East Suffolk Council
Residents in Lowestoft to vote on Neighbourhood Plan
Residents in Lowestoft will be asked to decide whether a Neighbourhood Plan for their area should be used to determine future planning applications.
The Lowestoft Neighbourhood Development Plan was prepared by Lowestoft Town Council and contains a vision for the future of Lowestoft and sets out clear planning policies until 2036.
On Thursday 20 November, people living in the area will be asked to vote on whether East Suffolk Council should use the document to determine planning applications in the Lowestoft neighbourhood area.
The Lowestoft Neighbourhood Development Plan also contains ‘community actions’, which will be used by Lowestoft Town Council and the local community to enhance Lowestoft as a place to live.
If adopted, the Neighbourhood Plan will act as a guide to development in Lowestoft and will be required to be used by anyone making or deciding a planning application.
Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management said: “Thursday 20 November is an important day for Lowestoft residents to decide on whether the Lowestoft Neighbourhood Plan should be used to shape future development, growth and regeneration in the area. Anyone over the age of 18 on the day and who is registered to vote can take part – don’t forget to bring your photo ID with you to your polling station to ensure you can cast your vote.”
A 6-week public consultation took place between April and June 2025, with the Neighbourhood Plan also independently examined and found to meet all legal requirements, subject to some modifications.
Residents living in the relevant neighbourhood area and who are registered to vote can vote in the referendum. More information is available at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/elections
Information about the Neighbourhood Plan, including the examiner's reports and the information on the referendum.
Copies of the Lowestoft Neighbourhood Development Plan and information on the referendum is also available to view at Lowestoft Library or the Council’s Riverside Customer Services Centre in Lowestoft.
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.