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 on 20 November 2023 and by Babergh District Council on 21 November 2023. A live online Policies Map supports the Joint Local Plan Part 1 and can be accessed here. A Call for Sites closed on 2 February 2024 and the Councils have published sites submitted during this period. The first public consultation on the Part 2 Local Plan is due in Spring 2024.  Further updates can be found on the Councils website. 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 [...]

In Q1 2024 there have been further local and national planning updates and developments. Discover the details in our quarterly update below: National Planning Although certain provisions of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) came into effect in December 2023 and January 2024, there remains a significant amount that necessitates statutory legislation and is expected to be introduced throughout 2024. The 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations came into effect on 12 February 2024. and Biodiversity Net Gain for small sites from 2 April 2024. There have been recent changes to the Permitted Development regulations for Class MA (commercial (Class E) to residential (Class C3) which includes deletion of the following requirements: the 1,500sqm maximum floorspace and; the three-month vacancy requirements. Two current consultations seek views on: Further changes to pd for upward extensions and demolition of certain buildings to rebuild as homes (and installation of air source [...]

As we review the progress of Q4 2023 and look forward to 2024,  we are pleased to share a collection of local and national planning updates and developments. Discover the details in our quarterly update below: National Planning The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill received Royal Assent in October 2023 and changed into the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA). While certain provisions of the Act will come into effect on 26 December 2023, there remains a significant amount that necessitates statutory legislation, which we anticipate will be introduced throughout the course of 2024. A new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 19 December 2023. Amongst the changes there remains a requirement for Councils with a Local Plan that is over 5 years old to identify a Five Year Housing Land Supply.  However, a Council that has a Local Plan submitted for Examination only has to show [...]

As we look forward to 2024, there is an abundance of opportunities and anticipation in the air.  With continued growth in the UK Economy is the past 12 months, in excess of previous estimates, together with a fall in inflation, we can look forward to 2024 and beyond with continued growth forecast over the next 2 years. On 26 October 2023, the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill was granted royal assent, officially transforming into the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA). While certain provisions of the Act will come into effect on 26 December 2023, there remains a significant amount that necessitates statutory legislation, which we anticipate will be introduced throughout the course of 2024. This will include reform to Planning Enforcement, with revised time limits for Immunity. The response to the March 2023 revised draft National Planning Policy Framework consultation is anticipated to be published before the close of [...]

As we step into the final quarter of 2023, the local and national planning arena has been abuzz with constant change and exciting updates during Q3. Please read some of the latest news in our quarterly update below: National Planning The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill had its final reading in the House of Lords on 21 September. The Bill will now go to the Commons for consideration of Lords amendments on Tuesday 17 October. It is hoped that the Bill will receive Royal Assent before November. An update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is expected to follow before the end of the year. The draft Regulations for the Planning Application fee increase were laid before Parliament on 20 July 2023. They are scheduled to be considered by the House of Lords during October and expected to come into force before the end of the year. Following [...]

We are excited to present an opportunity for a skilled and ambitious Planner / Senior Planner to become a part of our dynamic and proactive team based in our Bedford office. In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, collaborate with diverse clients and members of the community, and effectively communicate your case in both office and public settings, including planning appeals. As a Planner or Senior Planner, you will have gained valuable experience working in the public or private sectors within a planning context. Your expertise will extend to leading a variety of projects. You must possess at least 5 years of experience and demonstrate excellent project management skills, as you will be responsible for taking on and overseeing both major and minor projects (with support from our partners). Planners from a public or private sector background are encouraged to apply. [...]