Joint Local Plan Main Modifications

( Strikethrough text = removal

Underlined text, italic and bold text = additional text

Plain italic = original wording)

All original text in paras 01.01 - 01.19 to be removed and replaced by new paragraphs below:

01.01 The Councils (hereafter meaning Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council) are working together on the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan (JLP). This will consist of two important Development Plan Documents, which include planning policies for the determination of planning applications in the Districts. The Part 1 document (this document, hereafter referred to as 'the Plan') will later be followed by a Part 2 Plan.

01.02 The Plan area covers Babergh and Mid Suffolk, and the Plan period runs from 2018 to 2037.

01.03 The current development planning system was established through the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and subsequent amendments, such as the Localism Act 2011 which introduced Neighbourhood Plans. The national approach to planning policy matters is set out principally in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance, but also within documents covering specific topics such as the Marine Policy Statement and Planning Policy for Travellers Sites.

01.04 The Plan is set out in the following sections:

1. I. Section A - Vision, Objectives and Strategic Policies; and
2. II. Section B - Non-Strategic Local Policies (Development Management Policies).

01.05 Sections A and B of the Plan include policies which address housing, economy, infrastructure, and the environment.

01.06 The policies in the Plan form part of the Development Plan for the Districts, replacing most of the saved policies from previous Local Plans and alterations, Core Strategies, and the Stowmarket Area Action Plan. Some policies from the previous Development Plan Documents have been saved, and these remaining saved policies also form part of the Development Plan. A live list of planning policies (including remaining saved policies) is maintained on each Council's website respectively. Alongside the JLP and saved policies, the Development Plan also consists of any made (adopted) Neighbourhood Plans and the Suffolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan (SMWLP) (2020).

01.07 A key element of plan making is to identify an overall housing requirement and ensure that it is delivered by planning policies. However, in Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts an unusual situation applies where extant planning permissions provide for the vast majority of each District's housing requirements across the Plan period. Accordingly, the Plan identifies the volume of identified housing supply relative to the housing requirement. The Part 2 Plan will review the identified housing supply against the relevant housing requirement and will make allocations if necessary to sufficiently provide for the housing requirements of the whole Plan period.

01.08 In addition to this, the Part 2 Plan, which upon adoption will also form part of the Development Plan, is likely to include the following matters:

• Settlement hierarchy;
• A spatial distribution for any housing allocations insofar as necessary to provide flexibility to ensure plan period housing requirements can be met;
• Housing requirement figures for Neighbourhood Plan areas;
• Settlement boundaries;
• Open space designations;
• An assessment of Gypsy, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople needs, and if necessary, allocations to provide for these needs;
• An assessment of Houseboat Dwellers' needs, and a relevant development management policy for houseboat dwellers, moorings and marinas; and
• Other matters which are considered necessary by the Councils, dependent upon the monitoring of the Plan and the circumstances at the time.

03.03 The core features of the Plan area and the general pattern of growth are shown on the key diagram.

Modified Key Diagram map to be included in the JLP.

04.01 Following the adoption of this Plan, the Part 2 Plan will be produced to address the remaining matters listed earlier in this document. In accordance with national planning legislation, the adopted planning policies in Once Babergh and Mid Suffolk planning policies are adopted, in accordance with national planning legislation, Babergh and Mid Suffolk districtsthey will be kept under review at least every 5 years. A review of the planning policies will consider whether all, or specific parts, of the suite of policies are in need of amendment. For example, in order to update for consistency with relevant national planning policies, where identified local development needs change significantly or where policies are not performing as intended.

04.02 The Councils will adopt a 'plan, monitor, manage' approach where key information regarding the Plan (such as housing delivery), and other planning document production progress will be reported in the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). The requirements for the AMR are found in the Town & Country (Local Planning) (England) Regulations (as amended⁵).

04.03 In order to assess the performance and impacts of the Plan, a monitoring framework of indicators/data will beis set out covering housing, economic and environmental issues. Data will include information which the Councils collect themselves as well as key data which is collected and reported on by other key bodies.

04.04 The following related sections are set out in the Appendices to the Plan

Appendix 01- housing trajectory

Appendix 02 - Monitoring framework

Appendix 03 - Schedule of superseded policies

Appendix  04 - List of Joint Local Plan Policies

Table on page 26 identifying the residual housing requirement of the JLP to be labelled as 'Table 3':

Table 3 - Residual Housing Need over the Plan Period

* Major sites with significant delivery uncertainty have been discounted

** This total identified housing supply is not the supply of 'deliverable' housing land which is formally identified within the Councils 5 Year Housing Land Supply Assessments.

Policy SP01 - Housing Needs

1.Across the Plan area, the mix, type and size of the new housing development will be expected to reflect established needs in the mostrelevant district needs assessment, or any local housing needs survey.

Babergh:

2.1.In Babergh District  Tthe Joint Local Plan (Parts 1 and 2) will seek to deliver a minimum of 7,904 net additional dwellings (416 dwellings per annum) within the Babergh district over the pPlan period. (2018 - 2037).

Mid Suffolk:

3.2.In Mid Suffolk District  Tthe Joint Local Plan (Parts 1 and 2) will seek to deliver a minimum of 10,165 net additional dwellings (535 dwellings per annum) within the Mid Suffolk district over the pPlan period (2018 - 2037).

3. Across the Plan area the mix, type and size of new housing development should be informed by the relevant District needs assessment, or any local housing needs surveys where relevant.

07.03 High house prices across Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts mean that it is difficult for people to purchase or rent a house on the open market. The evidence based SHMA (January 2019) establishes Babergh and Mid Suffolk are within the Ipswich Housing Market Area (HMA). The 2014-based local housing need identifies the overall affordable housing requirement over the plan period is as follows:

Babergh District¹¹

07.04 The demographic projections identify there is estimated to be a total of 47,198 households that will be resident in Babergh in 2036. This is 1,203 more than the previous SHMA evidence of September 2017. The household type breakdown is as follows: one person 30.3%, Couple with no children 35.1%, Couple with child/children 20.0%, Lone parent 8.1% and other¹² 6.4%. The figures indicate that the number of 'other' households are expected to increase the most in Babergh (albeit from a low base), followed by lone parent households. The number of couples with children is projected to remain largely unchanged.

07.05 For Babergh, the overall profile of affordable housing appropriate to meet the population over the plan period derived from Local Housing Need is: 13.3% of housing to be Affordable Rented and 13.5% affordable home ownership (of which 6.8% could be Shared Ownership and 6.7% Starter Homes demand rather than requirement¹³) reflecting the mix of housing that would best address the needs of the local population. However, this does not take into account the funding that will be available to help provide subsidised housing, and government policy on the level of funding fluctuates within the national spending review process.

07.06 The table below shows the tenure & size profile required in Babergh.

Percentages calculated as the number of bedrooms required for each tenure. Please note percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

Mid Suffolk District¹⁴

07.07 The demographic projections identify there is estimated to be a total of 53,855 households that will be resident in Mid Suffolk in 2036. This is 2,355 more than the previous SHMA evidence of September 2017. The household type breakdown is as follows: one person 27.6%, Couple with no children 37.4%, Couple with child/children 21.9%, Lone parent 8.3% and other¹⁵ 4.8%. The figures indicate that the number of lone parent households are expected to increase the most in Mid Suffolk, followed by 'other' households. Couples with children are projected to record the smallest rise.

07.08 For Mid Suffolk the overall profile of affordable housing appropriate to meet the population over the plan period derived from Local Housing Need is: 12.7% of housing to be Affordable Rented and 10.0% affordable home ownership (of which 5.8% could be Shared Ownership and 4.2% Starter Homes demand rather than requirement¹⁶) reflects the mix of housing that would best address the needs of the local population. But this does not take into account the funding that will be available to help provide subsidised housing, and government policy on the level of funding fluctuates with the national spending review process.

07.09 The table below shows the tenure & size profile required in Mid Suffolk..

Percentages calculated as the number of bedrooms required for each tenure. Please note percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

New paragraphs and tables replacing 07.03 to 07.09 and AH mix tables:

The LPAs will use planning obligations or legal agreements to secure and deliver affordable housing, to ensure units are kept within the definition of affordable housing and will be available to successive occupiers. There are a number of reasons why affordable housing dwellings may be lost, for example: a tenant's statutory acquisition of a rented dwelling, shared ownership staircasing to 100% or discharge of the charge on a shared-equity dwelling. In all cases the Councils expect the dwelling to be replaced within the respective District, or any receipts arising from the disposal of the dwelling to be recycled to provide further affordable housing in the respective District, whenever possible.

As set out in the First Homes Written Ministerial Statement of 24 May 2021, Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans that have reached advanced stages of preparation will benefit from transitional arrangements. Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans submitted for examination before 28 June 2021, or that have reached publication stage by 28 June 2021 and subsequently submitted for examination by 28 December 2021, will not be required to reflect the First Homes policy requirement. The Plan (Part 1) qualified under the national transitional requirements and so does not reflect the First Homes policy requirement. However, the Councils will address the requirements to reflect the First Homes policy under the future Part 2 Plan.

For Babergh, the overall profile of affordable housing appropriate to meet the population over the Plan period derived from Local Housing Need is: 26.8%¹⁰. Not every development will deliver affordable housing, therefore the policy requirement will need to exceed this in order to deliver this need.

Table 4 Babergh Affordable Housing Mix (tenure & size) 2018 - 2036

Percentages calculated as the number of bedrooms required for each tenure. Please note percentages may not add up to 100% and total numbers may differ due to rounding.

For Mid Suffolk, the overall profile of affordable housing appropriate to meet the population over the Plan period derived from Local Housing Need is: 22.7%¹¹. Not every development will deliver affordable housing, therefore the policy requirement will need to exceed this in order to deliver this need.

Table 5 Mid Suffolk Affordable Housing Mix (tenure & size) 2018 - 2036

Percentages calculated as the number of bedrooms required for each tenure. Please note percentages may not add up to 100% and total numbers may differ due to rounding.

07.11 Development appraisals must include details of the proposed scheme including site area, residential unit numbers, number of habitable rooms, unit size, density and the split between the proposed tenures. Floorspace figures must also be provided for residential uses (gross internal area) by tenure, and non-residential uses in gross internal area (GIA) and net internal area (NIA). Information should be provided relating to the target market of the development and proposed specification, which should be consistent with assumed costs and values. Details of the assumed development programme and the timing of costs and income inputs should be provided.

New paragraphs to be inserted after paragraph 07.11:

The Councils acknowledge the role that discount home ownership including First Homes and starter homes can play in meeting housing needs, however the Councils' will seek shared ownership and social / affordable rent provision in the first instance.

Currently the SHMA provides the most up to date evidence on the District-wide needs for mix and type of housing over the Plan period. In addition, communities may also produce their own up to date robust local housing needs surveys that support an appropriate development type and mix.

In exceptional circumstances¹³, the Councils may agree to alter the requirements for affordable housing for viability reasons to ensure that development can be brought forward, and overall housing delivery is not compromised. This would need to be convincingly demonstrated to the relevant Council through a comprehensive viability assessment. However, the tenure and type of affordable housing should be first adjusted to secure viability and best meet the housing needs before any reduction of overall affordable housing provision is considered.

Policy SP02 - Affordable Housing

1. A contribution of 35% affordable housing¹⁸ will be required on sites of ten or more dwellings or 0.5ha or more. The Joint Local Plan (Parts 1 and 2) will assist to deliver 2,096 affordable homes in Babergh and 2,428 affordable homes in Mid Suffolk up to 2037.
2. Proposals which provide a greater amount of affordable housing than that set out above will also be permitted, subject to the relevant Plan and Neighbourhood Plan policies. On sites of ten or more dwellings or 0.5ha or more, a contribution of 35% affordable housing will be required on greenfield sites. For brownfield sites a contribution of 25% affordable housing will be required.
3. The Plan will assist to deliver 2,096 affordable dwellings in Babergh and 2,428 affordable dwellings in Mid Suffolk up to 2037. Proposals which provide a greater amount of affordable housing than that set out above will also be permitted, subject to the relevant Plan and Neighbourhood Plan policies.
4. Proposals for new affordable housing will be expected to have regard to the mix and type of housing needs identified in the most relevant district needs assessment, evidence supported by the Council. Across the Plan area, the mix, type and size of new affordable housing development should be informed by the relevant district needs assessment or any local housing needs survey. In exceptional circumstances, where it is evidenced and justifiedconvincingly demonstrated , and the Councils is satisfied that the required provision of affordable housing is not viable, the relevant Council may agree to vary the requirement. For affordable housing. An agreed viability assessment format will be required to demonstrate this. 
5.  The Councils will expect affordable housing provision to be met on-site unless:
   1. a. Off-site provision or an appropriate financial contribution in lieu can be robustly justified; and
   2. b. the agreed approach contributes to the objective of creating mixed and balanced communities.
6.  Affordable housing must be well-designed and where other types of housing are delivered it must be integrated within the development.
7.  Development proposals must avoid artificial or contrived subdivision of a landholding in related ownership to circumvent requirements.

08.02 The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Ipswich fringe areas have historically been strategic designations, as growth areas in recognition of the cross-boundary influence of the county town of Ipswich as a regional service centre. This strategic area will remain in the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan. Similarly, settlements previously identified as Urban Areas and Market Towns in the previous adopted development plans, will continue to be identified as such. This is in recognition of the significant service and facility provision they make to the wider catchment area.

08.03 A weighted scoring system has been used to indicate the relative sustainability of villages, by identifying Core Villages, Hinterland Villages and Hamlets Villages. Due to the dispersed nature of some settlements in Babergh and Mid Suffolk, the settlement hierarchy assesses the sustainability of settlements themselves, rather than the wider parish. Settlements that do not have ten or more well related dwellings have not been identified in the settlement hierarchy. Such settlements are addressed in the Hamlets and Clusters of Development in the Countryside policy.

08.04 Each category of settlements will be required to contribute towards the future growth of the Districts. It is important that development is proportionate to the provision of services and facilities within those settlements, and as such, the Ipswich Fringe, Market Towns/Urban Areas and Core Villages categories will take the largest levels of growth. The settlement hierarchy needs to be considered in combination with the Spatial Distribution. However, all settlements within each category are not equal, and there will be some variance in levels of growth dependent upon a number of factors, including the availability of suitable development sites, infrastructure capacity and considerations of the built and natural environment.

