Saxmundham

What is the Saxmundham Neighbourhood Plan?

It’s finally approved ! On 29th June 2023, the Saxmundham Neighbourhood Plan (NP)  was given the thumbs up by local people who voted in the local Referendum.  522 voted in favour, 79 votes against.  The final procedural step was for the Plan to be ‘made’ by decision of East Suffolk Council (the local planning authority) – this was done on 26th July, so the NP  now “forms part of the development plan for the determination of planning applications in Saxmundham.”  A thousand thanks to all those who, over several years, put in so much hard work, in particular the members of the Steering Group.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – FINAL APPROVED VERSION

A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led framework to shape our town’s development, regeneration and conservation. We set out our shared ‘vision’ and planning policies for the future of Saxmundham, and influence where new homes, shops, offices, restaurants etc. should be built – and what facilities or infrastructure we need.  Once a Neighbourhood Plan is approved in a Referendum, the town’s share of Community Infrastructure Levy paid by developers goes up from 15% to 25%, so Saxmundham should now get more money to help pay for community infrastructure.

The Steering Group (town councillors and community volunteers) produced the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan in November 2021, on which we consulted local people and businesses.  We went through all of the comments received in detail, and produced a second “submission draft”, sent to East Suffolk Council.  ESC consulted on it, before arranging in November 2022 for an independent examination of the draft Plan, to check it meets legal requirements, and make any final proposed changes. A public hearing on the draft Plan was held in January 2023 which led to further changes, enabling it then to go for Referendum.  The Examiner, John Slater, kindly added:

“I congratulate Saxmundham Town Council on reaching a successful outcome to the examination of its neighbourhood plan… It is clear that a huge amount of hard work has gone into this plan by volunteers on behalf of the local community and I am pleased to recognise their sterling work. I have been impressed by their professionalism exhibited throughout.” 

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