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What is this page for?
On this page you will find: information about the planning system that controls housing and other development in England; links to planning issues pertaining to Kettleburgh such as planning applications; and links to East Suffolk District Council's (ESDC's) East Suffolk (former Suffolk Coastal) Local Plan and Plan Policies.
What are planning policy documents?
These detail the policies on which ESDC must consistently base its decisions/determinations. They also explain how ESDC aims to meet targets such as increased housing stock in its area. You can find them on ESDC's Local Plan site. There is also a higher level National Planning Policy Framework, which has been updated this year (2023).
What was the result of the East Suffolk Local Plan Review?
The Local Plan previously in force covered the period 2013 to 2027. The review led to the Plan being amended so that there is now a East Suffolk (former Suffolk Coastal) Local Plan in force to 2036. The new Plan will significantly impact the development of Kettleburgh into the long-term future, particularly as we do not yet have a Neighbourhood Plan. Next please find the key policies directly relevant to Kettleburgh.
To be well-informed, you need to also read the preambles to the policies. You must also read the policies in context of the great number of related and over-arching policies in the Local Plan.
This is the Strategy for Rural Areas including Kettleburgh:
Policy SCLP12.34: Strategy for the Rural Areas
The strategy for the rural areas is to support and enhance the vitality of rural communities and enhance the visitor experience whilst protecting and enhancing landscapes, and the natural, built and historic environment.
The strategy for rural areas seeks to deliver:
a) Opportunities for employment development alongside the protection of existing employment uses;
b) Improvements to connectivity and accessibility, including through continued improvements to high speed broadband and mobile phone coverage;
c) The provision of new housing which contributes to providing a mix of housing choice in rural areas and helps to sustain rural communities, including through allocations in or well related to Large Villages and Small Villages;
d) Enhancements to the visitor experience;
e) Protection and enhancement of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, whilst also recognising the value of locally important landscapes;
f) Protection of designated habitats, priority habitats and protected species, including managing the effects of increased visitor pressure on the European protected sites, and seeking to provide enhancements for biodiversity; and
g) Conservation and enhancement of heritage assets.
In the Settlement Hierarchy, Kettleburgh as a settlement (defined by its settlement boundary) is classed as a Small Village, not Countryside - although it sits in a wider area classed as Countryside.
This is the Housing Development Policy for Small Villages:
Policy SCLP5.2: Housing Development in Small Villages
Residential development will be permitted within defined Settlement Boundaries where it is:
a) A small group of dwellings of a scale appropriate to the size, location and character of the village;
or
b) Infill development (in accordance with Policy SCLP5.7).
Residential development will be permitted on Exception Sites adjacent or well related to defined Settlement Boundaries in accordance with Policy SCLP5.11.
There is one Area Specific Strategy relating to Kettleburgh:
Policy SCLP12.53: Land North of the Street, Kettleburgh
0.75ha of land north of The Street, Kettleburgh, as shown on the Policies Map, is identified for the development of approximately 16 dwellings.
Development will be expected to accord with the following criteria:
a) Provision of terraced and semi-detached homes fronting The Street to follow the line of existing buildings;
b) Provision of affordable housing on site;
c) Provision of a contribution towards a new early years setting;
d) Design, layout and landscaping to respond to the site’s location in the river valley;
e) Retention of hedgerows and trees bordering the site, subject to the provision of safe access and egress. Where hedgerow removal is required replanting elsewhere on the site will be required;
f) Provision of a survey detailing the likely ecological impact on the biodiversity of the site and
surrounding area;
g) Evidence is required to demonstrate there is adequate Water Recycling Centre capacity or that capacity can be made available;
h) Retention and enhancement of Kettleburgh village sign in order to create a central focal point in the village; and
i) Confirmation of adequate capacity in the foul sewerage network or action to upgrade to create the required capacity.
Kettleburgh is currently lacking in Community Facilities. In general there seems to be a presumption in the Local Plan in favour of new facilities and against losing them. This is the Community Facilities and Assets Policy:
Policy SCLP8.1: Community Facilities and Assets
Proposals for new community facilities and assets will be supported if the proposal meets the needs of the local community, is of a proportionate scale, well related to the settlement which it serves and would not adversely affect existing facilities that are easily accessible and available to the local community.
Proposals to change the use, or redevelop for a non-community use, a facility registered as an asset of community value, will not be permitted.
Proposals to change the use, or redevelop for a different use, a community facility which is not registered as an asset of community value, will only be permitted if:
a) It can be demonstrated that there is no community need for the facility and the building or the site is not needed for an alternative community use;
b) It can be demonstrated that the current, or alternative community uses are not viable and
marketing evidence is provided which demonstrates the premises have been marketed for a
sustained period of 12 months in accordance with the Commercial Property Marketing Guidance;
Or
c) Development would involve the provision of an equivalent or better replacement community facility either on site or in an alternative location in the vicinity that is well integrated into the community and has equal or better accessibility than the existing facility which meets the needs of the local population.
How are specific planning applications considered locally?
Kettleburgh Parish Council has to be consulted by East Suffolk District Council (ESDC) about all planning applications in the Parish, and is consulted along with other statutory bodies and the general public. The Parish Council discusses applications at its meetings and then submits its responses to ESDC, which makes decisions on ('determines') the applications based on its own expertise and all the responses to its consultations. There is the potential for appeals and involvement of the Planning Committee.
If you are an applicant or interested party, you are encouraged to attend Parish Council meetings where an opportunity is always given for you to comment.
Where can I find application paperwork?
You can find details of all planning applications, including supporting documents, by using the East Suffolk Planning Portal. For ease, we provide basic details and direct links to: the application on the portal; and KPC's response to it, on our dedicated Planning Applications page.
My general fears and concerns don't seem to be taken into account?
Please note that the Planning Department will generally only take account of specific issues - Planning Policies, Material Considerations and potential Harms - in considering applications. This means that if the Parish Council wishes to object to an application, it is generally only beneficial for the Council to raise objections relating to those areas. On that basis it is most beneficial for you to raise objections with the Council in those areas.
To help you navigate all this, guidance is available from ESDC about 'What should be included (and not included) in comments on applications'.
How can I make my views count?
The most important thing is to raise your own specific, factual comments via the Portal and comply with the rules on what should and should not be included when you do so. You can also let the Parish Council know about your views (write to the Clerk), but please note that the Council will make decisions at its meetings based on all the facts of each application, including points made by the public.
How can I see what the Council and others have sent to ESDC?
You can find ALL responses to applications, including KPC's, on the Planning Portal section for the application in which you're interested (please find the link above under 'Where can I find paperwork?' - or via our Planning Applications page).
Does the Council respond to other types of consultation?
The council also responds to other types of consultations - you can find information about those on the dedicated Consultations page.