responding to the Inspectorates letter, with the main modification consultations taking place soon. Adoption is expected in Spring 2020.
Once Suffolk Coastal’ s Local Plan is adopted, it is anticipated that work will commence on a new Joint Local Plan for East Suffolk Council (Waveney and Suffolk Coastal).
It is anticipated that work will commence on a new East Suffolk Council Joint Local Plan in earnest, once COVID-19 restrictions have eased.
Covid-19 response:
All Committee meetings cancelled until the end of April. Increased delegated powers have been given to Planning Officers. Officers are working remotely, though delays are being experienced in processing and validating planning applications. Site visits postponed until further notice.
