Current Consultations
High Street Rental Auctions
High Street Rental Auctions (HRSA) is a new power available to Ipswich Borough Council under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 to help tackle long-term vacant commercial properties and support the vitality of town centres. This power allows the council to help rent out properties on the high street that have been empty for a long time. These properties can be rented to new people, such as:
- Local businesses
- Community groups
Before exercising these powers, the council must undertake a public consultation to define the specific high street area(s) where the powers could apply.
This consultation will help ensure that the approach reflects local circumstances and priorities.
How can I have my say?
The consultation period will run for 28 days and will open at 9am, on Wednesday 22nd July 2026 and close at 5pm, on Wednesday 19th August 2026.
To support the consultation process, Ipswich Borough Council are hosting an evening drop-in meeting online (Teams) for residents and stakeholders to discuss the proposals. Council officers will be available to answer any questions that you may have before submitting consultation feedback. Taking place on 3 August 2026 between 6pm and 7pm you can join the meeting via the Teams link here.
All consultation responses should be sent either by email or post to:
- HSRA@ipswich.gov.uk
- Head of Planning & Economic Development, Grafton House, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DE
On-Street Parking Places (Key Street) Order 2026
The Council is carrying out a public consultation on a proposal to create new ‘pay and display’ parking spaces on Key Street, adjacent to the side of 1A Wherry Quay. The consultation closes on Tuesday 11 August 2026 and for further details, including the proposed tariffs, class of vehicle, charging hours and maximum stay, and how you can comment or object to these proposals, please see the documents below:
Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan 2026 - 2045
Consultation on the Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan 2026 – 2045 (‘the Local Plan’) Scoping Consultation is between 12:00 (midday) on 8 July and 12:00 (midday) on 2 September 2026.
The Local Plan helps guide decisions about future development in the area. It looks at what the area needs and what opportunities are available. It covers topics such as housing, jobs, roads and services, and the environment. The Plan shows where new development should happen and where it should be limited or not allowed. Councils are legally required to prepare a Local Plan.
The new Local Plan will be based on a wide range of evidence and will go through several stages of public consultation, giving residents and other interested groups the chance to share their views.
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.
- Some further specialist topics covering the Town Centre, history/culture and new buildings and services.
A full survey form has been created for this consultation. It would help us to gather as much information as possible if you could use our online form at:
Comment on Local Plan Scoping Consultation
There's a shorter version for those of you with less time to give your thoughts. It uses a simple scoring system to give us a quick picture of what matters most to you. It takes around 10 minutes to complete and is available here:
Scoping Consultation Shortform
Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)
Ipswich Borough Council will look at extending the Borough wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for alcohol consumption in designated public places.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a provision created by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act). This replaced the borough wide Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) which was imposed in 2007 and gives Police, including Police Community Support Officers, and other designated officers, the power to take alcohol from anyone who is causing a nuisance in a public place and issue a Fixed Penalty Notice or refer for prosecution (which can result in a fine).
The PSPO does not affect those considerately enjoying a drink in a public area or park.
The existing PSPO in Ipswich ends on 16th November 2026, but a further three-year extension to counter alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public places is being considered.
The public consultation period is between 23rd June and 11th August 2026. You can access the consultation survey here.
Suffolk County Council consultations
Please note that consultations relating to highway improvements / traffic control, social care, education, gypsies and travellers are the responsibility of Suffolk County Council.