Edwardstone Neighbourhood Plan
The Edwardstone Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) is being prepared by the parish council and local community. When complete, it will be used to help guide and shape future development in the plan's area.
Latest news…
Local referendum (Thur 14 Nov 2024)
A referendum on the Edwardstone NDP will be held on Thursday 14 November 2024.
The question that will be asked of those entitled to vote is: "Do you want Babergh District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Edwardstone to help it decide planning applications in the Neighbourhood Plan Area?"
- See the referendum version of the Edwardstone NDP (Autumn 2024)
- Read our Referendum Information Statement (4 Oct 2024)
Further notices will be published on our 'Upcoming elections and referendums' webpage at the appropriate time.
Previous stages...
Reg 18 Exam Report Decision Statement (28 Aug 2024)
New procedures agreed in September 2021 meant that a NDP could be advanced to a referendum without Cabinet approval where there is no objection to implementing the Examiner's recommendations in full. That applies in this case, and the decision is confirmed through publication of the following statement:
Reg 17 Examination (final report 21 Aug 2024)
Babergh District Council appointed Ann Skippers BSc (Hons) MRTPI FRSA FHEA AoU to carry out an independent examination of the Edwardstone NDP. This relied upon the submitted documents and the written representations.
On Thursday 21 August 2024, the Examiner issued her final report. It praises the plan and recommends that, subject to certain modifications being made, it meets the basic condition tests and should proceed to a local referendum.
- Read the Edwardstone NDP Exam Report (21 Aug 2024)
- See also the Examination Correspondence document (Exam start notice and procedures)
Planning Practice Guidance also provides advice on the weight to be attached to this post-examination plan.
Reg 16 Submission consultation (29 Apr to 14 Jun 2024)
The Edwardstone NDP was submitted in late March 2024 and was made available for public consultation between 29 April and 14 June 2024.
The Parish Council (the Qualifying Body) had submitted the following documents:
- A Map identifying the NDP Area
- The submission draft Edwardstone NDP 2021 - 2037
- A Consultation Statement
- A Basic Conditions Statement
- A Design Codes & Guidelines (AECOM, Feb 2024)
- An Edwardstone Data Profile (Mar 2022)
- A Green Corridors & Space Report (SWT, Sept 2023)
- Copies of the SEA & HRA Screening Reports, and our Determination Notices (see further below)
An assessment on how this NDP met the basic condition tests formed part of the examination. Our initial checks suggested that the relevant requirements had been met at this stage. View our Regulation 15 Checklist
Respondents were also reminded that their comments would be forwarded to the independent examiner and, with the exception of personal details, be published on this webpage. The parish council were also given the opportunity to respond to any new issues raised.
SEA/HRA Screening and Determination (Feb 2024)
The pre-submission draft Edwardstone NDP was screened to determine whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and or a Habitats Assessment (HRA) were required. Both were 'screened-out'. The relevant reports and our determination notice are published below:
- Read the Edwardstone NDP SEA Screening Report (LUC, Nov 2023)
- Read the Edwardstone NDP HRA Screening Report (LUC, Nov 2023)
- Read the Edwardstone NDP SEA HRA Determination Notice (Feb 2024)
Reg 14 Pre-Submission consultation (30 Oct to 11 Dec 2023)
Consultation on the pre-submission draft Edwardstone NDP ended on 11 December 2023. Please visit the parish council website for more information.