Bacton Parish Council have begun the process of preparing a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). Neighbourhood plans are only concerned with matters that require planning permission and may:

  • contain planning policies for the development and use of land or the protection of sites or features
  • allocate sites within the parish for new homes, employment and community land uses
  • provide further guidance of the appearance and design of any new buildings.

The Bacton Neighbourhood Plan is led by the Parish Council and run by a working group set up by and who report to the Parish Council. The working group comprises Councillors and residents.

There are a number of key steps in neighbourhood planning before a neighbourhood plan can come into force:

Step one: Define your neighbourhood.

On 11 July 2022, Bacton Parish Council submitted an application to define the boundary of the NDP. Mid Suffolk District Council confirmed this designation on Thursday 21 July 2022: Designation Notice

Step two: Gather information to inform the content of the Neighbourhood Plan

The working group are meeting monthly to gather information that is relevant to supporting the content of the Plan.

This has already included a village-wide household survey which had an excellent number of responses with public displays held at the Village Fete, Bacton Fayre and Parish Council Village Voice events.

We have also engaged expert guidance and the following work has already been completed:

Design Codes to inform any future buildings proposed in the village (provided as part of the Government Grant programme)

Housing Needs Assessment establishing the current housing mix and the recommending the areas where there are deficiencies such as bungalows and one bedroom properties. It also identified the type of affordable housing that might be needed to meet local circumstances. (provided as part of the Government Grant programme)

Landscape Appraisal identifying the views and landscapes that need to be protected to preserve the rural character of the village. (funded by the Government Grant programme)

Master Planning of a potential site for a Community Sports & Leisure facility for Bacton. (provided as part of the Government Grant programme)

Step three: Write the Draft Plan

The outcomes of all the information gathering projects will inform the content of the Draft Plan. The Working Group will ensure it contains all the key objectives and policies necessary to meet the aspirations and priorities of our community and ensure the Plan is a valuable contribution to achieving a sustainable future for Bacton.

Step four: Public consultation

The Parish Council must consult on the Draft Plan for a minimum of six weeks, providing an opportunity for those that live and work in Bacton, as well as a number of government bodies and other organisations, to comment.

Step five: Submit the Plan to Suffolk District Council

Step six: Independent examination

Step seven: Parish Referendum

Step eight: If the Referendum returns a majority in support of the Plan it will be adopted by Mid Suffolk District Council and used for determining planning applications in the Parish.

 

 

 

 

 


'