Hartest Neighbourhood Plan

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The Hartest Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) is being prepared by Hartest Parish Council. When complete, it will be used to help guide and shape future development in the parish.

Latest news...

Reg 17 Examination (Final Report 12 Jan 2026)

Babergh District Council appointed Ann Skippers BSc (Hons) MRTPI FRSA AoU to examine the Hartest NDP. The examination relied on the submitted documents and written representations.

On Monday 12 January 2026, the Examiner issued her final report. Subject to some minor modifications being made, the report explains that this NDP meets the basic condition tests, and that it should proceed to a local referendum.

The regulations now require us to decide what action to take in response to each recommendation in the above report. We will publish our decision on that as soon as possible.

Planning Practice Guidance also provides advice on the 'weight' now attached to this post-examination plan.

Previous stages...

Reg 16 Submission consultation (ended 10 Oct 2025)

The Hartest NDP was submitted in early August and was made available for public consultation between 26 August and 10 October 2025. A list of the submitted documents appears below:

An assessment on how this NDP meets the basic condition tests will form part of the examination. Our initial checks suggested that the relevant procedural requirements had been met. See our Regulation 15 Checklist.

Respondents were also reminded that their comments could not be treated as confidential and that, with the exception of personal contact details, would be published here at the end the consultation period. 

SEA/HRA Screening and Determination (Dec 2024)

The 2024 pre-submission draft Hartest NDP has been 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:

Reg 14 Pre-submission consultation (5 Oct to 18 Nov 2024)

Consultation by Hartest Parish Council on this version of their draft NDP closed on 18 November 2024. 

Reg 14 Pre-submission consultations (2017, 2018, and 2021)

Previous draft versions of this NDP were consulted on by the Parish Council in Spring 2017, Spring 2018, and early 2021. 

Reg 05 Area Designation (5 June 2014)

The Hartest NDP area was designated by Babergh District Council on 5 June 2014.