Notice of Local Plan Scoping Consultation

Ipswich Borough Council

Date of Publication: 8 July 2026

Preparing a New Local Plan in Ipswich Borough 

This Notice is published under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026 (Regulation 20(1)(b)). 

Ipswich Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan. The Scoping Consultation is the first consultation for the preparation of the new Local Plan and is being carried out under Regulation 20 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026. 

Consultation period 

The consultation opens 8 July 2026 and closes 12:00 (midday) on Wednesday 2 September 2026. 

Consultation matters 

We are at an early stage of preparing the new Local Plan and want to hear from residents, businesses and organisations. At this stage we are asking your views on:

  • The most important issues facing Ipswich;
  • The priorities and opportunities for the Local Plan;
  • The best methods to gather and share information with you; and
  • Further specialist topics covering the town centre, history/culture and new buildings and services.

How to view the consultation materials 

  • On the Ipswich Borough Council website Scoping Consultation | ipswich.gov.uk
  • Ipswich Borough Council, Grafton House, 15–17 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DE (Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm); 
  • Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3DE; and
  • Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX. 

Please check opening hours with the relevant venue before visiting.

How to respond 

Responses must be received by 12:00 (midday) on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

If you require a printed copy or information in an alternative accessible format, please contact us using the details below.

Please email planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk or call 01473 432019. 

Request to be notified

You can request to be notified of the any of the following stages: 

  1. Public consultation on the proposed local plan content and evidence. Regulation 23(1)(b) 
  2. The publication of observations or advice received from a person appointed by the Secretary of State. This is also known as Gateway 2. Section 15CA(5) of the Act 
  3. Public consultation on the proposed local plan. Regulation 27(1)(b) 
  4. Submission of the proposed local plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination. Section 15D(1) of the Act 
  5. Publication of the date, time and place of the examination hearings and the name of 
  6. the Examiner. Regulation 35(2) and 35(1)(a) 
  7. If the examination is paused by the Examiner for further work to be carried out. Section 15D(7) and 15DA of the Act 
  8. The publication of a document and any evidence sent to the Examiner and/or published whilst the Examination is paused. Section 15DA(7) and 15DA(6) of the Act 
  9. The publication of the Examiner’s recommendations and reasons. Section 15D or 15DA of the Act 
  10. The adoption of the local plan. 

Part 2 of the Act Regulations refer to Town and Country Planning (Local Planning)(England) Regulations 2026. The Act refers to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended). 

If you wish to be notified at these stages, please sign up to our Local Plan and Planning Policy mailing list at New Ipswich Local Plan | ipswich.gov.uk. 

If you wish to be notified for a selection of these stages, please email planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk or write to us at: Planning Policy Team, Ipswich Borough, Council, Grafton House, 15–17 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DE.

Please note: We are also consulting on the ‘Ipswich Local Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report’ until 2 September 2026. Further information can be found at: 

New Ipswich Local Plan | ipswich.gov.uk

Download a PDF of the Ipswich Borough Council Notice of Local Plan Scoping Consultation

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