East Suffolk Council
Residents to vote on Ufford Neighbourhood Plan
Residents in Ufford will be asked to decide whether a Neighbourhood Plan for their area should be used to determine future planning applications.
The Ufford Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by Ufford Parish Council and contains the vision for the future of Ufford, directed by a series of objectives and a suite of planning policies to shape new development up to 2036. The plan includes policies relating to housing, the natural environment (including Local Green Space designations and Important Views), the historic environment (including Non-designated Heritage Assets), public rights of way, community facilities, new business premises, and a housing allocation for up to 25 homes and supporting open space provision.
The plan has been through public consultation and an independent examination, which found the plan meets all legal requirements, subject to some modifications.
Following this, East Suffolk Council has concluded that the Ufford Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum.
The referendum will take place on Thursday 26 June 2025 and will ask residents to vote on whether East Suffolk Council should use the Ufford Neighbourhood Plan to help determine planning applications in the neighbourhood area. If more than 50% of the votes are in favour, the Ufford Neighbourhood Plan will be considered for adoption (‘making’) by a meeting of East Suffolk Council on 16July. If approved, it would then form part of the statutory development plan for East Suffolk and will therefore be required to be used by anyone deciding a planning application in the parish area.
Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management, said: “I am delighted that Ufford is joining the long list of East Suffolk towns and villages who are establishing their Neighbourhood Plan, enabling residents to influence the location and appearance of any development in the area. I would encourage those living in Ufford to take part in the referendum on 26 June.”
Residents living in the neighbourhood area and who are registered to vote can vote in the referendum.
Copies of the Ufford Neighbourhood Plan and information on the referendum can be viewed at Wickham Market Library or the Council’s Customer Services Centre at Woodbridge 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.