New planning has been agreed this week to ensure local housing needs in parts of Suffolk are met, two local authorities have said.

Councillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk adopted the two supplementary planning documents (SPDs) which set out expectations of those looking to develop within the districts. 

This document sets out the number and type of new properties required by each district which ensures the right mix to meet housing needs including provision of affordable housing. 

The new planning documents follow the adoption of part 1 of the councils' Joint Local last year which was the blueprint for the future developments in the district. 

This SPD supports the Joint Local Plan, which spells out the detailed steps planning applicants need to take in order to be considered for planning approval by the Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils. 

Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “While the adoption of the first part of our Joint Local Plan was a huge milestone, more work had to be done as part of its implementation, to protect our local communities and ensure that housing delivery and our local economy is supported in a balanced way.

Andrew Stringer, of Mid Suffolk District CouncilAndrew Stringer, of Mid Suffolk District Council (Image: Jason Noble)

“Now the message that the new Housing SPD sets out is clear: we are taking steps to ensure that local housing needs are met, particularly in terms of the type of new properties being built - including affordable housing.”

The Intensive LiveStock and Poultry SPD puts measures in place so intensive farming can coexist within the districts' rural communities. 

The Housing SPD not only states clearly the number of affordable housing that needs to be included in each development but also how they need to integrated across the site rather than all together. 

Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Babergh District Council, added: “I am really pleased to see that both of these SPDs have been formally adopted. 

"It really is another huge statement that the councils are taking the needs of our local communities seriously and underlines our commitment to ensure development is both viable and sustainable.