Spatial planning seeks to integrate land use policies with other important policy objectives to achieve sustainable development.

The planning system in Suffolk is led by Suffolk’s district and borough councils, in their role as Local Planning Authorities for development other than minerals and waste development. The county council is the responsible authority for minerals and waste development.

In addition to this, the county council Spatial Planning Team plays a role in planning in four key areas:

Delivery of the Transforming Suffolk Sustainable Community Strategy

The county council works with district and borough councils at a strategic level to coordinate growth and achieve countywide objectives, such as ‘Creating the Greenest County’ and ‘A Prosperous and Vibrant Economy’.

Influencing the progress of local Development Plan Documents

The Spatial Planning Team works to support and influence the progress of local Development Plan Documents on behalf of county council services such as highways, education and social care. Occasionally the team may support a district directly in the production of a plan.

Securing funding for infrastructure through planning obligations

The Spatial Planning Team coordinates the county council’s work to secure funding for infrastructure through planning obligations.

Lobbying on Major Infrastructure Projects

The Team has an important role in Major Infrastructure Projects, working to get the best outcomes for the people of Suffolk.

Promoting linkages between planning and utility infrastructure 

The county council works with other councils and utility firms so that future plans for growth take account of and are supported by future investments by utility providers. To this end, a Suffolk Utilities Liaison Group has been established – see terms of reference – to promote a better understanding and develop a programme of work to help deliver planned growth. The notes of the first meeting held in May 2013 are available.