Planning Policy

National Policy

National Policy supports the delivery of homes and employment provision in sustainable locations in principle. Local Authorities are required to understand land available in their area and identify locations for the delivery of homes, jobs and other services and facilities in their Local Plan.

Suffolk Coastal Plan

Although now part of East Suffolk District Council, the South Saxmundham Garden Neighbourhood is a site allocated in the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan which was adopted in September 2020.

Policy SCLP12.29 allocates approximately 67.8ha of land for a garden neighbourhood and sets out a requirement to produce a masterplan which should be informed by community engagement.

The policy also sets out a number of requirements including for housing, employment, a primary and pre-school, nursery, community hub, green infrastructure, recreation, sustainable drainage, access from the A12 and pedestrian / cycle accessibility.

The masterplan illustrated on these boards shows an area for development which differs slightly from the allocation. Additional areas to the south of the employment area (west of the A12), and south of the main area (towards Benhall) have been included.

Saxmundham Neighbourhood Plan

The Neighbourhood Plan was formally ‘made’ in July 2023, following its preparation by the Town Council and Steering Group. Since then, the boundary of the Neighbourhood Plan area has been altered to include the Garden Neighbourhood.

A modification to the Plan is currently being consulted on as part of a separate process. However, the Town Council and Steering Group have been engaged throughout.

The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a series of objectives and aspirations including for leisure facilities, connections and open space.

Roadside Services

The Masterplan Framework extends the opportunity for new employment with the addition of roadside services supporting the strategic road network and potentially including a petrol/energy station, refreshments and a hotel.

The Department for Transport’s Circular highlights the need for roadside facilities on major routes to enhance road safety by encouraging breaks. This A12 location presents an opportunity to meet that need.

The inclusion of a hotel would support Local Plan Policy SCLP 6.5 which supports tourist accommodation linked to commercial or recreational facilities and aligns with Saxmundham Neighbourhood Plan Policy SAX 3 which encourages growth in hospitality.

Integrated with the Garden Neighbourhood development the proposed services will follow the Masterplan Framework principles and ensure they are complementary and help preserve the vitality of the town centre.