Ipswich Borough Council is undertaking a public Call for Sites process for the new Ipswich Local Plan. This is a first key step in producing the new Ipswich Local Plan, which will guide development in the Borough up to at least 2044.
Using the online form along with the guidance note, you can submit new site submissions to the Council between 9 AM 20th October 2025 and 1 PM 15th December 2025:
Guidance Note - Call for Sites 2025 (PDF)
What is the call for sites?
Following the adoption of the Ipswich Local Plan (2022) and supporting documents, the Council must now prepare a new Ipswich Local Plan in accordance with the reforms to the national planning system and regulations. The Borough total housing need requirements have increased by around 70% and the new Ipswich Local Plan must prepare to meet this. The Call for Sites represents a key stage in the early plan making process and enables the public submission of sites to the Council for consideration of future development potential.
The Call for Sites exercise will not in itself determine whether a site should be allocated for development. All sites will need to be further assessed and the overall strategy for the Local Plan will be informed by a number of evidence base documents and feedback from consultations. The submission of a site through the Call for Sites process does not give them any planning status, nor does it determine any future planning status.
The local authorities in Suffolk are working together to coordinate Local Plan making processes and timescales, as far as possible. Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council and Mid Suffolk District Council are running separate call for sites also beginning on 20th October 2025. Details are available on their respective websites.
What types of uses can be submitted?
Interested parties are invited to submit sites for a range of development uses including, residential, commercial, infrastructure and open space sites within Ipswich Borough. Sites for a mix of uses together can also be submitted.
What sizes of sites can be submitted?
Ipswich Borough Council is inviting site submissions on sites of at least 0.1 hectares. Submissions for housing sites should be at least 0.1 hectares in size and able to accommodate at least 5 dwellings. Submissions for commercial development sites should be at least 0.1 hectares and able to accommodate at least 500sqm of floor space.
In all instances sites should only be submitted where the promoter will be able to clearly demonstrate that the site can be brought forward for its proposed use during the proposed new Ipswich Local Plan time period.
Preparing your submission
All respondents promoting a new site for development should complete the ‘Ipswich Borough Council Call for Sites Submission Form’.
The form should be completed as thoroughly and precisely as possible to enable an accurate assessment of the site to be made. The Council have prepared Guidance Note to support this process, please read these carefully before proceeding with your submission.
Guidance Note - Call for Sites 2025 (PDF)
Please note: It is essential that a map which clearly identifies the boundaries of the proposed site should also be provided on an OS base and at a scale of no less than 1:2500.
If you have any questions relating to the Call for Sites, or these guidance notes, then please contact the Planning Policy team on 01473 432019 or e-mail planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk
Submitting your response to the Call for Sites
- Using the Council’s online form portal is the recommended and most efficient way to submit you site(s) to the Council. Submissions may also be made by email to planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk or by post to the address below.
You can download a Word version and PDF version form to assist you.
Call for Sites postal address:
Local Plan - Planning Policy
Ipswich Borough Council
Grafton House
15-17 Russell Road
Ipswich IP1 2DE
All submissions should be duly made during the advertised time period above.
Please note: Anonymous submissions cannot be accepted as key details will need to be verified before a site can be allocated.
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