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By Published On: August 7th, 2026Categories: NEWS UPDATES

Planning in Suffolk – updated August 2026

Suffolk County Council are responsible for planning for minerals, waste, and county council developments such as schools and fire stations.

Current Local Plans in Suffolk include:

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council

Part 1 of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan was adopted by Mid Suffolk District Council and Babergh District Council in November 2023. A live online Policies Map supports the Joint Local Plan Part 1 and can be accessed here.

The councils are now preparing a new Joint Local Plan covering the period to 2045. A Scoping Consultation took place during June and July 2026, seeking views on the main challenges, opportunities and priorities for the area. Consultation on the proposed Local Plan content and supporting evidence is expected between January and February 2027, with adoption currently anticipated in April 2029.

More information, including the Local Plan timetable and submitted Call for Sites map, can be found at: https://www.babergh.gov.uk/joint-local-plan

East Suffolk Council

On 1 April 2019, East Suffolk Council was formed from the former Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Councils.

The area is covered by the following Local Plans:

  • Suffolk Coastal Local Plan which was adopted in September 2020 covering the former Suffolk Coastal District area; and
  • Waveney Local Plan which was adopted in March 2019 covering the former Waveney Local Planning Authority area.

East Suffolk Council is preparing a new Local Plan covering the period from 2026 to 2045. A Call for Sites closed in January 2026 and a Local Plan Scoping Consultation was held during June and July 2026. The Council is now considering the responses and continuing to prepare its evidence base. Further consultation on the emerging content of the plan will take place as it progresses, with adoption currently expected in 2029.

More information on the new East Suffolk Local Plan can be found here: https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-local-plans/new-local-plan

The Broads Authority Local Plan is produced by the Broads Authority and guides development and land use in the special Broads environment area in the north of the District.

Ipswich Borough Council

In March 2022, Ipswich Borough Council adopted the Ipswich Local Plan Review 2018-2036.  The documents are available on the Adopted Ipswich Local Plan Review 2018-2036 page.

The Council is now preparing the Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan 2026–2045. Following a Call for Sites held in Autumn 2025, a Scoping Consultation is taking place until 2 September 2026. This seeks views on the key issues and priorities that the new Local Plan should address.

Consultation on the proposed Local Plan content and supporting evidence is currently expected between September and October 2027. Examination is anticipated between October 2028 and March 2029, with adoption expected in April 2029.

More information on the new Ipswich Local Plan can be found here: https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/new-ipswich-local-plan

West Suffolk Council

In July 2025, West Suffolk Council formally adopted the West Suffolk Local Plan, which will now guide all planning decisions across the district.

The Council has since commenced preparation of the West Suffolk Local Plan 2045. A Call for Sites closed on 20 May 2026 and a Scoping Consultation was held during June and July 2026. The Council will now consider the consultation responses and assess the submitted sites as part of the emerging evidence base.

Consultation on the proposed Local Plan content and evidence is expected between May and June 2027. A further consultation on the proposed Local Plan is planned for summer 2028, followed by examination and anticipated adoption in May 2029.

More information on the West Suffolk Local Plan 2045 can be found here: https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/planning/Planning_Policies/local_plans/west-suffolk-local-plan-2045/new-local-plan.cfm

For further advice or to find out how your property fits into this framework for planning in Suffolk please contact us.

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