Suffolk Local Plan Watch - Autumn 2022

 A mixed picture across Suffolk, in terms of Plan-making progress.

Whilst Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk enjoy up-to-date Local Plans, adopted this year in the case of Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and Babergh continue to grapple with the preparation of their Part 1 Local Plan, with the growing threat of their evidence base becoming out-of-date if progress is not made quickly.

Assuming they are able to keep the Part 1 Plan on track, further opportunities for land promotion will arise in Mid Suffolk and Babergh as they move on to their Part 2 Plan in 2023.

Elsewhere, West Suffolk have recently concluded their Regulation 18 consultation, and their Pre-Submission (Regulation 19) consultation is expected next summer.

Five Year Land Supply

All of the Suffolk Authorities are currently able to demonstrate a 5-year land supply. 

Ipswich Borough Council’s supply is the most marginal, at around 5.12 years as at 1^st April 2021. 

Whilst Babergh and Mid Suffolk are struggling with the preparation of their Local Plan, both are able to demonstrate healthy housing land supplies, well in excess of 5 years, particularly in Mid Suffolk where their draft statement (currently out for consultation) suggests a supply of more than 10 years’ worth of housing land.