Ipswich – Local Plan Scoping Consultation

Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan 2026 - 2045

Notice of Local Plan Scoping Consultation

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 www.ipswich.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/new-ipswich-local-plan 

• 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

• Complete the online questionnaire www.ipswich.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/new-ipswich-local-plan

• Email your response to planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk 

• Post your response to: Planning Policy Team, Ipswich Borough Council, Grafton House, 15–17 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DE.

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.

Email: planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk

Telephone: 01473 432019

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:

www.ipswich.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/new-ipswich-local-plan