Councils spell out expectations of developers in Babergh and Mid Suffolk

The two supplementary planning documents (SPDs) adopted at both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council meetings this week, set out clear expectations of those looking to develop within the districts.

The Housing SPD lays out more detail on the number and type of new properties required by each district on sites, ensuring the right mix to meet housing need, including adequate provision of affordable housing.

The Intensive Livestock and Poultry SPD puts measures in place so intensive farming can sensitively coexist within the districts’ rural communities as a valued part of our economy.

The new planning documents follow the adoption of Part 1 of the councils’ Joint Local Plan last year – the blueprint for the future development in the districts. 

The SPDs support the implementation of the Joint Local Plan, which enables the councils to spell out the detailed steps that planning applicants need to take in order to be considered for planning approval within Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

Councillor Andrew Stringer, Cabinet Member for Heritage, Planning & Infrastructure, at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “While the adoption of the first part of our Joint Local Plan was a huge milestone, more work had to be done as part of its implementation, to protect our local communities and ensure that housing delivery and our local economy is supported in a balanced way.

“Now the message that the new Housing SPD sets out is clear: we are taking steps to ensure that local housing needs are met, particularly in terms of the type of new properties being built - including affordable housing.”

The Housing SPD not only stipulates the number of affordable housing to be included within each development, but also ensures that they are integrated across the site rather than grouped together. 

Councillor Sallie Davies, Cabinet Member for Heritage, Planning & Infrastructure, at Babergh District Council, said: “I am really pleased to see that both of these SPDs have been formally adopted.  It really is another huge statement that the councils are taking the needs of our local communities seriously and underlines our commitment to ensure development is both viable and sustainable.

“The Intensive Livestock and Poultry SPD outlines the important role that agriculture and farming plays in our region whilst also recognising the challenges and risks that it can bring and puts in place a number of measures to ensure that farming and rural communities can sensitively coexist within our districts.”

The councils sought extensive feedback on both SPDs through public consultation and as a result, incorporated a number of suggested amendments from interested parties, ensuring all comments and concerns were listened to.