New paragraph to be inserted after 08.01:

The existing settlement boundaries have been in place for some time and are well-understood by local communities, landowners, and developers. Whilst many of the extant planning permissions for new housing development are outside these boundaries, this will not prevent them coming forward. A review of settlement boundaries on a comprehensive and consistent basis is a substantial undertaking and to carry out such work at the present time would be likely to significantly delay the adoption of the Plan (Part 1). The settlement boundaries will be reviewed as part of the Part 2 Plan but until that point it is considered that the existing boundaries, applied through policy SP03, will enable the Districts' development needs to be met whilst also recognising the intrinsic character of the countryside.

Policy SP03 - Settlement Hierarchy

1. In all cases the scale and location of development will depend upon the role of settlements within the settlement hierarchy defined in Table 2 and Table 3, the spatial distribution, the capacity of existing physical and social infrastructure or new/enhanced infrastructure, as well as having regard to the natural, built and historic environment. Development which would lead to visual or physical coalescence of settlements will not be supported.

2. Ipswich Fringe settlements, Market Towns/Urban Areas and Core Villages will act as a focus for development, which will be delivered through site allocations in the Plan and/or in Neighbourhood Plans, and windfall development in accordance with the relevant policies.

3. Settlement boundaries have been created as defined on the Policies Map in order to demonstrate the extent of land which is required to meet the development needs of the Plan. New allocations are included within the defined settlement boundaries. The principle of development is established within settlement boundaries, subject to the other policies in the Plan. Outside of the defined boundaries in isolated locations development will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

4. Development within settlement boundaries will be permitted where:

a) Design is sympathetic to its surrounding and demonstrates high-quality design by having regard to the relevant policies of the Plan;

b) A high standard of hard and soft landscaping, appropriate for the location is used;

c) Hedgerows and treelines which make an important contribution to the wider context and setting are protected, particularly in edge of settlement locations; and

d) The cumulative impact of proposals will be a material consideration.

Policy SP03 - The sustainable location of new development

1. 1. New housing development will come forward through extant planning permissions, allocations in made Neighbourhood Plans, windfall development in accordance with the relevant policies of the Plan and any allocations which are made in the forthcoming Part 2 Plan.
2. 2. Settlement boundaries are defined on the Policies Map. These boundaries were established in earlier Local Plans and Core Strategies and have not been reviewed as part of the Plan but are carried forward without change at the present time. The principle of development is established within settlement boundaries in accordance with the relevant policies of this Plan. Outside of the settlement boundaries, development will normally only be permitted where the site is allocated for development, or in a made Neighbourhood Plan, or is specifically permitted by other relevant policies of this Plan, or it is in accordance with paragraph 80 of the NPPF (2021).
3. 3. Settlement boundaries will be reviewed, and if necessary revised, as part of the preparation of the Part 2 Plan.

Removal of proposed Babergh settlement hierarchy

Table 2 - Babergh Settlement Hierarchy

Removal of proposed Mid Suffolk settlement hierarchy

Table 3 - Mid Suffolk Settlement Hierarchy

09 - Spatial Distribution09 - Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople

Housing

09.02 Since the 2001 Census, both Districts have delivered housing growth predominantly in the rural areas (approximately 60%). In recent years, both Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts have experienced difficulty in meeting the identified housing targets for the respective areas and have had a limited number of allocated sites. The Councils are working to address this, including the production of an 'Action Plan' to focus upon the timely delivery of new housing. This Plan has identified a supply of development from April 2018 up to March 2037. In constructing the spatial distribution of this Plan, the Councils have been mindful of the inherent market strengths within the area and have sought to ensure that the most suitable and deliverable sites are proposed. In many instances, this requires the complex alignment with infrastructure improvement programmes and investment to ensure that growth is planned in a sustainable manner.

09.03 A significant number of Neighbourhood Plans (NPs) are emerging throughout the Plan area, with a range of local issues and objectives being planned for. The District Councils have produced minimum housing requirement figures for these areas to assist the NP groups in the formation and progression of those plans. In identifying the respective NP requirement figures, the Councils have been mindful of their duty to ensure that the overall district Plan requirement figures can be met.

09.04 Planning permissions yet to be completed as of 1st April 2018 are counted, leaving a residual amount to be found from new development locations. The total housing numbers in the Plan have been identified by combining the outstanding dwellings with planning permissions as of 1st April 2018, with new development locations set out in the Plan.

09.05 Cumulatively, allocations of importance to delivery of the Plan (in particular key infrastructure delivery and meeting local housing need) will be attributed to new housing growth in the following criteria:

• Key sites in the Ipswich Fringe
• Settlements along the A14/mainline railway corridor (Mid Suffolk)
• Settlements along the A12/mainline railway corridor (Babergh)
• Settlements requiring new school and/or healthcare sites.

09.06 The transport corridors of the A12, A14, A140 and railway lines within the area have a strong effect upon market forces and demand for both housing and employment land. Compatible growth along these areas can help to reduce the need to travel by ensuring closer location of where people live, relative to shops, services and employment. However, Babergh and Mid Suffolk are both rural districts, with a wide variety of settlement types and it is important that all communities throughout the area are helped to maintain vitality and services. Consistent with national planning policy, this Plan seeks to create flexibility and diversity with policies for appropriate rural growth.

Spatial approach

09.07 The spatial distribution of housing set out in this Plan seeks to secure a balance to growth in the strategic transport corridor areas, as well as ensuring that other market towns and rural communities' benefit from appropriate growth. A diversity of site sizes and locations are proposed which will help to maintain delivery at the scale to meet district targets. The Councils will closely monitor the ongoing annual delivery rates of housing across the Plan area and will take appropriate, pro-active action, if it is required to address delivery performance issues.

09.08 The specific new development locations are identified on the Policies Maps at the end of the document. The new development locations have been identified with consideration to consultation responses, the availability and deliverability of sites, the preferred spatial distribution pattern, the sensitivities and constraints of the area (eg. flood zones, heritage features and landscape designations etc) and the infrastructure capacity and opportunities (eg. schools and healthcare etc). Sites judged to perform best overall against the above criteria and evidence base outcomes have been proposed in this document.

09.09 Windfall sites are defined as sites not specifically identified in the development plan. As evidenced in the latest Annual Monitoring Report¹⁹, in the last four years, the volume of windfall dwelling completions has been significant, with a total of approximately 600 dwellings in Babergh and approximately 1,000 dwellings in Mid Suffolk. In addition to the supply of housing land identified in the Plan, the Councils have also included an allowance for new 'windfall' development of 500 dwellings (28 dwellings per annum) for each district. This is considered a measured and reasonable allowance given the recent historic rates of windfall and abundance of new allocations identified in the Plan.

09.10 Whilst a new settlement approach has been discounted in this Plan, the Councils are mindful to give consideration to the longer term prospect of planning for a new settlement at the Plan review (due to be undertaken within 5 years of this Plan adoption). Some of the key criteria for the broad location of a new settlement would likely include:

a. Significant land for a genuine discrete new settlement, or the realistic prospect for transformational development, both in nature and scale, of an existing settlement;

b. Opportunities for significant re-use of brownfield land;

c. Opportunities for improvement and integration of strategic transport routes;

d. Accessibility to job concentrations, or the realistic prospect for significant new employment land located with new homes; and

e. Opportunities to optimise new infrastructure delivery

Policy SP04 - Housing Spatial Distribution

From April 2018 to March 2037, the broad distribution of new additional housing provision will be as follows:

Babergh

*Outstanding planning permission. (% may not sum due to rounding)

Mid Suffolk

*Outstanding planning permission. (% may not sum due to rounding)

All identified home numbers are minimum figures. Allocations and settlement boundaries are identified on the Policies Map.

Neighbourhood Plans

In order to assist with delivery of the overall district housing need requirements, designated Neighbourhood Plan areas will be expected to plan to deliver the minimum housing requirements set out in Table 4. Neighbourhood Plan documents can seek to exceed these requirements, should the unique characteristics and planning context of the designated area enable so.

Table 4 - Minimum housing requirement for NP Areas

Babergh

09.11 The numbers contained within the table include outstanding planning permissions (OPPs) granted as of 1st April 2018. If outstanding planning permissions granted as of 1^st April 2018 expire during the lifetime of the Plan, then the corresponding offset number of dwellings, will need to be identified within the same Neighbourhood Plan area to meet the total homes requirement

Mid Suffolk

09.12 The numbers contained within the table include outstanding planning permissions granted as of 1st April 2018. If outstanding planning permissions (OPPs) granted as of 1^st April 2018 expire during the lifetime of the Plan, then the corresponding offset number of dwellings, will need to be identified within the same Neighbourhood Plan area to meet the total requirement.

09.01 The Councils need to plan the right locations to meet the identified local housing and economic needs across the district areas. Growth has many key benefits, including the securing of greater local investment, adapting and enhancing the local environment to modern living contexts, creating local job opportunities and ensuring local people have suitable and affordable homes to live in.

Housing

Add new heading and paragraphs to be inserted as new paragraph 09.01:

National planning policy for Gypsies and Travellers is set out in Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (2015) and requires planning authorities to use their evidence to plan positively to meet the needs of Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople.

Current needs are identified through the Ipswich Housing Market Area Gypsy, Traveller, Travelling Showpeople and Boat Dwellers Accommodation Needs Assessment (ANA) (May 2017), which will be superseded by a new or updated assessment identifying needs for Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts produced alongside a Part 2 Plan, and will identify sites for allocation if necessary.

Policy SP04 - Provision for Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople

1.  1. Proposals for the development of sites for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, within or outside settlement limits, will be approved where they accord with the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites and Policy SP09.
2.  2. Sites with permission for these uses or in current use, will be protected for these uses unless it can be demonstrated they are no longer required to meet the relevant District-wide need.

All original text in paras 09.13 - 09.24 to be removed and replaced by new paragraphs inserted into the start of modified Chapter 10 (p.50)

New text below inserted as beginning of Chapter 10. (supporting Policy SP05)

Economic Growth

Across Babergh and Mid Suffolk there is a diverse network of employment sites of different sizes and locations with wide ranging suitability for different employment uses. The sites include large strategic sites which are concentrated along the transport corridors and on the edge of the towns, as well as smaller scale business estates and many other sites located throughout the Plan area, many of which are on diversified farmland. It is important that the diversity of sites is maintained to accommodate the wide-ranging requirements of employers and industries located in the Districts.

The Employment Land Needs Assessment (2016) identifies that Babergh and Mid Suffolk have modest net additional employment land requirements equating to approximately 2.9 Ha in Babergh and 9.4 Ha in Mid Suffolk, up to 2036. In quantitative terms, there is considered to be adequate land supply through vacant land (20.1 Ha in Babergh and 109.8 Ha in Mid Suffolk) on strategic employment sites to meet the additional employment land requirements over the Plan period. In addition to the designated sites in Table 6, there are further employment sites which have been granted planning permission along the strategic transport corridors (as defined in the glossary).

Whilst the baseline land forecast indicates modest employment land requirements, it is important that there is sufficient policy flexibility to meet sustainable economic demands over the Plan period. At the same time, it is also important to continue to support the retention and improvement of the network of established sites of varying sizes located across the Districts. Flexibility to accommodate net growth, to enhance the employment provision for uses that cannot be accommodated upon the existing strategic employment sites, is important to securing the future prosperity of the area.

In total, the strategic employment sites cover approximately 190 Ha in Babergh and 440 Ha in Mid Suffolk, as shown in Table 6. In Babergh, there are two key regeneration sites in employment use. One is at Brantham located on the Stour Estuary, and one is at Sproughton (the former Sugar Beet site) located on the A14 corridor, the latter also being a strategic employment site.

Table 6: Strategic Employment Sites and Gross* Areas

* Gross includes developable areas for employment uses as well as areas of constraint such as access roads, landscaping, and areas of flood risk.

It is important that the flexibility to enable economic investment is balanced with the need to safeguard and encourage investment and improvements to the existing network of employment sites, which have a central role in supporting economic activity across Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Proposals for net additional (new) employment land should enhance the economic potential of the Districts and not jeopardise the ongoing retention of the existing employment uses. There is a need to ensure that employment opportunities exist throughout the Districts, to help to support sustainable communities and reduce the need for out-commuting. The economic importance of supporting the retention of existing sites across the Districts remains vital to the ongoing economic sustainability of many settlements. Cumulatively these sites support the economic sustainability of Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Detailed policies to secure the diversity in the type, scale and location of employment sites are set out in the Non-Strategic Local Policies of the Plan.

Through the production of the Water Cycle Study, Essex and Suffolk Water commented that the supply headroom in the Hartismere Water Resource Zone (WRZ) has now been exhausted by new non-household demand and so this would affect future non-household development. It has been identified that additional supply capacity will not be available before 2032 at the earliest.

Policy to be moved (from Chapter 09) and inserted with associated new supporting text at Chapter 10.

Policy SP05 - Employment Land

1. In order to support and encourage sustainable economic growth and ensure a continuous range and diversity of sites and premises are available to meet current and potential future economic needs the strategic employment sites (as identified on the olicies ap shall be protected and their proposed expansion supported in principle: In order to support and encourage sustainable economic growth (i) the designated strategic employment sites (as identified in Table 6 and on the Policies Map) shall be protected and employment uses within them will be supported in principle; and (ii) other land used for employment purposes shall be protected for ongoing employment use, unless such use is convincingly demonstrated to be unviable.
2. The ongoing economic led regeneration at Brantham and at the Former Sproughton Sugar Beet Factory regeneration sites is supported. Development at the Brantham site must be sensitive to the estuarine/coastal location, which is in close proximity to the AONB, in relation to landscape, biodiversity, potentially flood risk, and, where relevant, the historic environment. This site could offer significant potential for biodiversity net gain as well as landscape enhancements i mprovements to reflect its location close to the AONB and coast. Similarly, regeneration at the Former Sproughton Sugar Beet Factory, must be sensitive to landscape, biodiversity (with consideration given to potential for biodiversity netw gain) and heritage assets and sensitivity.

3. Existing employment uses should be retained. These sites will generally be expected to continue to provide for local employment over the plan period. If sites are to be redeveloped for alternative non-employment uses, the alternative provision (a "land swap") and / or contributions to enable alternative employment provision must be secured

4. 3. Applications for full flexibility or for a single or flexible use involving one or more of the uses within Class E on the strategic employment sites will be considered on their individual merits. This will apply to all unimplemented extant relevant permissions (prior to September 2020) whether in full or in part. Prior to submission applicants should engage with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to agree the required assessment work in support of any proposal. Where appropriate, conditions will be applied to Use Class E developments to control the uses which can be operated.

