Two councils say they have been left with ‘no option’ but to review their plan for the future of their districts after the Government hiked the quota of homes that need to be built.
The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan, adopted in November 2023, is the blueprint for the districts’ future until 2037 and is designed to ensure communities have sufficient housing, employment and investment, the environment and heritage is protected, and the right infrastructure is in place.
However, the Government has increased the annual housing requirement from 416 to 775 homes in Babergh (up 86 per cent) and from 535 to 734 in Mid Suffolk (up 37 per cent).
The councils say the Government has increased the annual housing requirement from 416 to 775 homes in Babergh (up 86 per cent) and from 535 to 734 in Mid Suffolk (up 37 per cent). Picture: PA Images
This is despite both councils exceeding existing requirements in recent years; in Babergh, there were 604 housing completions in 2023/24, compared to a housing requirement of 416, while in Mid Suffolk completions hit 1,014 compared to a requirement of 535.
Councillor Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning & infrastructure, at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We all want the same thing – good quality, truly affordable homes in sustainable, vibrant communities.
“Our record of housing delivery in recent years has been outstanding, but the Government has moved the goalposts, and previous delivery above our target is now not allowed to count towards future years’ targets.
Councillor Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning & infrastructure, at Mid Suffolk District Council. Picture: MSDC
“This is deeply frustrating and leaves us with little option but to take positive action now and start to review our Joint Local Plan.
“Taking this action is the right thing to do for our communities. If we don’t, we risk national planning policies dictating what happens in our towns and villages in future years – and this could lead to unplanned development which doesn’t deliver what our communities wish for.”
Each year, planning authorities must demonstrate they have a five-year land supply for the required number of homes.
Under existing requirements, this has been exceeded in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
But the higher figures, set by the Government in December’s National Planning Policy Framework review, mean this may become more challenging in future years, the councils say.
If this happens, there is a risk that national planning policies would start to take priority over the Joint Local Plan – and the councils may find themselves in a position where they are required to approve planning applications on sites contrary to the development plan.
Councillor Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning & infrastructure, at Babergh District Council. Picture: BDC
Councillor Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning & infrastructure at Babergh District Council, said: “If we can’t meet a five-year land supply for these increased Government figures, we could start to lose control over where new homes are built.
“We will not gamble with the future of our communities in this way, so we have no option but to review our plan – despite the many years of work, research and consultation that has gone into it – and to work with our communities to plan for the housing growth the government wishes to see.”
She added: “The Government has almost doubled our housing requirement. This is unrealistic – Babergh has only got close to this figure once in recent years. I also question who will build these new homes.
“We recognise the need for more affordable housing and want to work with the Government to address this – but it is simply wrong to suggest councils are the problem. A collaborative solution involving the housebuilding industry, working alongside social housing companies, councils and communities is needed.”
‘Part One’ of the councils’ Joint Local Plan, which identifies the overall housing requirement for the districts, was adopted in 2023.
Since then, work has been continuing on ’Part Two’, which was set to make housing allocations, and address other matters include open space designations and Gypsy and Traveller provision.
The councils will now build on the work to date and start on a full review of the Joint Local Plan.
A revised timetable will be brought forward to the council in February – setting out a period of further evidence gathering and consultation, before the plan itself is reviewed.
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