East Suffolk Council

Posted by on 7 November 2022 | Comments

Residents in both Bungay and Worlingham will be asked to decide whether Neighbourhood Plans for their areas should be used by the Broads Authority and East Suffolk Council for determining future planning applications.

The Bungay Neighbourhood Plan was developed by Bungay Town Council following extensive consultation with the local community and sets out its vision for the town to 2036. The plan includes a policy allocating land for approximately 70 new dwellings plus open space, landscaping, and biodiversity improvements. Policies in the plan also address design, community facilities, heritage in Bungay, Bungay town centre, and the development of a green corridor, amongst other matters.

The Worlingham Neighbourhood Plan was developed by Worlingham Parish Council and also involved extensive consultation with the local community to set out its vision for the parish to 2036. Policies in the plan address respecting the identity of Worlingham, housing design and character, security of new homes, sports facilities, parking, protecting and enhancing walking and cycling routes, and landscaping.

When finalised, the Neighbourhood Plans will act as guides to development in Bungay and Worlingham and will be required to be used by anyone making or deciding a planning application.

Cllr David Ritchie, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management said: “Neighbourhood planning gives residents the opportunity to get directly involved in shaping their local areas, determining the location of any new development and providing guidance for what new buildings or developments should look like. I would encourage those living in Bungay and Worlingham to get involved and take part in their respective referendum on 17 November.”

Both plans have been through 6-week public consultations earlier this year and an independent examination. The examinations found the plans meet all legal requirements, subject to some modifications.

As a result, the Broads Authority and East Suffolk Council has concluded that the Neighbourhood Plans should proceed to referendums. The referendums will take place on Thursday 17th November 2022 and will ask residents to vote on whether the Broads Authority and East Suffolk Council should use the Bungay and Worlingham Neighbourhood Plans to help determine planning applications in the neighbourhood areas.

The Neighbourhood Plans, including the examiner's reports and the information on the referendums. 

Copies of the Bungay Neighbourhood Plan and information on the referendum is also available to view at Bungay Library. 

Copies of the Worlingham Neighbourhood Plan and information on the referendum can be viewed at Beccles Library.

If you have any questions about the Neighbourhood Plans, please call 01394 444557, email planningpolicy@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or write to East Suffolk Council, Planning Policy and Delivery Team (Neighbourhood Plans), Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ.