Overview
Ipswich Borough Council Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) outlines the ways in which the public can participate in the formulation of planning policies and the determination of planning applications in Ipswich. It specifies the individuals or groups who will be engaged, the methods of engagement, and provides guidance on how to submit representations.
The SCI incorporates information on the stages involved in the creation of a Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents, as well as the avenues for public involvement in these processes. It also covers pre-application discussions, identifying who can participate and the reasons for their involvement.
Notably, the SCI establishes the minimum requirements for consultation on various types of planning applications, including major applications, householder developments, and advertisements. Finally, it delineates the decision-making process and outlines how the public can participate in planning appeals.
Public consultation undertaken during the preparation of the Statement of Community Involvement
Public consultation on the draft Ipswich Borough Council SCI was carried out between 6 March 2025 and to 3 April 2025.
The comments received are reported in the Consultation Statement, together with the Council’s responses indicating how points raised have been addressed through the adopted SCI.
The SCI was formally adopted by Ipswich Borough Council on 16 July 2025 at a meeting of Full Council, in accordance with Section 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).
Inspection of the Adoption Documents
The SCI and the documents that support it are available to view below:
- Ipswich Borough Council SCI (PDF)
- Notice of Adoption (PDF) (24 July 2025)
- Consultation Statement (PDF)
- Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Report (under Regulation 9 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004) (PDF)
- Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report (PDF)
- Equality Impact Assessment (PDF)
Document Viewing Locations
These documents are also available for inspection at the following locations for the next three months:
- Grafton House Reception, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DE (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) – by appointment only (see arrangements below)*;
- Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX (Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm); and
- Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3DE (Mon, Weds, Thurs 9am to 6pm; Tues, Fri 9am to 7pm; Saturdays 8.30am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm).
To view the documents at the Council’s offices (Grafton House), or to request them in an alternative format, please call 01473 432019 or email planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk.