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Key dates in the preparation of the new Local Plan
- 25 June 2026 – Publish Local Plan Timetable and Notice of Commencement
- 8 July – 2 September 2026 – Ipswich Borough Council Scoping Consultation and Notice of the Local Plan Scoping Consultation
- September – October 2027* - Consultation on Proposed Local Plan Content and Evidence
- June - July 2028* - Consultation on Proposed Local Plan
- October 2028* – March 2029 – Examination
- April 2029* - Adoption of the Local Plan
*Indicative dates. The timetable is reviewed regularly and may be updated
The Local Plan Timetable (published June 2026) supersedes the former Local Development Scheme (January 2025).
What is the Local Plan?
The Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan 2026 - 2045 will be a comprehensive Local Plan covering the period 01.04.2026 - 31.03.2045, replacing the existing Ipswich Local Plan Review 2018-2036 (March 2022).
The purpose of the Local Plan is to establish a vision, objectives, spatial strategy, site allocations and planning policies to guide the future growth and development of Ipswich to 2045.
A new Local Plan is needed to meet the updated requirements under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, reflect changes in the national planning system (National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance), plan for increased housing needs and ensure sustainable growth across Ipswich to 2045.
Latest news:
Local Plan Scoping Consultation
Consultation on the Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan 2026 – 2045 Scoping Consultation is between 12:00 (midday) on 8 July and 12:00 (midday) on 2 September 2026.
Suffolk Employment Land Study – Business Survey
As part of the evidence base for the new Ipswich Local Plan, Ipswich Borough Council is working with the other Suffolk local authorities to prepare a new Suffolk Employment Land Study.
We want to hear from Ipswich businesses about their future plans and premises requirements, including whether they expect to grow or change, the types and locations of premises they need, and any barriers they face in finding suitable premises or expanding.
The findings will help us understand the future need for employment land and premises and will provide important evidence to inform the Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan 2026–2045.
Businesses are invited to complete a short online survey, which should take around 10 minutes.
The survey closes on Friday 28 August 2026.
Complete the Suffolk Employment Land Study Business Survey 2026.
The survey is being managed by Iceni Projects on behalf of the Suffolk local authorities. Responses will be treated in confidence and reported in an aggregated and non-identifiable form.
If you require any further information about the survey, please contact the Planning Policy Team at planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk.
Call for Sites
Ipswich Borough Council undertook a public Call for Sites process for the new Ipswich Local Plan between 20 October and 15 December 2025.