Joint Local Plan Scoping Consultation
Notice of Scoping Consultation
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are preparing a new Local Plan that will help shape the future of the districts.
The Joint Local Plan will guide decisions on housing, jobs, infrastructure, town centres, the environment, transport and community facilities. It will help ensure that our districts remain attractive, sustainable and thriving places to live, work and visit.
This scoping consultation is an opportunity for us to gather views from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders on key challenges, opportunities and priorities for the future.
All feedback at this stage will be reviewed and used to inform later stages of plan preparation - including draft policies and public engagement.
The consultation survey is open from Friday 5 June 2026 and closes at 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.
Please download our Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Baseline Information document for more information about the social, economic and environmental factors that affect our districts.
We have also prepared a Scoping Consultation Context Document, which explains the changes to the planning system, and the planning background that informs our new Local Plan.
Access our Local Plan Timetable and Notice to Commence a Local Plan:
FAQs
What is a Local Plan and why is it important?
A Local Plan sets out how an area should develop over time. It helps us plan for future housing, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection.
Local Plans are important because they guide planning decisions, and help make sure that development happens in a coordinated and sustainable way.
Why are Babergh and Mid Suffolk preparing a Joint Local Plan?
We are legally required to maintain an up-to-date Local Plan.
Preparing a Joint Local Plan allows both Councils to work together on shared issues such as housing growth, transport, infrastructure, climate change and the local economy.
How could the Local Plan affect me?
The Local Plan may influence:
- where new homes and employment development are located
- transport improvements
- protection of countryside and green spaces
- future infrastructure such as schools and healthcare
- the future of town centres and local services
The Plan will help shape the future of communities across both districts.
How long will the plan cover?
The Joint Local Plan will help guide development over approximately the next 15–20 years.
About the Scoping Consultation
What is the Scoping Consultation?
The Scoping Consultation is the first formal stage of preparing the new Joint Local Plan.
It is an opportunity for residents, businesses, organisations and stakeholders to help shape the vision, priorities and themes for the new Plan.
When will the Scoping Consultation take place?
The consultation is scheduled to run from Friday 5 June to Friday 31 July 2026.
What kinds of questions will the consultation ask?
This consultation will help us to establish the priorities for the new Local Plan. The consultation asks questions about housing, environment, transport, infrastructure and your local area.
Your answers to these questions will help us to develop a picture of the key issues and opportunities for Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
We also want to learn how we can best engage with our communities and stakeholders throughout the local plan process, which will last several years.
Do I need planning knowledge to take part?
No. We welcome views from everyone, regardless of planning experience.
Will my comments make a difference?
Yes. The feedback we receive during consultation will help to inform the direction and content of the emerging Joint Local Plan.