Planning Policy

The Planning Policy Team prepares and reviews a wide range of strategic planning documents, including the Ipswich Local Plan, which are used in the long-term planning of the Borough and in the determination of planning applications.

Also in this section

Ipswich Local Plan

A Local Plan is a set of documents that determine how development will be planned over time.

Supplementary Planning Documents

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) provide guidance on applying Local Plan policies.

Local Development Scheme

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) outlines the Council's project plan for creating the documents that will make up the Ipswich Local Plan.

Ipswich Strategic Planning Area

An Ipswich Strategic Planning Area (formerly the Ipswich Policy Area) has been identified in order to deal with cross boundary planning issues.

Authority Monitoring Reports

The Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) provides information on all aspects of the planning department's performance.

Brownfield Land Register

Brownfield land is land that has been previously developed. The Government is keen that local councils maximise the use of previously developed land for new housing and are aware of all such sites within their boundaries.

Employment Land Availability

An annual audit of employment land and premises across Ipswich Borough.

Neighbourhood Planning

Sources of information available on neighbourhood planning.

Planning obligations

Information on Section 106 Agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before the development took place.

Article 4 Direction for Houses of Multiple Occupation

Please note that the period for comments on the Article 4 Direction has now closed. The following content is for notification purposes only.

Research Reports

Retail studies, employment land availability, wildlife audits, and other technical reports.

Statement of Community Involvement

The Statement of Community Involvement for Ipswich sets out how Ipswich Borough Council will engage the community and other consultees in the planning process.