5. 4. In determining applications for new employment development weight shall be given to proposals which make provision for skills and training packages which are supported by the relevant LPA.

6. 5. To ensure a deliverable supply of employment sites to meet accommodate the changing needs of the economy, development of net additional employment uses other land for employment uses along the strategic transport corridors (A12, A14 and A140)(as defined in the glossary) shall be supported in principle, subject to:

1. The applicant demonstrating es that any proposal is deliverable and would enhance provision which can notcannot be accommodated on existing strategic employment sites;
2. All proposals demonstrating e adequate highway capacity and access with . There must be included sufficient off-road on-site parking for the use on site to the satisfaction of the LPA;
3. All proposals ensure Ensuring provision of accessibility to public transport, including walking and cycling provision;
4. The site design and layout must bebeing sensitive to the surroundings, including any landscape, heritage and biodiversity assets;
5. Prioritisation must be being given to development on brownfield PDL. previously developed land .; and
6. All new buildings must demonstratedemonstrating a high -quality standard of design, by having regard to the relevant policies of the Plan.

6. Any application for non-domestic proposals requiring heavy water usage across the two Districts will be required to demonstrate that sufficient water capacity is available through a Water Supply Management Statement in liaison with the relevant water supply company. Any use of this nature in the Hartismere Water Resource Zone (Mid Suffolk District) will be prohibited until confirmation of sufficient water capacity by the relevant water supply company (currently anticipated from 2032).

Policy to be inserted with associated new supporting text at Chapter 10.

Policy SP06 - Retail and Town Centre Uses

1. Proposals for new retail and main town centre uses¹⁴ in the Plan area shouldwill be supported in the defined Sudbury, Hadleigh and Stowmarket town centres areas (as defined on the Policies Map) and centres that are defined in made Neighbourhood Plans. Settlements with a defined area are in Sudbury, Hadleigh, Stowmarket, Needham Market, Eye and Debenham.
2. A sequential test will be applied for proposals for retail and main town centre uses which are neither in proposed outside of the defined town centre areas, nor in accordance with an up-to-date plan.
3. In order to protect and enhance the historic environment of the settlements, development proposals will need to demonstrate they have been appropriately designed with the townscape, heritage assets and their settings and townscape taken into consideration.

Policy SP07 - Tourism

1. Settlements across Babergh and Mid Suffolk, many of which contain historic assets, tourism and leisure facilities, play an important role within the Districts. New sustainable tourism development that supports thisthe tourism role of the settlements across Babergh and Mid Suffolk will be encouraged, where appropriate into the scale, character and nature of their locality.
2. Historic, recreational and landscape-based tourism proposals that demonstrate protection and enhancement of the historic and natural environment heritage, the environment and landscape assets will be actively encouraged.supported.

1. 3. All tourism and leisure proposals will be required to demonstrate how they contribute to climate change adaption and mitigation.

2. 4. All proposals for development should comply with other policies in the Plan.

Policy SP08 - Strategic Infrastructure Provision

1. The Councils will work with the relevant partners in supporting and enabling the delivery of key strategic infrastructure projects¹⁵ affecting both the plan area and beyond, which include:
   1. Infrastructure for transport (including sustainable transport modes) Transportation improvements (including modal shift) to the strategic infrastructure along the strategic transport A12 and A14 corridors , and (including the delivery of the ISPA Ipswich Strategic Planning Area Transport Mitigation Strategy) to mitigate cumulative transport and air quality impacts avoid and mitigate any adverse effects, and achieve net environmental gains .;
   2. A district wide education expansion programme to match projected population growth .;
   3. Protected Habitats Mitigation Zones .;
   4. An uUpgrade from 2025 2032 to the Hartismere water supply infrastructure network .; and
   5. Improvements and expansions to electronic communication networks and high-quality digital technology infrastructure.
2. All development will also need to make provision for appropriate contributions towards community infrastructure , where the relevant locality to the development proposal has been identified through the Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
3. The required infrastructure will be provided through a combination of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), Planning Obligations, other Developer Contributions and where appropriate, funding assistance from the Councils / other provider organisations.

12.16 To the north and north west of the Plan area, there are other internationally designated sites in Mid Suffolk, as well as in neighbouring authorities. Proposals for development will need to consider internationally designated sites these designations, particularly where they are identified within the relevant Impact Risk Zones and/or Zones of Influence (otherwise referred to under the general term 'Protected Habitats Sites Mitigation Zones').

12.17 Development that falls within the Impact Risk Zones for Redgrave & Lopham Fens SAC & Ramsar site and Waveney & Lt Ouse Valley Fens SAC will trigger consultation with Natural England. The 5km Impact Risk Zone for these designations are identified on the Protected Habitats Mitigation Zones map and is also identified on the Natural England MAGIC online map.

12.18 The Councils will continue to work with other authorities throughout the Plan period, to ensure that the Protected Habitats Sites Mitigation Zones, strategystrategies and mitigation measures are kept under review in partnership with Natural England and other stakeholders. The RAMS 13km Zones of Influence (ZOI) as identified on the Protected Habitats Mitigation Zones map were established in response to evidence to provide an indication of the geographical extent to which recreation pressure may be relevant for each European site, i.e. the geographical zone around each European site, within which new development defined through the RAMS Strategy may pose a risk in terms of additional recreation pressure. For all other development within the Stour and Orwell Estuaries Protected Habitats Mitigation Zone, a 13km Impact Risk Zone will apply, which will trigger consultation with Natural England for further ecological considerations, on a site-by-site basis.

12.19 The Councils are also currently working in a county-wide partnership on a cross-boundary project, to identify wildlife corridor networks. This will be used as baseline data for creating, protectingconserving and enhancing wildlife corridors and to support biodiversity net gain requirements.

New paragraphs to be inserted after paragraph 12.20:

All development within or directly adjacent to Protected Habitats Sites, will be required to ensure the construction will avoid adverse effects on site integrity of the relevant Protected Habitats Site, in accordance with legislation. This will be required at the application stage.

The Councils commenced the monitoring of air quality from traffic on roads within 200 metres of Protected Habitats Sites in September 2021. An Air Quality Monitoring Plan has been agreed with Natural England for the collection of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Ammonia (NH3) emissions over the period 2021 to 2022. The Part 2 Plan will provide an appropriate stage and timescale to determine whether the planning policies are having (or could have) an adverse effect on the integrity (AEOI) of the relevant Protected Habitats Sites.

Policy SP09 - Enhancement and Management of the Environment

1. The Councils will require development to support and contribute to the conservation, enhancement and management of the natural and local environment and networks of green infrastructure, including: landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and the historic environment and historic landscapes. through detailed development management policies set out in the Plan, including environmental protection measures, such as biodiversity net gain and sustainable urban drainage systems.

Cross-boundary mitigation of effects on Protected Habitats Sites

2. Development that creates new dwelling(s) within the identified Protected Habitats Sites Mitigation Zone should seek to avoid harm in the first instance. Where this is not possible, development will be required to demonstrate adverse effects on site integrity will be avoided from increased recreational pressure. Development consisting of over 50 dwellings will be required to demonstrate well-designed open space/green infrastructure, proportionate to its scale. Development will also be required to make appropriate contributions through legal agreements towards management projects and/or monitoring of visitor pressure and urban effects on Habitats Sites and be compliant with the HRA Recreational dDisturbance and Avoidance Mitigation Strategy. Development will otherwise need to submit separate evidence of compliance with the Habitats Regulations Assessment HRA regarding predicted impacts upon relevant designated sites.

1. 3. All development that would have an impact on a Protected Habitats Site, will be required to embed mitigation measures to avoid adverse effect on integrity.

2. 4 3.All development proposals will be required to support and contribute to the Councils' project to maintain, enhance and protect biodiversity net gain, the networks of habitats and green infrastructure Through biodiversity net gain, all development will be required to protect and enhance biodiversity. This must ensure that the network of habitats and green infrastructure is more resilient to current and future pressures.

3.  5. Where the monitoring of air quality from traffic on roads within 200 metres of Protected Habitats Sites demonstrates an adverse effect on their integrity, then the Councils will commit to an immediate review of the planning policies to address any mitigation measures required.

Policy SP10 - Climate Change

1. The Councils will : require all development to mitigate and adapt to climate change by:
   1. a. Require all developments to take a proactive approach to mitigate and adapt to climate change, taking into account the long-term implications for flood risk, coastal change, water supply, biodiversity and landscapes and visual impacts, and the risk of extreme winter and summer temperatures;overheating from rising temperatures; Proactive approaches may include sustainable construction techniques that regulate building temperatures, tree planting and shelter in public realms including public transport nodes and stops and biodiversity net gain.
   2. b. a. Adopting a sequential risk-based approach taking into account future-proofing measures for impacts of flooding;
   3. c. b. Encourage and promoteConforming to the principle of Holistic Water Management;
   4. d. c. Encourage and supportApplying existing and innovative approaches to sustainable design and construction; and
   5. e. d. Require proactive approaches and identify Identifying opportunities, where appropriate, to deliver decentralised energy systems powered by a renewable or low carbon source and associated infrastructure, including community-led initiatives.

Policy LP01 - Hamlets and Clusters of development in the countryside Windfall infill development outside settlement boundaries

1. Proposals for windfall infill¹⁸development outside settlement boundaries within where there is a nucleus of at least 10 well related dwellings dwelling clusters^[22] and/or a defined hamlet may will be acceptable, subject to compliance with all the following criteria applied:

1. It would not be detrimental to the character and appearance of the settlement, landscape (including the AONB), residential amenity or any heritage, environmental or community assets .;
2. It would not result in consolidating sporadic or ribbon development or result in loss of gaps between settlements resulting in coalescence .; and The cumulative impact of the proposal on the location, context and infrastructure is considered acceptable.
3. The scale of development is infill only would usually be for only one or two dwellings. for a single dwelling and or pair of semi detached dwellings.

1. d. Special regard shall be given to development proposals preserving and enhancing the AONB and to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geodiversity affected by the proposal.
2. e. All new development will be expected to minimise dependence on fossil fuels and make the fullest contribution to the mitigation of climate change through implementation of sustainable construction practices and renewable energy technologies.

Policy LP02 - Residential Annexes

1) Proposals for residential annexe accommodation attached to the main dwelling may be considered favourably, providing the proposal is designed so that it can continue to be used as an ancillary and subordinate part to the main dwelling, without creating an independent dwelling and/or separate planning unit at present or in the future.Residential annexes will be supported where the proposal:

1. a. Is ancillary and subordinate in scale to the host dwelling;
2. b. Does not involve the physical subdivision of the residential curtilage; and
3. c. Is designed to easily allow for the annexe to be integrated later integrated into the main dwelling as a single dwellinghouse when the need no longer exists.

2) An annexe proposal not attached to the main dwelling must be subordinate in scale, form and mass from the main dwelling, and must contain a physical and/or functional link to the main dwelling, thereby ensuring an ancillary relationship with the main dwelling.

3) Equally, the proposal must not create significant material consideration²⁴ issues for the main dwelling or proposed annexe, when assessed against other relevant policies.

4) Where a proposal harms heritage assets the local planning authority will resist the proposal.

5) The proposal would not cause the felling of or any damage to any significant trees and hedgerows that contribute to the environmental quality and visual amenity benefits of the locality.

6) Proposals that are considered acceptable are required to minimise dependence on fossil fuels and make the fullest contribution to the mitigation of climate change through adopting a sustainable approach to energy use (see sustainable construction and design policy).

7) Where applicable, proposals must protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity affected by the development.

8) 2. Where proposals for residential such annexes proposal isare considered acceptable, planning agreementconditions or obligations will be imposed to restrictlimit the occupation of thefor use as an annexe, to person(s) related or similarly linked (such as immediate family related or lawful relationship) to the occupants of the main dwellingand to prevent the future use of the annexe as a separate dwelling. When considered necessary by the LPA the requirement for a legal agreement may be necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms and or the removal of permitted development rights

Policy LP03 - Residential Extensions and Conversions

1. Proposals for development within the curtilage of existing dwellings, extensions to existing dwellings or conversions of buildings to ancillary residential use within the curtilage of residential dwellings curtilage may be permitted providing will be supported where they ;:

1. Are in keeping with the size, scale, mass, design and materials of the existing dwelling and wider setting. Incorporate a high standard of design which maintains or enhances the character and appearance of the building, street scene and surroundings;
2. Will not result in over-development of the plot and will retain suitable amenity space. Or within the curtilage or create an incongruous impact. The cumulative effects of a number of extensions or conversions within the plot to the existing dwelling or dwelling curtilage will be taken into account; regarded as a material consideration.

1. c. Incorporate good quality design which maintains or enhances the character and appearance of the building, street scene and surroundings and reflects and respects the relationship of the site and its context setting and those of any adjoining properties.
2. d. c. Will not materially, unacceptably or detrimentally affect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers properties or adversely affect neighbouring commercial uses.; and
3. e. Would not cause the felling of or any damage to any significant trees and hedgerows that contribute to the environmental quality and visual amenity benefits of the locality. Ecology/biodiversity may be a material consideration as part of the assessment.
4. f. d. Have safe vehicular access, and sufficient space remains available to park vehicles in the curtilage of the dwelling. Consideration will be given to any relevant parking standards that may need to be taken into consideration. Ensure sufficient parking spaces and turning spaces (where required) are retained or provided
5. g. Where a proposal affects and harms a heritage asset the local planning authority will resist the proposal.

Policy LP04 - Replacement Dwellings and Conversions In The Countryside (Outside of Settlement Boundaries)

1. 1. Proposals to replace an existing dwelling in the countryside or the conversion/erection of ancillary buildings or boundary treatments for such dwelling, may be permitted providing the proposal complies with policy (Residential extensions and conversions policy) criteria and in addition:
   1. a. The design, size, scale, mass and materials of the resultant development must be compatible to the area's character and appearance and no more visually intrusive to that of the original dwelling to be replaced and must not significantly urbanise the plot or property curtilage.
   2. b. The proposal must be well designed, sensitively integrated and respect any heritage value of the area including setting value.
   3. c. The existing dwelling to be replaced must not be a listed building or a building of historic or architectural importance and merit or a non-designated heritage asset.
   4. d. There must not be any increase in the number of dwellings on the site. If the proposal incorporates any increase in dwellings on the site consideration will need to be made to the Hamlets and Clusters of development in the countryside policy and settlement hierarchy policy.
   5. e. The proposal must not take place on the best and most versatile agricultural land.
   6. f. The original dwelling must have a lawful permanent residential use and be capable of residential occupation in its current condition and form before any acceptable approved alteration.

1. 1. Proposals for replacement dwellings will be supported where the building to be replaced has a lawful use as a permanent residential dwelling.
2. 2. Proposals for conversion of buildings to residential must demonstrate the structure is capable of accommodating the use and the development would reuse redundant or disused buildings and enhance its immediate setting.
3. 3. Additionally, proposals for replacement dwellings and/or conversions must:
   1. Be of an appropriate scale and setting for the area, and use materials to achieve a high standard of design in response to the context, and the character and appearance of the surroundings;
   2. Consider the amenity for both existing and for future occupiers;
   3. Have safe and suitable access and parking;
   4. Reuse redundant or disused buildings where possible; and
   5. In sensitive areas not be more visually intrusive than the original dwelling.

Policy LP05 - Replacement Dwellings and Additional Dwellings on Sub-Divided Plots Within Settlement Boundaries

1. 1. Within settlement boundaries, proposals to replace existing dwellings and sub-divide existing residential plots and garden curtilages to create a new dwelling providing the proposal complies with policy (Residential extensions and conversions policy) criteria the proposal will be permitted. Specifically, the proposal must provide and maintain:
   1. a. Good quality design that maintains and enhances the character and appearance of existing buildings, street scene and surrounding context.
   2. b. The proposal must not have unacceptable impact on the amenities of neighbouring occupiers or other properties.
   3. c. Acceptable private amenity and utility space compatible with the area's context.
   4. d. Acceptable access and parking.
   5. e. Acceptable levels of amenity with reasonable access to light, privacy, free from unacceptable noise, odour, smoke, dust, light or any other pollutants and impacts.
   6. f. The proposal must not result in inappropriate sub-division of plots/curtilages that would be out of keeping with existing context.
   7. g. The proposal must not harm a listed building and/or its setting.

New policy for Rural Worker Dwellings

New supporting paragraphs for Rural Worker Dwellings, to be inserted after paragraph 13.18:

Whilst planning policies should avoid the development of isolated homes in the countryside (NPPF, 2021, Para. 80), in certain circumstances such development may be appropriate, such as when there is an essential need to provide accommodation for a rural worker.

Policy LP05 - Rural Worker Dwellings

1. 1. Where residential accommodation for a rural worker, outside settlement boundaries, is proposed, it must demonstrate the following:
   1. a. The essential need for residential accommodation to be located with the existing or proposed use;
   2. b. There being no other suitable building(s) or nearby available residential accommodation to serve the proposal;
   3. c. The enterprise has been established for at least three years and there is an agreed sustainable business plan to ensure the enterprise will remain financially viable for the foreseeable future;
   4. d. New permanent accommodation can only be justified if the enterprise is economically viable and is likely to remain viable for the foreseeable future. Where the business has not been established long enough to demonstrate financial soundness, permission may be granted for a temporary dwelling in the form of a residential caravan, mobile home or other prefabricated structure which can easily be dismantled and removed from the site;
   5. e. The residential accommodation is proportionate in scale to the use proposed; and
   6. f. The proposal must not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.

Policy LP06 - Mix and type of composition

1. 1. For all major housing development proposals for ten units or more, or sites of 0.5ha or more, including supported and special needs housing, the scheme composition:
   1. a. Must accommodate 35% affordable housing to meet affordable housing need.
   2. b. Must accommodate 50% of the dwellings which meet the requirements for accessible and adaptable dwellings under Part M4(2) of Building Regulations (or any relevant regulation that supersedes and replaces).
   3. c. Will be expected to reflect the mix and type (including bungalows) of housing needs identified in the most relevant district needs assessment evidence supported by the Council. Any bungalows provided will be required to remain in perpetuity through the removal of permitted development rights. Therefore, it may be necessary for the Local Planning Authority to apply conditions and/or request in a planning obligation/legal agreement.

Policy LP06 - Mix and type of composition of Housing and Supported and Special Needs Housing

1. 1. Proposals for supported and special needs housing will be supported where they:
   1. a. Are located within a settlement boundary and where there is good access to services and facilities, especially health services and public transport;
   2. b. Have access to open space designed to meet the needs of residents;
   3. c. Have a high quality of design that meets the specific needs of the intended occupiers and is sympathetic to the surrounding townscape and/or landscape; and
   4. d. Meet as a minimum, the requirements for accessible and adaptable dwellings under Part M4(2) of Building Regulations (or any relevant regulation that supersedes and replaces).

Policy LP07 - Supported and Special Needs Housing

1. 1. Proposals for supported and special needs housing, including extensions, conversions and new developments, will be supported where they are:
   1.  a. Located on sites appropriate for residential development.
   2.  b. Within well located areas and connected to the urban areas or main core villages that have sufficient access to local services and facilities (particularly health services) and public transport for long-term sustainability.
   3.  c. Have sufficient amenity standard, including access to open space for the residents.
   4.  d. Well designed to a high quality standard and meet any special needs of the residents of the property and is sympathetic to the surrounding townscape and/or landscape.
   5.  e. Give special regard to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geodiversity affected by the proposal.
   6.  f. Ensures heritage assets and their settings are maintained, protected and enhanced.
   7.  g. Meets adequate shared facility standards.
   8.  h. Meets the requirements for accessible and adaptable dwellings under Part M4(2) of Building Regulations (or any relevant legislation that supersedes and replaces).
2. 2. If bungalows, the proposal will be required to remain in perpetuity through the removal of permitted development rights. Therefore, it may be necessary for the Local Planning Authority to apply conditions and/or request planning obligation/legal agreement.

Adopted Neighbourhood Plans may choose to set out an approach to help influence housing type and mix specific to the local area. Equally, necessary regard will also need to be had to the Plan and any supporting evidence to ensure the local housing needs of the district are adequately met. Any local aspirations not compatible with the district's plan-led approach will not be supported.

Policy LP08 LP07 - Affordable, communityCommunity-led and rural exception housing

1. 1. Affordable housing:
   1.  a. Is expected to be delivered on-site, unless it can be demonstrated in exceptional circumstances, that it is not feasible or practical to provide the units on site in which case it may be agreed that a commuted sum could be paid towards off-site affordable housing provision.
   2.  b. Should be tenure blind when being designed and integrated within a development that contains other types of housing (for example, market housing).
   3.  c. Must be upheld by avoiding proposals that create artificial or contrived subdivision of a site to circumvent requirements. If there is reasonable expectation of adjoining land coming forward for housing development, the Council will take account of the whole contiguous site area when calculating what affordable housing is required. Affordable housing will also be sought where a site is capable of accommodating the stated requirement thresholds.
   4.  d. The Local Planning Authority will use planning obligations or legal agreements to secure and deliver affordable housing to ensure the benefit of affordable housing will be enjoyed by successive occupiers. Where affordable housing cannot be secured in perpetuity, it will be expected for the funds to be ringfenced for reinvestment back into affordable housing provision^[1]32.
2. 2. Community Led Housing proposals must demonstrate that:
   1.  a. The scheme was initiated by, and is being led by a legitimate local community group such as a Parish Council or Community Land Trust; and
   2. v. The scheme has general community support, with evidence of meaningful public engagement.
3. 3. Rural Exception Housing 

   Up to 35% of market housing on rural exception sites will be supported, only where it is financially necessary in order to secure and deliver additional local affordable housing. A financial appraisal must be submitted to evidence the need for open market housing to cross-subsidise affordable housing on the rural exception site.

1. Community-Led Housing proposals must demonstrate that:
   1.  The scheme was initiated by, and is being led by, a legitimate local community group; and
   2.  The scheme has general community support.
2. Permission will be granted for a Rural Exception Site scheme if it is well-connected to an existing settlement and proportionate in size to it.
3. Rural Exception Site housing proposals including an element of open market housing must be supported by a viability assessment which convincingly demonstrates that the open market housing is the minimum necessary to cross-subsidise the affordable housing. Proposals including more than 35% open market housing will not be permitted.

LP09 - Provision for Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople

Policy background and explanation

13.43 National planning policy for Gypsies and Travellers is set out in Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (2015) and requires planning authorities to use their evidence to plan positively to meet the needs of Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople.

13.44 Gypsies and Travellers are defined for planning purposes within the Planning Policy for Travellers Sites (2015) as:

'Persons of nomadic habit of life whatever their race or origin, including such persons who on grounds only of their own or their family's or dependants' educational or health needs or old age have ceased to travel temporarily, but excluding members of an organised group of travelling showpeople or circus people travelling together as such.

In determining whether persons are 'gypsies and travellers' for the purposes of this planning policy, consideration should be given to the following issues amongst other relevant matters:

1. a. whether they previously led a nomadic habit of life
2. b. the reasons for ceasing their nomadic habit of life
3. c. whether there is an intention of living a nomadic habit of life in the future, and if so, how soon and in what circumstances.'

13.45 Travelling Showpeople are defined within the Planning Policy for Travellers Sites (2015) as:

'Members of a group organised for the purposes of holding fairs, circuses or shows (whether or not travelling together as such). This includes such persons who on the grounds of their own or their family's or dependants' more localised pattern of trading, educational or health needs or old age have ceased to travel temporarily, but excludes Gypsies and Travellers as defined above.'

13.46 All allocated sites must have a project level HRA if they are within the zone of influence of coastal habitat sites. This will also identify whether allocated sites will result in a likely significant effect to functionally linked land and water quality, and will determining whether further mitigation is required. Where relevant, project level Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRA), Construction Environment Management Plans (CEMP) and lighting design schemes will be required for planning applications.

13.47 The jointly commissioned Ipswich Housing Market Area Gypsy, Traveller, Travelling Showpeople and Boat Dwellers Accommodation Needs Assessment (ANA) (May 2017) identifies for Gypsy and Traveller provision Babergh is in need for 1 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitch and Mid Suffolk is in need for 9 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches in the Plan period (a pitch is an area on a site developed for a family unit to live). Each authority is to meet the needs in respect of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation within their own areas.

13.48 The following data shows existing Gypsy and Traveller data since 2016, which includes Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople. All of which is in private ownership.

Babergh Five Year Estimate of the Need for Permanent/ Residential Site Pitches (2016-2021)

Source: ANA 2017

Babergh Twenty Year Summary (2016-2036)

Source: ANA 2017

Mid Suffolk Five Year Estimate of the Need for Permanent/ Residential Site Pitches (2016-2021)

Source: ANA 2017

Mid Suffolk Twenty Year Summary (2016-2036)

Source: ANA 2017

*Includes the development of 3 potentials 2016-21

**The figures in brackets in the table above are based on a possible scenario of 21 pitches not being available. However, since the Accommodation Needs Assessment (ANA) evidence was produced the 21 pitches are available. In accordance with the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Gypsy and Traveller monitoring of January 2020, there are currently 88 pitches in Mid Suffolk.

The data in the table above includes temporary planning permissions and unauthorised developments.

Definitions of Gypsy and Traveller uses:

• 'Plots' refer to Travelling Showpeople only
• 'Pitches' refer to Gypsies and Travellers only

13.49 Both districts have regular incidents of unauthorised encampments with major transport links influencing the pattern of occupation. Accommodation needs from unauthorised encampments was considered separately and this information is as follows some of which are subject to enforcement action.

Source: ANA 2017

13.50 Proposals for accommodation for those who do not meet the current definition of Gypsies and Travellers or Travelling Showpeople would be considered under the other relevant housing policies, including Policy on Moorings, Marinas and Houseboats.

13.51 Proposals for new sites for Gypsies and Travellers or Travelling Showpeople would be considered under all relevant environmental policies, including Policy on Biodiversity

Policy LP09 deleted

Policy LP09 - Provision for Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople

1. The Councils will work with partner agencies to identify suitable permanent and transit pitches to meet the needs identified in an up to date needs assessment.

2. The principle for Traveller development will be considered as with other residential development in other policies*, and having regard to the following considerations:

1. a. The need for pitches in the District as evidenced in an up to date needs assessment, and the availability of deliverable sites. The site choice must be the result of a sequential search. Land ownership limitations are not a reason to justify selection above other sustainability criteria;
2. b. The site shall not dominate the nearest settled community;
3. c. The site is well related to local services and facilities (particularly medical services and schools), preferably by means other than the private vehicle (e.g. car);
4. d. The site is designed with regard to established design guidance documents and best practice;
5. e. The proposal must not cause any detrimental affects to amenity. For example (but not limited to) noise, light and water pollution.
6. f. Special regard shall be given to protecting and enhancing landscape, biodiversity and geodiversity affected by the proposal.
7. g. Any employment use on the site is compatible with residential and local amenity;
8. h. The proposal must ensure heritage assets and their settings are maintained, protected and enhanced where the opportunity arises.
9. i. The proposal must not result in loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.

3. The Council will prepare a project level Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) to assess the likely impacts from development if proposed sites are situated within the SSSI zone of influence of Habitat Sites.

4. Conditions will normally be applied to limit the number of pitches/plots on the site, or to safeguard occupancy by the Gypsy/Traveller community.

* Neighbourhood Plans may allocate sites for Gypsy and Traveller use.

Policy LP10 deleted as well as maps for Pin Mill House Boats, Chelmondiston; Fox's Marina, Wherstead; Marinas at Woolverstone; Shotley Marina.

LP10 - Moorings, Marinas and Houseboats

2. 2. Outside of the defined moorings and marinas located at Pin Mill, Woolverstone, Shotley and Fox's at Wherstead, there will be no introduction or extension of moorings, marinas and houseboats or the ancillary land based activities across the Stour and Orwell estuaries SPA and Ramsar site (Suffolk Coast RAMS zone of influence).
3. 3. Within the defined moorings and marinas, planning permission will only be granted if all of the following criteria are met to the satisfaction of the LPA:
   1. a. The proposal will not result in any adverse effect (either through construction and or operation) on the integrity of the Stour and Orwell SPA and Ramsar sites and the Suffolk Coast and Heath AONB. If planning permission is granted a CEMP must be agreed prior to commencement of development to demonstrate mitigation of construction impacts.
   2. b. The proposal must demonstrate appropriate measures to ensure there is no risk of deterioration in Water Framework Directive (WFD) status for the River Stour and Orwell.

2.  2. A project level HRA will be required for each houseboat planning application and all proposals will need to demonstrate acceptable environmental protection measures and a Construction and Environment Management Plan will be required.
   1. a. If planning permission is granted a Construction Environment Management Plan must be agreed prior to commencement of development to demonstrate mitigation of construction impacts.
   2. b. Additionally, for houseboat proposals within the defined area of Pin Mill, Chelmondiston:
      1. i. The total number of houseboats is no greater than 28 units.
      2. ii. The vessels must be river worthy and capable of floating
      3. iii. Access must be via a jetty
      4. iv. The boat is secured to the access jetty and or a mooring post.
      5. v. The applicant enters into a legal agreement for the removal of any vessel that becomes unfit for habitation or is abandoned.

Policy LP11LP08 - Self-Build and Custom-Build

1. The Councils will support proposals for self-build/custom-build housing or proposals that make a proportion of serviced dwelling plots available for sale to self-builders or custom builders, on appropriate sites and where in accordance compliance with all other relevant policies of in this the Plan.

2. 2. Special protection must be given to the landscape, biodiversity and the historic environment.
3. 3. The proposal must not cause significant harm to residential amenity.
4. 4. The proposal must minimise the impact of development on climate change and will be expected to minimise dependence on fossil fuels and make the fullest contribution to the mitigation of climate change through implementation of sustainable construction practices and renewable energy technologies.

Policy LP12LP09 - Supporting A Prosperous Economy Employment Development

1. Proposals for employment use must:

1. a. Be sensitive to the surroundings, including any residential and other amenity, landscape and heritage assets;
2. b. Demonstrate s a high quality standard of sustainable design;
3. c. Minimise impact from development on climate change through the implementation of sustainable construction practices and /or renewable energy technologies;
4. d. Maximise the use of sustainable and active modes of transport through footpath and cycle route improvements as part of development, or to be sited where it can be easily accessed by public transport;
5. e. Provide adequate servicing, access and off-road parking for its type, mix, use and location;
6. f. c. Where necessary, provide contributions to the enhancement of the digital infrastructure network; and
7. g. d. Have good highway access and not have severe impact on highway network Demonstrate adequate highway capacity and access with sufficient on-site parking.
8. h. Protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity affected by the development.

2. 2. Applications for full flexibility or for a single or flexible use involving one or more of the uses within Class E on the strategic employment sites will be considered on their individual merits. This will apply to all unimplemented extant relevant permissions (prior to September 2020) whether in full or in part. Prior to submission applicants should engage with the LPA to agree the required assessment work in support of any proposal.

3. 2. Change of use to small scale employment within a use, predominantly residential curtilage , is supported where:

1. There is are no direct sales from the site;
2. The direct and indirect effects of the scale of the business activity, including the employment of non-residents at the business, must remain incidental to the overall use of the site for residential purposes;
3. The hours of operation are compatible with residential use; and
4. The business does not involve significant create noise, dust, fumes or other emissions, outdoor storage or frequent delivery/collection (more than twice daily) that are likely to give rise to significant adverse impacts on health, quality of life or local amenity. which could adversely affect local amenity.

Policy LP13LP10 - Safeguarding Economic Opportunities Change from Employment Uses

1. In order to protect the operation of existing businesses, proposals for development in the vicinity of land and premises in lawful business, commercial and employment activity may only be approved where such activity would not be compromised through amenity conflicts arising from the proposed development.sustain a suitable land supply to meet economic demands, proposals for development will only be approved where the proposal would not compromise ongoing employment use(s).
2. The Councils shall resist the loss of identified employment sites, as well as other land and premises in lawful employment/commercial use. Proposals that would lead to the full or partial loss of employment sites or premises will be required to demonstrate:
   1. That the possibility of re-using or redeveloping the land for other commercial, employment , business or community uses^{23 2}have been explored by a period of sustained marketing normally for 6 months by an independent qualified assessor. This must be undertaken at a realistic asking price, on a range of terms and in an appropriate format. The approach for the marketing campaign must be agreed by the relevant Development Management case officer from the outset LPA; and
   2. The proposal would not give rise to amenity conflicts with existing or proposed employment uses/activities in the vicinity of the site.

1. 3. Where relocation of an employment site is proposed which would result in full or partial loss of the existing employment site to an alternative use the proposer will need to demonstrate That there would be an overriding environmental or community benefit from redevelopment or change to another business or community use, which outweighs the benefit of the current employment use continuing. In this situation the Council may also seek contributions to help offset the economic impact of the loss of business opportunities. Contributions may include any combination of:
   1. a. Alternative land or premises;
   2. b. Financial contributions towards infrastructure installations to enable the delivery of replacement employment premises on Strategic Employment Sites;
   3. c. Financial contributions towards skills, training and qualifications for displaced employees.

Policy LP14LP11 - Retail and Town Centres and retail

1. Within Town Centre Boundaries^{24 3} as defined on the Policies Map consideration is given to ensuring that development proposals should normally seek to ensure they do not eliminate separate access arrangements to upper floorspace, which could be used for residential, community or employment uses.

2. To maintain vitality and viability of town centres, proposals ; :
   1. That include 'above the shop' homes, and/or a mix of retail and other leisure and cultural activity, including support for the evening economy, and improvements to the public realm (such as tree planting and green infrastructure) will be encouraged.
   2. That ensure new and existing open spaces, community facilities, including meeting places that are accessible to all, will be supported encouraged in principle.
3. Out of Town Centre Applications

Where an application for Class E (retail and leisure development) outside of town centre boundaries ), is in excess of 2,500m²400m², an impact assessment will be required. A sequential test in accordance with the NPPF will be applied for any applications for main town centre uses, which are neither in an existing centre nor in accordance with an up-to-date plan, including Neighbourhood Plans where relevant. Applications which would fail the sequential test or are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of nearby centres will not be supported.

Policy LP15LP12 - Tourism and Leisure

1. Proposals for new tourism and leisure facilities, or improvements/extensions to existing facilities, will be supported where they: proposal(s):
   1. EnhanceImprove the Ddistrict 's' ability to attract and cater for visitors, increase local employment opportunities, enhance the vitality of places and provide for environmental improvements;
   2. Improve the range, quality and accessibility of facilities;
   3. Are accessible by public transport and facilitates walking and cycling, whilst providing appropriate parking and access, and ensuring the associated traffic movement would not compromise highway safety;
   4. Include s facilities which are open to the wider community, to enhance both accessibility and the range of facilities available;
   5. e. Uses brownfield land and or avoids the best and most versatile agricultural land.
   6. f. Enhances the vitality and viability of settlement centres
   7. g. Protects the landscape, biodiversity and the historic environment.
   8. e. Respect the character of the landscape by having regard to landscape guidance that supports the development plan; and
   9. f. Follow a hierarchy of seeking firstly to avoid impacts, secondly mitigating for impacts so as to make them insignificant on the local ecology, biodiversity, trees and hedgerows, or thirdly as a last resort compensate for losses that cannot be avoided or mitigated.

2. In addition to the criteria above, proposals in the countryside outside settlement boundaries may be supported where the proposal:
   1. Increases access, enjoyment and interpretation of the countryside, appropriately, sensitively and sustainably;
   2. b. Provides appropriate parking and access and ensures the associated traffic movement would not compromise highway safety;
   3. c. b. Improves accessibility for existing settlements places, which are not well served by public transport; and
   4. d. Reflects the intrinsic quality and respects the character of the countryside by having regard to the Councils Landscape Guidance and any other relevant documents endorsed by the LPA
   5. e. The proposal must follow a hierarchy of seeking firstly to avoid impacts, mitigate for impacts so as to make them insignificant on the local ecology, biodiversity, trees and hedgerows, or as a last resort compensate for losses that cannot be avoided or mitigated for;
   6. f. c. Is of an appropriate scale for their context. ;and
   7. g. Safeguarding and where possible enhancing the historic interest of the asset including its setting.

Policy LP16LP13 - Countryside Tourist Accommodation

1. In rural locations Outside settlement boundaries, applications for new tourist accommodation will be considered on an exceptional basis. In addition, applications must accord with other policies in the Plan and:
   1. Demonstrate an overriding business need to be in that location .;
   2. Be sympathetic to the character of the area and meet environmental standards; and
   3. c. Protect and enhance heritage assets and their setting;
   4. d. Protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity as a a result of development;
   5. e. Minimise the impact of development on climate change, through sustainable construction practices and/or renewable energy technologies; and
   6. f. c. Be accessible by a range of transport modes.

2. New tourism accommodation will be controlled by planning conditions which take account of the individual business models and / or locational ecological impacts.

2. 3.In addition to criterion at 1 (a - c f) proposals to extend or upgrade tourism facilities accommodation must provide a balanced mix of economic, social and environmental benefits. New tourism development will be controlled by planning conditions which take account of the individual business models and / or locational ecological impacts.

3. 4. The Councils will only support the removal of a holiday occupancy condition if evidence is provided that there is no demand for the ongoing use of the tourist accommodation, as evidenced by a sustained marketing for 6 months.

Intensive Livestock and Poultry Farming

Strong rural economies are essential in creating and sustaining vibrant rural places and communities. Intensive livestock and poultry farming are a large component of the agricultural industry in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

The policy seeks to support this specific agricultural sector wherever it is considered appropriate whilst ensuring significant consideration is given to environmental protection as well as the wellbeing of people and the impacts on natural and cultural resources.

Intensive agricultural units, particularly pig and poultry farms, can affect both sensitive habitats and the local population. This is largely through the release of pollutants, including: ammonia; nutrients from manure; litter and slurry; effluent discharges; dust; odour; and noise. Consequently, there is the need to exercise particular care when considering developments which would bring livestock and poultry units within close proximity to sensitive land uses. Sensitive land uses include buildings, amenity areas, or outdoor spaces where routine or normal activities occurring at reasonably expected times would experience one or more adverse effects from contaminant discharges generated by a nearby major facility. Sensitive land uses may be a part of the natural or built environment. Examples include: residences, day care centres, educational and health facilities, office development or sensitive environmental areas.

Importantly, whilst an individual intensive livestock and/or poultry development may be acceptable, the cumulative impacts resulting from similar developments nearby should also be taken into account.

This policy sets out a framework for the consideration of intensive livestock and poultry proposals. The policy will be supported by a supplementary planning document which will provide detailed information and advice for assessing impacts of intensive livestock and poultry unit proposals.

Policy LP14 - Intensive Livestock and Poultry Farming

1. 1. Proposals for intensive livestock and poultry units and associated structures and facilities for the storage and disposal of waste will be permitted provided that the siting, design, materials used (including lighting) and methods of operation proposed address all of the below criteria so that they:
   1. a. serve to protect the amenity of residential properties, avoiding or effectively mitigating odour, light and other forms of pollution and disturbance, or in the case of extensions can demonstrate a positive improvement in existing conditions;
   2. b. protect sensitive environmental receptors, such as designated protected species, ecological sites and watercourses (including wet and dry ditches, groundwater and ponds) through appropriate pollution prevention measures and supported by demonstrable on-site contingency measures;
   3. c. consider and address the impact on water resources and the capacity of the water supply infrastructure network, taking account of the limitation on the Hartismere supply network;
   4. d. demonstrate that there will be no significant effects upon sensitive environmental receptors from air pollutants, through submission of approved emission modelling;
   5. e. demonstrate adequate provision has been made for the management and disposal of waste materials, liquids, litter and manure for each production cycle which will not lead to pollution, particularly of surface and groundwater, by submission of an approved waste management plan;
   6. f. serve to minimise visual and landscape impact and incorporate suitable landscaping proposals; and
   7. g. demonstrate adequate highway capacity and access to the highway network. Proposals must not generate an unacceptable increase in traffic volumes and HGV movements over the period of a production cycle taking account of the origin and destination routing of goods within the processing chain.

2. 2. Where proposals for expanded or new units adjoin existing groups of agricultural buildings, or any new proposals which are in remote, isolated or detached locations outside settlement boundaries, they must provide appropriate justification and demonstrable evidence for the location.

3. 3. Where an individual intensive livestock or poultry development is considered acceptable, the cumulative impacts resulting from similar developments nearby must also be taken into account.

4. 4. Proposals for residential buildings or other sensitive land uses within 400m of established intensive livestock and/or poultry units will be subject to special consideration. Such proposals which would be subject to significant adverse environmental impact will not be permitted.

Policy LP17 LP15 - Environmental Protection and Conservation

1. To protect the environment all developments must have regard to the following:

Development proposals must demonstrate appropriate consideration of the following:

1.2. LAND

Efficient and Effective Use of Resources/Land

1. Development on pPreviously developed land will be prioritised ,. where appropriate, to minimise the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land. wWhere development needs to take place on greenfield land, avoidance of the best and most versatile agriculturale land should be prioritised.
2. Development will contribute towards making Make more efficient use or re-use of existing resources and reducing the lifecycle impact of building materials used in construction.
3. Development proposals mMust not prejudice the ability of future allocated sites to come forward by, for example, restricting or blocking access to services such as water, gas, electricity, drainage, the free flow of air, water and daylight.

Land Contamination and Instability

4. Where necessary, development will include measures to remediate land affected by contamination and avoid unacceptable proximity to hazardous sources. locate development safely away from any hazardous source.
5. Where necessary, development will include measures to address land instability issues where identified.

These measures must be compatible with the relevant National and International Standards.

2.3. POLLUTION

Pollution and Environmental Amenity

1. Prevent, or where not practicable, mitigate and reduce to a minimum all forms of possible pollution including, but not limited to: ; air, land, ground and surface water, waste, odour, noise, light and any other general amenity, including public amenity and visual amenity impacts. This must be convincingly demonstrated to the satisfaction of the LPA by the impact assessments where appropriate.
2. Amenity impactsSignificant adverse amenity impacts are avoided where a proposal it is located adjacent to or close to existing uses with the potential to have amenity impacts. This would include an assessment of any identified amenity impacts that have a significant adverse effect and how the continued operation of existing use(s) would not be prejudiced.

3.4. WATER

1. Development will be required to cComply with the relevant SCC Construction Surface Water Management Plan.
2. Development proposals will need to dDemonstrate protection it protects and where practicable enhancement of enhances groundwater, surface water features and must not lead to a deterioration in the quality of the environment to help achieve the objectives^{25 4} of the Water Framework Directive.

Policy LP18LP16 - Biodiversity and Geodiversity

1 ). All development shouldmust follow athe biodiversity mitigation hierarchy. of seeking firstly to; enhance habitats, avoid impacts, mitigate against harmful impacts, or as a last resort compensate for losses that cannot be avoided or mitigated for. Adherence to the hierarchy should be demonstrated.

2 ). Development must should:

1. Protect designated and, where known, potentially designated sites. Proposed development which is likely to have an adverse impact upon designated and potentially designated sites, or that will result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable biodiversity or geological features or habitats (such as ancient woodland and veteran/ancient trees) will not be supported; .
2. Protect and improve sites of geological value and in particular geological sites of international, national and local significance; .
3. Conserve, restore and contribute to the enhancement of biodiversity and geological conservation interests including P priority habitats and species. Enhancement for biodiversity should be commensurate with the scale of development; .
4. PlanWhere possible plan positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of local networks of biodiversity with wildlife corridors that connect areas. This could include Where possible, links to existing green infrastructure networks and areas identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation so that these ecological networks will be more resilient to current and future pressures; .
5. Identify and pursue opportunities for securing measurable net gains, equivalent of a minimum 10% increase, for biodiversity. The Councils will seek appropriate resources from developers for monitoring of biodiversity net gain from developments. Where biodiversity assets cannot be retained or enhanced on site, the Councils will support the delivery of 'biodiversity offsetting' to deliver a net gain in biodiversity off-site in accordance with adopted protocols; .and
6. Apply additional measures to assist with the recovery of species listed onin S41 of the NERC Act 2006.

3. Development which would have an adverse impact on species protected by legislation ^{26 5}, or subsequent legislation, will not be permitted unless there is no alternative and the local planning authority LPA is satisfied that suitable measures have been taken to:

1. Reduce disturbance to a minimum; and
2. Maintain the population identified on site; and
3. Provide adequate alternative habitats to sustain at least the current levels of population.

4. Where appropriate, the local planning authority LPA will use planning obligations and/or planning conditions to achieve appropriate mitigation and/or compensatory measures and to ensure that any potential harm is kept to a minimum.

Policy LP19LP17 - Landscape

1.  To conserve protect and enhance landscape character development must:
   1. Integrate positively with the existing landscape character of the area and reinforce the local distinctiveness and identity of individual settlements; .
   2. Proposals must bBe sensitive to the irnatural and built landscape and visual amenity impacts (including on dark skies and tranquil areas) and; subject to siting, design, lighting, use of materials and colour, along with the associated mitigation measures;
   3. c. Enhance and protect landscape character and values and heritage assets such as; locally characteristic landscape features, for example by use of materials which complement the local individual landscape character, archaeological and historic patterns of settlement and land use³⁷ and designations; being demonstrably informed by local guidance, in particular the Council's Joint Landscape Guidance, the Suffolk Landscape Character Assessment and Settlement Sensitivity Assessment.
   4. d. c. Consider the topographical cumulative impact on landscape sensitivity.
2.  Where significant landscape or visual impacts are likely to occur, for example for larger development proposals, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) or a Landscape andVisual Appraisal (LVA) or a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) must should be prepared to . This should identify ways of avoiding, reducing and mitigating any adverse effects and opportunities for enhancement.

Policy LP20 LP18 - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

1. Proposals for major development²⁸ within the AONBs will be refused other than in exceptional circumstances, and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest.

1 2. The Councils will support non-major development within the AONBs in or and development within the setting²⁹ near of the AONBs that:

1. Gives great weight to conversing and enhancing Conserves and enhances the landscape and scenic beauty;
2. Integrates positively with the character of the area and reinforces local distinctiveness of the AONBs;
3. Is Are sensitive to their the natural and built landscape and visual impacts (including on dark skies and tranquil areas) ; subject to siting, design, lighting, use of materials and colour, along with the associated mitigation measures;
4. Supports the provision and maintenance of local services, and facilities and assets (including affordable housing), so long as it is commensurate with the character and objectives of the AONBs;
5. Demonstrates special regard to conserving and enhancing proposals thatenhance and protect landscape character, landscape and values and heritage assets in the AONBs; and such as; locally characteristic landscape features, for example by use of materials which complement the local individual landscape character, archaeological and historic patterns of settlement and land use and designations;
6. Conserves the distinctiveness of the AONBs (including quality views), supports the public enjoyment of these areas and the wider social and economic objectives set out in the AONB Management Plans.

2. Tourism and visitor related development within the AONB will be supported where it reflects the intrinsic quality and respects the character of the AONB and demonstrates the proposal has been informed by all relevant local guidance and the relevant AONB Management Plan³⁸ which includes the AONB and identified Project Area.

3. Development within the AONB Project Areas should have regard to the relevant Valued Landscape Assessment.

Policy LP21LP19 - The Historic Environment

1. Where an application potentially affects heritage assets ⁴⁰, the Councils will :

a. Depending on the nature of the works/development proposed, require the applicant to submit a heritage statement that describes the significance of any heritage asset that is affected including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the asset's importance and sufficient to understand the potential impact. demonstrates:

1. The significance of the heritage asset is appropriately understood (statement of significance);
2. The potential impacts on the heritage asset's significance, including the contribution made by setting, are understood (impact assessment)
3. That the proposal has been fully justified in light of the significance and impact identified above (statement of justification);
4. If relevant, that the proposal has considered how preservation in situ of archaeological assets can be achieved through the design of the site;
5. An effective conservation strategy, including details of recording, mitigation, repair, preservation, protection and management as appropriate.

b. Where development includes (or has the potential to include) heritage assets with archaeological interest, an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation by a suitably qualified person is required.

2. In addition, where an application potentially affects heritage assets of archaeological interest, the heritage statement must:

1. Include an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation by a suitably qualified person; and
2. If relevant, demonstrate how preservation in situ of those archaeological assets can be achieved through the design of the development and safeguarding during construction.

2. 3. The Councils will support:

1. Support tThe re-use/ redevelopment of a heritage asset, including Heritage at Risk, and assets outside settlement boundaries, where it would represent the optimal viable use, including assets in isolated locations, and the proposal preserves the building, its setting and any features which form part of the building's special architectural or historic interest and complies with the relevant policies of the Plan.;
2. Support dDevelopment proposals that contribute to local distinctiveness, respecting the built form and scale of the heritage asset, through the use of appropriate design and materials .;
3. Support pProposals to enhance the environmental performance of heritage assets, where the special characteristics of the heritage asset are safeguarded and a sensitive approach to design and specification ensures that the significance of the asset is not compromised by inappropriate interventions. sustained; and
4.  Take account of the positive contribution that the conservation of heritage assets can make to sustainable communities, including their economic vitality.

3. In order to safeguard and enhance the historic environment, harm to heritage assets should be avoided in the first instance. Only where harm cannot be avoided should mitigation be considered. When considering applications where a level of harm is identified to heritage assets (including historic landscapes) the Councils will:

1. Have regard (or Special Regard where appropriate) to the historic environment and take account of the contribution any designated or non-designated heritage assets makes to the character of the area and its sense of place. All designated and non-designated heritage assets must be preserved, enhanced or conserved in accordance with statutory tests⁴¹ and their significance, including consideration of any contribution made to that significance by their setting; and
2. Have regard to the planning balance whilst considering the extent of harm and significance of the asset in accordance with the relevant national policies.

4. In order to safeguard and enhance the historic environment, the Councils will have regard (or special regard consistent with the Councils' statutory duties) where appropriate to the historic environment and take account of the contribution any designated or non-designated heritage assets make to the character of the area and its sense of place. All designated and non-designated heritage assets must be preserved, enhanced or conserved in accordance with statutory tests³¹ and their significance, including consideration of any contribution made to that significance by their setting.

5. When considering applications where a level of harm is identified to heritage assets (including historic landscapes) the Councils will consider the extent of harm and significance of the asset in accordance with the relevant national policies. Harm to heritage assets (regardless of the level of harm) will require clear and convincing justification.

4. 6.Proposals which potentially affect heritage assets should have regard to all relevant Historic England Advice and Guidance.

7.Where development is otherwise considered acceptable, planning conditions/obligations will be used to : secure appropriate mitigation measures and if appropriate a programme of archaeological investigation, recording, reporting, archiving, publication, and community involvement; to advance public understanding of the significance of any heritage assets to be lost (wholly or in part); and to make this evidence and any archive generated publicly accessible.

a. secure an appropriate programme of archaeological investigation, recording, reporting, archiving, publication, and community involvement; to advance public understanding of the significance of any heritage assets to be lost (wholly or in part); and to make this evidence and any archive generated publicly accessible..

Policy LP22 LP20 - Change in Land Use for Equestrian or similar Oother Animal /Rural Land-Based Uses

1. The change in use of land for equestrian uses purposes or other similar animal /rural land-based uses in the countryside, including the erection of buildings and equipment, for equestrian or other animal husbandry/rural land based uses may be permitted subject to:
   1. There must be clearly established existing functional* need which relates to a full time worker or one who is primarily employed in equestrian or other animal/rural land based uses. Applicants demonstrating that they have prioritised the re-use of existing buildings;
   2. The location, size and scale of the site must be appropriate and necessary for the proposal in question. Where there are already buildings and structures on site, any new buildings being located close to and/or integrated with the structures to minimise impact on the landscape;
   3. c. The site must be sensitively sited to protect the amenity of the locality from an environmental and social perspective.
   4. d. c. The siting layout, size, scale, design, materials being suitable/appropriate for the proposed use and siting of any proposed building or equipment (including lighting and means of enclosure) must not create serious not creating a significant adverse impact on the natural and local environment or the appearance of the locality .; Proposals should re-use existing buildings first where appropriate and any new buildings should be located in or adjacent to an existing group of buildings to have minimal impact within the landscape.
   5. e. d. There being no significant detriment to amenity in terms of noise, odour, light or any other forms of pollution and disturbance. Demonstrating that noise, odour or other emissions that are likely to give rise to significant adverse impact on amenity can be effectively mitigated;
   6. f. The proposal must include a satisfactory scheme for the disposal of waste (if appropriate).
   7. g. e. The proposal must integrate Integrating with existing features and respecting and enhanceing the character of the surrounding landscape/area through sensitive integration . and where appropriate mitigating the potential impact of permanent structures through good design, layout and siting; and
   8. h. The proposal must protect and enhance any existing heritage assets and their settings.
   9. i. The proposal must not adversely affect or damage any significant trees and hedgerows that contribute to the environmental quality and visual amenity benefits of the rural location;
   10. j. The proposal must not create significant detriment to biodiversity, geodiversity or the interlinked surroundings;
   11. k. f. The proposal should not result in the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that there are no suitable alternative sites on lower grade land. Convincingly demonstrating that there are no suitable alternative sites on lower grade land if the proposal is located on best and most versatile agricultural land.
   12. l. The proposal must not cause any adverse impacts to highways safety.
2. 2. Where a new equine or other related animal husbandry/rural land based business use is proposed and residential accommodation is proposed. Proposals must demonstrate a proven essential and necessary need to sufficiently justify new rural residential accommodation in the countryside to the Local Planning Authorities satisfaction. In particular, such proposals will be expected to demonstrate, justify and evidence;
   1. a. The essential need for rural residential accommodation is appropriate to be located in the isolated and/or remote and/or detached rural countryside;
   2. b. There are no other surrounding building(s) or nearby reasonable residential accommodation to serve the proposal;
   3. c. There is permitted temporary accommodation in place for 1 year serving the business and has been the main residence and there are no other permanent residence in association or connection;
   4. d. There is a proven essential and necessary need for new residential accommodation to serve the equine or other related animal husbandry/rural land based business;
   5. e. There is proportionate, necessary and sound viable business evidence to demonstrate the equine or other related animal husbandry/rural land based business has been in continuous sound viable operation for more than 3 years, and there is a proven sustainable business;
   6. f. The finances of the equine or other related animal husbandry/rural land based business are directly in relation to the proven essential and necessary need for new residential accommodation;
   7. g. There are no material considerations to prevent new residential accommodation in the location proposed.
   8. h. The proposal must not cause any adverse impacts to highway safety.
3. 3. Where such proposal is considered acceptable, the proposed landscaping and boundary treatments must achieve a rural rather than urban or suburban character. Permitted Development Rights will be removed. The Local Planning Authority may impose planning conditions and planning obligations/legal agreement to make the development acceptable in planning terms.

LP22 in policy box footnotes

* *A functional test is necessary to establish whether it is essential for the proper functioning of the enterprise for one or more workers to be readily available at most times. Such a requirement might arise, for example, if workers are needed to be on hand day and night:

(i) in case animals or agricultural processes require essential care at short notice; (ii) to deal quickly with emergencies that could otherwise cause serious loss of crops or products, for example, by frost damage or the failure of automatic systems.

Policy LP23 LP21 - Agricultural lLand to rResidential gGarden lLand

1. The change in use of agricultural land to residential garden land or land ancillary to a residential dwelling may be permitted subject to:
   1. a. The location, size and scale of the proposal not having would not have an adverse impact on the landscape characteristics and biodiversity of the locality;
   2. b. The proposal would not result in the irreversible loss of best and most versatile agricultural land;
   3. c. b. The proposal not resulting site must not intrude into the open countryside, or result in the loss of trees and hedgerows which contribute to the character of the area;
   4. d. The site must not threaten designated or Priority Habitats Sites or threaten the viability of farm holdings due to the breaking up of agricultural land;
   5. e. c. The proposal must not having an unacceptable amenity impact on be or become unacceptably intrusive through intensification and therefore damaging to the character of the countryside setting or nearby residential occupiers setting; and
   6. f. There must be no significant adverse impact on public rights of way or the areas of urban/rural transition that provides the setting of settlements in the countryside; and
   7. g. d  In all cases the Local Planning Authority will consider the possibleThe cumulative impacts of separate individual changes for similar development being acceptable. as a material consideration.
2. 2. Where such proposal is considered acceptable, the proposed landscaping and boundary treatments must achieve a rural rather than urban or suburban character. Permitted Development Rights will be removed.
3. 3. The Local Planning Authority may impose planning conditions and planning obligations/legal agreement to make the development acceptable in planning terms.

Policy LP24 LP22 - New aAgricultural /Rural bBuildings in the Countryside

1. There must be appropriate justification and demonstrable evidence to justify the need for any new proposals for new agricultural buildings which are remote, isolated or detached within the countryside outside settlement boundaries. Not all locations in the countryside will be considered suitable or sustainable for new buildings and/or uses.
2. All relevant planning applications The suitability and sustainability of proposals for agricultural buildings outside settlement boundaries will be subject to all the following considerations:
   1. The suitability and sustainability of the location proposed (including The provision of safe and suitable access for all, including the mitigation of and any significant impacts on the transport network and highway safety to an acceptable degree surrounding road networks) .;
   2. The nature of any proposal in the locality and its relationship and impacts with surroundings (including but not limited to landscape, design and amenity, habitats sites and protected species, heritage assets and their settings) . :
   3. c. The impact on the amenity of nearby residential occupiers; and
   4. c. d. To be compatibleThe scale, nature and extent with thebeing proportionate to the purpose, function and relationship to any existing uses agricultural farm and/or business.
   5. e. Proposals within rural areas must provide safe access. It must be demonstrated that such proposal would not cause significant levels of traffic, particularly lorries/HGV's on rural roads.

Policy LP25 LP23 - Sustainable Construction and Design

1. All new development is required to minimise its dependence on fossil fuels and to make the fullest contribution to the mitigation of climate change through adopting a sustainable approach to energy use.
2. 2. Where construction may cause potential adverse impacts, measures proposed must include Construction Environment Management Plans (CEMPs).
3. 3. 2. All new residential development is required to:
   1. Achieve reductions in CO₂ emissions of 19% below for the Target Emissions Rate of new dwellings and new building as set out in the 2021 13 Edition of 2010 Building Regulations (Part L) or any subsequent more recent legislation or council policy which would lead to a greater reduction in CO2 emissions ', where practicable;
   2. Meet the higher water efficiency standards of 110 litres per person per day, as set out in bBuilding rRegulations pPart G2 (or any subsequent more recent legislation);
   3. Demonstrate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures by adopting effective design principles (including shading, landscaping, site layout and building orientation); be designed to minimise the energy demand of the building through maximising natural sunlight and ventilation, effectively utilising solar gains and to help buildings respond to winter and summer temperatures and incorporate flood mitigation measures, such as sustainable urban drainage systems
   4. d. Be designed to minimise the energy demand of the building through maximising natural sunlight and ventilation, effectively utilising solar gains and to help buildings respond to winter and summer temperatures and incorporat eing flood mitigation measures; , such as sustainable urban drainage systems
   5. d.e. Provide eEnergy efficiency measures (e.g. insulation, air tightness and efficient building services), with a proactive approach to improving on the minimum standards specified in the Building Regulations where possible;
   6. e. f. Provide feasible and viable oOn-site renewable and other low carbon energy generation to allow the greatest CO₂ reduction³² (NB: the energy statement should investigate the technical feasibility and financial viability of the options available and the CO2 savings achieved with each to allow the greatest CO2 reduction is selected);
   7. f. g. Development that incorporates a high level of building materials with low embodied carbon will be encouragedDemonstrate how it has incorporated sustainable building materials wherever possible; and
   8. g. h. That thePlan for the risks associated with future climate change have been planned for as part of the layout of the scheme and design of its buildings to ensure its longer-term resilience.

4. 4. 3. In meeting the above, all major developments^{33 2} are required to submit a Sustainability Design and Construction Statement. This should be submitted at the appropriate stage in the application process and that demonstrate s how the principles set out in 32c)-32 gh) will be incorporated into the design of the development.
5. 5. 4. Non-residential development of 1,000sqm and above must achieve a minimum of BREEAM 'Very Good' standard or equivalent. Developers will be expected to provide certification evidence of the levels for BREEAM at design stage and on completion of development. All new developments will also be expected to meet the higher water efficiency standards as set out in 23b), unless it is convincingly demonstrated that it is not possible.
6. 6. 5. All residential developments are encouraged to achieve water usage of not more than 100 litres per person per day. This is in addition to criterion 32b) in accordance with recommendation from Anglian Water. Water re-use and recycling, and rainwater and stormwater harvesting, and other suitable measures should be incorporated wherever feasible to reduce demand on mains water supply.'

New paragraph to be inserted after 15.56:

Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts are rich in landscape and heritage assets which can be sensitive to new development design. In order to best safeguard these features and context, proposed new development of exceptional quality in accordance with the NPPF (Para. 80(e)) and/or in design sensitive areas/landscapes will be required to undertake a review through the Suffolk Design Review Panel. Design sensitive areas/landscapes are normally considered to be schemes proposed within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Project areas, Conservation Areas and the settings of listed buildings. The design review process can assist to improve and refine the scheme and also verify the quality of a design.

Policy LP26 LP24 - Design and Residential Amenity

1. All new development must be of high-quality design, with a clear vision as to the positive contribution the development will make to its context. As appropriate to the scale and nature of the development, proposals must:
   1. Respond to and safeguard the existing character/context;
   2. Create character and interest;
   3. High-quality design and architecture with climate change adaptation should be in all development design. Adaptation could include to protect against extreme weather events including heat and excessive rain ;
   4. Be designed for health, amenity, well-being and safety; and
   5. Meet Space Standards. ^{3 4}; and
   6. Where relevant and necessary ensure design and amenity accommodates for the ageing population in accordance with M4(2) standards.
2. In order to achieve this development proposals shall:
   1. Respond to the wider townscape/landscapes and safeguarding the historic assets/ environment and natural and built features of merit;
   2. Be compatible/harmonious with its location and appropriate in terms of scale, mass, form, siting, design, materials, texture and colour in relation to the surrounding area;
   3. Protect and retain important natural features including trees or hedgerows during and post construction;
   4. Create/reinforce a strong design to the public realm incorporating visual signatures (e.g. signage, hard landscaping, public art);
   5. Adhere to the Building for a Healthy Life design assessment framework and Iinclude good practice in design incorporating design principles such as active frontages/edges, permeability, strong street composition and connectivity. Non-householder s Schemes of exceptional design and /or development within a sensitive area/ landscape will be required to undertake a design review to test incorporation of good design principles this and adherence to Building for Life Criteria;
   6. Incorporate high levels of soft landscaping, street trees and public open space that creates, and connects to, green infrastructure and networks;
   7. Prioritiseing movement by foot, bicycle and public transport, including linkages to create/contribute to a 'walkable neighbourhood';
   8. Design-out crime and create an environment for people to feel safe, and has a strong community focus;
   9. Protect the health and amenity of occupiers and surrounding uses by avoiding
      development that is overlooking, overbearing, results in a loss of daylight, and/or
      unacceptable levels of light pollution, noise, vibration, odour, emissions and dust, including any other amenity issues;
   10. Provide appropriate a reasonable standard of accommodation for future occupants long-term design principles and measures in terms of privacy and adequate facilities such as bin storage (including recycling and re-use bins), secure cycle storage and garden space;
   11. Where appropriate demonstrate that the design considers the needs of disabled people and an ageing population and follow Dementia-Friendly Design pPrinciples³⁵ .; and
   12. Provide at least 50% of dwellings which meet the requirements for accessible and adaptable dwellings under Part M4(2) of Building Regulations (or any relevant regulation that supersedes and replaces). Where site viability issues exist, proposals must be supported by a viability assessment which convincingly demonstrates what the maximum viable contribution for accessible and adaptable dwellings is.
3. All developments must also demonstrate that they have regard to conform with the design principles set out through Suffolk Design, the Councils' Design Supplementary Planning Documents, in anydesign documents which support endorsed by the LPA, Neighbourhood Plans and/or village design statements. Development which fails to maintain and improve the quality and character of the area will not be supported.

Policy LP27 LP25 - Energy Sources, Storage and Distribution

1. Renewable and low carbon, decentralised and community energy generating proposals will be supported subject to:
   1. The impact on (but not limited to) landscape, highway safety, ecology, heritage, residential amenity, drainage, airfield safeguarding and the local community having has been fully taken into consideration and where appropriate, effectively mitigated;
   2. Where renewables or low carbon energy designs are to be incorporated within a development, an integrated approach being is taken, using technology that is suitable for the location and designed to maximise operational efficiency without comprising amenity;
   3. The impact of on and off-site power generation infrastructure^{36 5} (for example over-head wires, cable runs, invertors, control buildings, security fencing and highway access points), is being acceptable to the relevant LPA Local Planning Authority having regard to other policies in this Plan;
   4. The provision of mitigation, enhancement and compensation measures when necessary; and
   5. Approval of connection rights, and capacity in the UK power network, to be demonstrated as part of the planning application (where applicable).
2. The relevant LPA local planning authority will normally use planning obligations conditions attached to planning consents for energy development schemes to ensure the site is restored when energy generation ceases or becomes non-functioning for a period of six months.
3. Where proposals for renewable and low carbon energy impact on are located in nature conservation sites³⁷ the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or impact on the setting of heritage assets (including conservation areas) or any other designated areas⁴⁵, the applicant must be able to convincingly demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that potential harm resultant from development can be effectively mitigated and that there are no alternative sites available within the District or for community initiatives within the area which it is intended to serve. This includes providing underground power lines and cabling.

Policy LP28 LP26 - Water resources and infrastructure

Development will be supported where it:

1. Conforms to the principle of Holistic Water Management including the use of appropriate water efficiency and re-use measures, together with surface water drainage which provides community and environmental benefits;
2. Considers its impact on water resources and the capacity of water supply network infrastructure, taking into account the effects of climate change;
3. Demonstrates the applicant has consulted with the relevant authority regarding wastewater treatment and that capacity within the foul sewerage network and receiving water recycling centre is available or can be made available in time to serve the development .;
4. Separates foul and surface water flows wherever possible.;
5. Complies with the relevant statutory environmental body policy on culverts .; and
6. The proposal will not result in any adverse effect (either through construction and / or operation) on the integrity of the Protected Habitats Sites and Stour and Orwell SPA and Ramsar and the Suffolk Coast and Heath designated AONB.
7. 7. All proposals must demonstrate Environmental Policies measures and will require a CEMP to be agreed priorcommencement

Policy LP29 LP27 - Flood risk and vulnerability

Proposals for new development can be approved where:

1. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, as a starting point, has been used to assess whether the proposal is at risk of flooding and any impact of the proposal on flood risk. Other available flooding evidence should also be considered where it is relevant and/or is more up to date;
2. In areas at medium or high risk from flooding, it has been soundly demonstrated that the new development or intensification of development, can be made safe for its lifetime without increasing flooding elsewhere. This includes addressing the 'sequential test'; where needed the 'exception test' and also a site specific flood risk assessment .;
3. Mitigation is provided against existing and potential flood risks throughout the life of the development (including fluvial, surface, coastal and sewer flooding) through application of a sequential approach to flood risk within the design and layout of the site, the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and avoiding or mitigating risks to ground or surface water quality .;
4. Above ground, appropriate SuDS are incorporated within new developments unless it can be demonstrated that ground conditions are unsuitable for such measures wherever possible, and take these opportunities to provide multifunctional benefits, including biodiversity, landscape, amenity and water quality enhancement (but excluding public open space) .;
5. Proposals are submitted Where appropriate to the scale of development detailing how on-site surface water drainage will be managed so as to not cause , or increase flooding elsewhere. This includes taking account of the cumulative impact of minor developments .;
6. Opportunities to provide betterment of greenfield runoff rates to reduce the overall risk of flooding, have been provided wherever possible .;
7. In circumstances requiring surface water management measures (including rain water harvesting and greywater recycling), adequate mitigation which removes avoids any increased flood risks and/or detrimental impacts are provided to support any planning application to the satisfaction of the Lead Local Flood Authority .;
8. Further indicative details of long-term maintenance, management and where appropriate adoption by an appropriate body are provided at application stage .; and
9. There is no unacceptable impact upon site conflict with areas identified as vulnerable to coastal erosion.

16.01 - Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation makes an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities. Furthermore, open spaces can play an important historical, environmental and local amenity role. The protection of designated open spaces (as defined by the Policies Maps, includes allotments, amenity green space, accessible natural green space and sports and recreation facilities) is given by the Councils in the interest of maintaining distinctive, attractive, healthy and functional places. The Councils Open Space Assessment (2019) examines existing and projected needs for open space, sport and recreation provision with the Districts. The study identifies that the majority of parishes in Babergh and Mid Suffolk have some form of open space deficit. Therefore, the Plan places priority on protecting high quality open spaces, especially where there is an existing shortfall of supply in that locality. However, this study does not take into account the rural nature of the Districts, which includes access to the countryside and natural green spaces via a national network of Public Rights of Way.

16.02 - This policy seeks to offer protection to designated open spaces as defined on the proposal maps.

16.03 Open spaces includes:

• Allotments which are valuable community spaces which offer people opportunities for food production.
• Amenity green space is defined as spaces which are open to free and spontaneous use by the public but are not formally managed for a specific function such as a park or playing field; nor managed as a natural or semi-natural habitat.
• Sports and recreational facilities include (but are not limited to) parks and gardens, outdoor sports facilities, play spaces and formalised sports clubs' space (such as playing pitches and golf courses).
• Accessible natural green space covers a variety of partly or wholly accessible spaces including meadows, woodland and copses all of which share a trait of having natural characteristics and wildlife value, but which are also open to public use and enjoyment. Individually or collectively all of these spaces can contribute to the overall visual amenity of an area.

16.04 Neighbourhood Plans can designate Local Green Spaces in accordance with the criteria set out in paragraphs 99 to 101 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

16.05 However, it is not the intention of the policy to stifle change or growth, particularly where such change is in the interests of the space or the users of the space. Therefore, there is flexibility within the policy that allows appropriate development, change of use, land swap and other options that could result in enhanced amenity green space provision (of all typologies).

16.06 Proposals for the total or partial loss of open space(s) must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that an open space is surplus to requirements. It is expected that this is supported by sufficient engagement with the local community.

16.07There is also the need to ensure that open space (of all types) is incorporated into new development, but particularly on sites of 1 hectare or more. This does not necessarily mean formal play areas, as the flexible policy requires consideration of the most suitable open space to meet local needs and aspirations. Where suitable the Councils will also seek open space provision as part of non-residential uses of 1 hectare or more. This will normally be required to be provided on the development site itself, but in appropriate cases off-site provision may be agreed by the LPA. The acceptability of off-site open space provision will be dependant on its proximity and accessibility to the community it serves.

Policy LP30 - Designated Open Spaces

1. 1. The total or partial loss of designated open spaces⁴⁶ (as defined on the Policies Maps) may be permitted where:
   1. a. The development will support the enjoyment and functionality of the space, be sensitive to its character and function and would not result in detrimental impacts on local amenity or distinctiveness;
   2. b. The space is demonstrably no longer performing a role as a functional or visual public amenity, or is surplus to requirements;
   3. c. An alternative space of equal or greater quality, accessibility and quantity can be provided to serve the communities' needs; or
   4. d. The development is for alternative sports and recreation provision, and the applicant can evidence that the benefits of the new provision clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.
   5. e. Proposals improve the biodiversity interest of designated open space, including as part of wider ecological networks, and improve accessibility for all.
2. 2. Developments in excess of 1 hectare will be required to provide on-site open space provision to meet identified needs/deficits, unless there is a Council preference to make improvements to existing open space within the locality in an equally or more accessible location than the proposed development.
3. 3. Open space provision is to be provided in line with the open space standards identified in the Open Space Assessment (as amended).

