What policies and guidance you might need to consider

Here you can find advice about what relevant legislation, Government guidance and planning policies you might need to consider when submitting a planning application. Some proposals will be very simple, whilst others will require further detailed advice on design, layout and other matters. Before making an application, we would encourage you to discuss your proposal with us. Planning Services are happy to offer pre-application advice, free of charge.

Legislation, Government guidance and planning policies to be considered by a prospective applicant:

General advice on how and when to you need to submit a planning application is available from the planning portal web site;

Mid Suffolk Local Plan (1998) (check; not saved policies list);

Mid Suffolk's Core Strategy;

County Structure Plan and Regional Spatial Strategy (East of England Plan);

Planning Policy Guidance & Statements for England (PPG & PPSs);

Some proposals will require developer contributions, affordable housing provision, legal requirements and surveys that are reasonably related in scale and kind to development proposals. In some cases (for example housing proposals) the following documents will also need to be considered:

Supplementary Planning Document for Social Infrastructure Including Open Space, Sport and Recreation (Note: This document details the need for provision/contributions for housing developments)PLEASE NOTE AMENDMENT TO PAGE 8 AFFECTING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2008/09;

Alteration to Mid Suffolk Local Plan 1998 in respect to policies for affordable housing (Policies H4 and H5) (Note: This document details the need for provision/contributions for housing developments);

Supplementary Planning Guidance - Retention of Shops, Post Offices and Public Houses in Villages;

Supplementary Planning Guidance: A cycling strategy for Mid Suffolk;

In respect of housing development as well as considering Social Infrastructure contribution/provision and Affordable Housing, a development proposal may also have to consider the following:

Education Contributions for development of 15 or more dwellings depending on the local schooling provision. More information can be sought from Ian Maxwell (Education) at Suffolk County Council;

If the development is for housing in Stowmarket it may be subject to a requirement for contributions towards the B1115 Relief Road (Policy T5 Local Plan 1998). Please contact the planning department to discuss this matter if in doubt;

Additional Guidance:

Suffolk Design Guide

Conservation Area Appraisals

Conversion of Traditional Farm Buildings: A guide to good practice by English Heritage;

See if the site is at risk from flooding and further guidance;

The development may include alterations to existing or a new access or other highway issues. Guidance on these matters can be found via Suffolk County Council

Please note: this list is not a complete and comprehensive list of documents required for consideration, but is provided as a starting point, to give further information to a prospective applicant and assist through the process.

Updated 24th July 2008