Local Plan puts West Suffolk in strong position to manage growth
The adoption of the Local Plan for the former Forest Heath area has put West Suffolk communities in a strong position to manage growth in the district.
Members of West Suffolk Council adopted two local planning documents last night, (September 19), which have been supported by a planning inspector.
The inspector, in their reports, praised the council’s work including its engagement and agreed all the modifications suggested by the authority.
Its adoption means West Suffolk has a complete suite of local plan documents covering the whole district, setting out how much development is required and where. The district also currently has a five-year land supply and is ahead of national targets for delivering housing.
The local plan for the former Forest Heath district guides how 6,800 homes are to be delivered from 2011 to 2031 in that part of West Suffolk. Between 2011 and 2017 (the time from when the planning examination started) some 3,178 homes have already been delivered or have planning permission.
The newly formed West Suffolk Council will now formally start work on forming a new local plan for the whole of the district which will last at least 15 years. After consultation and engagement, the document is programmed for adoption in 2023.
John Griffiths, leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “This now gives more certainty for our communities and strengthens our ability to guide and manage future development in West Suffolk. Our aim is to make sure the right kind of homes go in the right places helping to meet current and future housing needs while protecting our unique district and environment.
“We welcome the inspector’s findings which supported the Forest Heath local plan put forward by the former Forest Heath District Council including the authority’s modifications to it. In agreeing the plan the inspector also praised the council for its work and engagement with residents as well as stakeholders. West Suffolk is in a strong position both in terms of planning and meeting Government figures on delivering homes.”