Local Development Framework

The Planning Policy team manage development in Ipswich by producing local planning policy in accordance with national policy. We are responsible for implementing the Local Plan and providing planning policy advice relating to it. A Local Plan is a document or a set of documents that determine how development in an area will be planned over time.

The Local Plan was previously known as the Local Development Framework. Local Development Frameworks became a requirement when major changes to the planning policy system were implemented following the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The previous system - of Structure Plans, Local Plans and Supplementary Planning Guidance - was replaced with the new system of Local Development Frameworks.

However, the National Planning Policy Framework and local planning regulations published in 2012 have reverted to the term 'Local Plan' for Local Development Frameworks.

The website has been updated to reflect the change but material which was previously part of the Local Development Framework is identified as such.

You may find our Local Plan Glossary helpful as an introductory guide to Local Plan issues.

Keep up to date with the Ipswich Local Plan by reading the latest edition of the Ipswich Local Plan newsletter.