16.08 The aim of the policy is to support and safeguard key services and facilities within the Districts, which play an important role within the community.

16.09 While it is not the intention of this policy to protect facilities which are not economically viable or feasible (either in its current or future form), the loss of community facilities must be justified. This needs to be demonstrated through submission of evidence as identified in the policy. This required evidence must be agreed through discussion with the relevant LPA to ensure that consultation is considered appropriate and robust.

16.10 For the purpose of this policy, community services and facilities include: open spaces, village and public halls, community centres, places of worship, cinemas, theatres, libraries, leisure centres, museums, public houses, restaurants, cafes, convenience shops, banks, building societies, and post offices. SchoolsEducation and healthcare facilities are addressed in separate policies in thisthe Plan.

New paragraphs to be inserted after paragraph 16.10:

Open spaces includes:

• Allotments which are valuable community spaces and offer people opportunities for food production;
• Amenity green space (defined as spaces which are open to free and spontaneous use by the public but are not formally managed for a specific function such as a park or playing field; nor managed as a natural or semi-natural habitat ., and for the purposes of open space provision are considered to be greater than 0.15 ha in size);
• Sports and recreational facilities which include,but are not limited to, parks and gardens, outdoor sports facilities, play spaces and formalised sports clubs' space,such as playing pitches and golf courses; and
• Accessible natural green space which covers a variety of partly or wholly accessible spaces including meadows, woodland and copses of trees all of which share a trait of having natural characteristics and wildlife value, but which are also open to public use and enjoyment.

Individually or collectively all of these spaces can contribute to the overall visual amenity of an area. In addition, open spaces can also contribute to mitigating adverse impacts upon internationally designated sites.In delivering open space, the LPA may consider it is more appropriate to make improvements to / enhancing existing open space within the locality in an equally or more accessible location than the proposed development. This would depend on local circumstances and the connectivity to existing provision. An SPD will provide further clarification and guidance on open space design, provision and functionality.

Neighbourhood Plans can designate Local Green Spaces in accordance with the criteria set out in paragraphs 101 to 103 of the NPPF.

Proposals for the total or partial loss of open space(s) must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that an open space is surplus to requirements. It is expected that this is supported by sufficient engagement with the local community. Development of and improvements to services and facilities would include for example through expansion, upgrading and diversification with or without enabling development.

There is also the need to ensure that open space,of all types, is incorporated into new development, on sites of 1 hectare or more. This does not necessarily mean formal play areas, as the flexible policy requires consideration of the most suitable open space to meet local needs and aspirations. Open space will normally be required to be provided on the development site itself, but in appropriate cases off-site provision may be agreed by the LPA. The acceptability of off-site open space provision will be dependant on its proximity and accessibility to the community it serves.

Policy LP31 LP28 - Services and Facilities Within the Community

1. Provision of New and/or Expanded Services and Facilities
   1. Proposals for new accessible local community services and community facilities or improving existing facilities will be supported where the proposal is well related to and meets the needs of the local community ,. would reduce the need to travel to other settlements. The facility should be a proportionate scale to the settlement and would not adversely affect existing facilities. Proposals, particularly those located in the countryside, must demonstrate evidence of the community need for / benefits of the new facilities and good accessibility to the community to be served.
   2. b. Development of and improvements to services and facilities which would assist in safeguarding a viable community asset will be supported subject to Plan policy compliance. The facility should be a proportionate scale to the settlement and should not adversely affect existing facilities. Proposals, particularly those located outside settlement boundaries, must demonstrate evidence of the community need for and/or the benefits of the new facilities and good accessibility to the community to be served.
   3. b c. All dDevelopment should be of have a high -quality development standard of design and sympathetic to the surrounding landscape and townscape, with no adverse effects on heritage assets and their settings.
   4. d.    For open space, all developments in excess of 1 hectare will be required to provide on-site open space provision to meet the needs it creates having regard to what is already in the area and the most recent Open Space Assessment. This is unless the LPA considers it more appropriate to make improvements to existing open space within the locality in an equally or more accessible location than the proposed development.
   5. c. To minimise the impact of development on climate change, sustainable construction practices and/or renewable energy technologies should be incorporated into proposals
2. Loss of Services and Ffacilities

   Development involving or comprising of the loss of an existing community facility, service or a premises, which is currently or last used to provide such use, will only be permitted if either ;:

   1. Compensatory provision of an alternative or improved facility will be , provided in an equally accessible or improved location ³⁸; or

   2. The applicant can sufficiently demonstrate that the service or facility is not viable and is no longer performing a functional role or valued by the community, either in its current or future form and it is not needed for an economically viable alternative community use.

3. Evidence to demonstrate that a service or facility is not viable, either in its current or future form should be agreed with the Council relevant LPA in advance (before being gathered) and should include:
   1. A sustained marketing period, normally of 6 months, undertaken at a realistic asking price and on a range of terms and in an appropriate format by an independent qualified assessor; and
   2. Regard to any material considerations, designations or adopted plans for the area; and
   3.  c. Regard to relevant evidence on levels of community need and/or requirements³⁹.
4. Conversion of community facilities or premises into residential dwelling(s) will only be permitted subject to Plan policy compliance. where it complies with the relevant Plan policies.

16.13 With regards to home to school transport contributions, these are already being secured through the planning process, where relevant to the development. This is done in accordance with the Department for Education (DfE) publication 'Securing developer contributions for education' (April 2019), which should be read in conjunction with the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) advice on planning obligations (revised March 2019). Paragraph 19 of the DfE guidance. It is therefore appropriate for the policy to require development contributions to provide for home to school transport where necessary.

16.14 The health benefits of 'Active Transport' are widely understood and supported, as such Sport England have recently published 'Active Design' which seeks to promote sport and physical activity in new and existing developments, to create an active environment, through designing and adapting where we live to encourage activity in everyday lives. The Councils have also published a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which identifies opportunities for cycling and walking improvements at a local level.

16.15 Development should have regard to the most recent County Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan. In relation to Public Rights of Ways, the County Council are also preparing a new strategy, "'Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Green Access Strategy', which will also need to be considered in light of development proposals.

16.16 Future alternative transport solutions (such as driverless and autonomous vehicle technology) which for example will be used in the future as an alternative to taxis or public transport. Although not specifically covered within the policy, they are measures which would be encouraged as they develop in the future.

Policy LP32 LP29 - Safe, Sustainable and Active Transport

1. 1. Development proposals that are expected to, or likely to cause a significant increase in transport movements:
   1. a. Will be required to provide a travel plan in accordance with the County / National Guidance⁴⁷ to mitigate the highway impact of development and help maximise sustainable transport;
   2. b. Should also be supported by a transport statement or transport assessment. As indicative thresholds a transport statement will be required for residential developments between 50 and 80 dwellings and a transport assessment should accompany residential developments of over 80 dwellings, however other circumstances will also be considered. Non-residential development will be considered on a case by case basis.
2.  2) 1. All developments will be required to demonstrate safe and suitable access for all and must are toprioritise sustainable and active transport and maximise the opportunities to utilise these modes the uptake in sustainable and active transport in accordance with the transport hierarchy. This will prioritise the following modes of transport in order - walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing. Where possible, active travel is to be tied in with the green infrastructure network to support net environmental gains thereby providing additional positive effects for access to green spaces and wildlife habitats.
3. 3) Proposals for all development shall, where relevant, incorporate:
   1. a. Pedestrian routes suitable for disabled persons and those with impaired mobility;
   2. b. Cyclists facilities, including routes, secure and covered cycle parking, showers and changing facilities;
   3. c. Public transport, such as new or revised services, and physical measures such as bus stops, improvements to bus and railway stations, and access to bus and railway stations to reduce dependency on private vehicles;
   4. d. Incentives to use sustainable modes of transport;
   5. e. Linkages to existing pedestrian and cycle networks;
   6. f. Enhancement to the Public Rights of Way network and protection of the existing network;
   7. g. Facilities to allow for multi-modal interchanges;
   8. h. Access to car park facilities in accordance with the relevant parking guidance⁴⁸;
   9. i. Electric vehicle charging in line with current parking guidance;
   10. j. Servicing and emergency vehicles; and
   11. k. Sustainable modes of transport for freight.
4. 4. 2. Development will be expected to contribute to the delivery of sustainable transport strategies for managing the cumulative impacts of growth, whilst protecting and enhancing the Public Rights of Way network.
5.  3. All development should be informed by the relevant parking guidance⁴⁰, with adequate access for servicing and emergency vehicles.
6. 5 4. Where necessary, development will be expected to provide home to school transport contributions.
7. 5. Development proposals that are expected to, or likely to cause a significant increase in transport movements must:
   1. a. Be supported by a transport statement and if appropriate a transport assessment⁴¹;and
   2. b. Provide a travel plan informed by the relevant County⁴² / National Guidance to mitigate the highway impact of development and maximise sustainable transport modes.
8. 6. Significant impacts on highway safety or the function of the highway network must be mitigated. Impact on highway safety must not be unacceptable and the residual cumulative impacts on the road network must not be severe.

Policy LP33 LP30 - Managing Infrastructure Provision

1. Planning proposals will need to have regard to the Councils' Infrastructure Delivery Plan and any responses to the proposals from infrastructure providers. When determining planning applications, adequate regard must be given to the Council's latest Infrastructure Delivery Plan and consultation responses received from infrastructure providers. All new development must be supported by, and have good access to, all necessary infrastructure^{43 1}. Planning permission will only be granted if it can be demonstrated that there is, or will be, sufficient infrastructure capacity to support and meet the necessary infrastructure requirements arising from the proposed development.
2. Development proposals must consider all of the infrastructure implications of a scheme, including existing commitments to infrastructure provision at the time of application submission and determination, and cumulative impacts if the proposal forms one of a number of growth projects in a locality and/or infrastructure catchment area.
3. 3. Conditions or planning obligations, as part of a package or combination of infrastructure delivery measures, will be required for relevant proposals.
4. 4. 3. Applicants must demonstrate that adequate consideration has been given to the timing and level of infrastructure provision to the satisfaction of the relevant LPA and relevant infrastructure providers. As such, development may need to be phased either spatially or sequentially to ensure the provision of infrastructure in a timely manner. Restrictions on planning permissions and/or/ planning obligations may be used to secure a satisfactory phasing arrangement.

Policy LP34 LP31 - Health and Education Provision

1. Sites proposed, or in current health and educational use, will be protected for that use. The change of use, or re-development of educational establishments and their grounds, will not be permitted unless:
   1. It can be clearly demonstrated that the use of the site is genuinely redundant and the same use is not viable in its current form, or an alternative economically viable community use(s) cannot be found;
   2. Satisfactory alternative capacity and/or improved facilities will be provided; and
   3. For educational uses, the area of the site to be redeveloped is genuinely in excess of Government guidelines for playing field provision, taking into account future educational projections.
2. Further to the above, in order to prevent land-locking of schools, development adjacent to existing schools and healthcare facilities should not compromise their ability of the school to expand to an appropriate size in the future.
3. The Councils will respond positively to and support appropriate and well-designed applications regarding the creation of new health and/or education facilities, and extensions to existing facilities. The Councils will be supportive of proposals that enable dual use of new facilities within school grounds which can also be used by the community and agreed under a Community Use Agreement. As expressed in the NPPF, the Council will apply the presumption in favour of the development. The Councils will engage in pre-application discussions with promoters to develop a collaborative approach to suitable applications, and ensure that early years settings and schools are placed in the best possible location to promote sustainable modes of travel and enable good access. Where necessary, the Councils will utilise planning obligations to help to mitigate any adverse impacts of an educational or health development and assist in delivering development that has a positive impact on the community.

New paragraph to be inserted after paragraph 16.25:

Relevant documents endorsed by the Councils would primarily include the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Infrastructure Funding Statements but would also include documents with more detail such as open space type deficits and surpluses or detailed design for infrastructure schemes.

Policy LP35 LP32 - Developer Contributions and Planning Obligations

1) The required infrastructure will be provided through a combination of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), Planning Obligations, Developer Contributions.

2) 1. Planning proposals will need to have regard to the Councils' Infrastructure Delivery Plan and any responses to the proposals from infrastructure providers. When making planning decisions, regard will be given to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, the consultation responses received from infrastructure providers and the associated Plan evidence base. Applicants are required to mitigate the additional impacts their development will place on infrastructure through Planning Obligations and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions.

3) 2. The delivery of planned growth set out in the Plan is dependent upon the availability of infrastructure to support it. The required infrastructure will be provided through a combination of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), Planning Obligations, other Developer Contributions and where appropriate, funding assistance from the Councils / other provider organisations. Planning applications will be expected to include appropriate infrastructure provision.

4) 3. Applicants shall adhere to the relevant documentsInfrastructure Delivery Plan and the Infrastructure Funding Statements endorsed by the Councils detailing the types and priorities of infrastructure provision required for the dDistricts.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Project Areas

Two project areas adjoining Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have been identified in the Districts. These project areas are identified in the AONB Management Plans, and significant parts of them are deemed valued landscapes. They are the Stour Valley Project Area and the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Additional Project Area (located on the Shotley Peninsula). They contain special qualities with similar landscape characteristics to the AONBs.

The Valued Landscape Assessment for the Stour Valley Project Area (March 2020) can be viewed at www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org, and Chapter 3 explains the special qualities of the area.

The Valued Landscape Assessment for the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Additional Project Area (March 2020) can be viewed at www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org, and Chapter 3 explains the special qualities of the area.

'Design sensitive areas/landscapes' - considered to be schemes proposed within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the adjoining Project Areas, Conservation Areas and the settings of listed buildings.

First Homes - First Homes are a specific kind of discounted market sale housing and should be considered to meet the definition of 'affordable housing' for planning purposes. Specifically, First Homes are discounted market sale units which:

1. a) must be discounted by a minimum of 30% against the market value;
2. b) are sold to a person or persons meeting the First Homes eligibility criteria*;
3. c) on their first sale, will have a restriction on the title at HM Land Registry to ensure this discount (as a percentage of current market value) and certain other restrictions are passed on at each subsequent title transfer;
4. d) after the discount has been applied, the first sale must be at a price no higher than £250,000.

First Homes are the government's preferred discounted market tenure and should account for at least 25% of all affordable housing units delivered by developers through planning obligations.

(www.gov.uk/guidance/first-homes Paragraph: 001 Reference ID: 70-001-20210524)