Meeting Details

On the proposal of Councillor Ninnmey seconded by Councillor Daly it was unanimously   

RESOLVED   

 
That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 April 2026 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Committee received report ES/2808 of the Head of Planning and Building Control which provided a summary of the status of all outstanding enforcement cases for East Suffolk Council where enforcement action had been sanctioned under delegated confirmed powers up until 22 April 2026. At that time there were 20 such cases.

The Planning Manager gave an update on item C.3 - 6 Upper Olland Street, Bungay. The roller shutter has been removed so there has been compliance. The notice will be withdrawn and the item taken off the list.

He drew Members’ attention to the update sheet in respect of the Queen at Brandeston. This item generates a lot of interest from the community and the owner of the property. There hasn’t been compliance with the notice but before next steps can be taken there is further work to be done to ensure we have all the evidence to proceed. He explained that he had met with the Chair to discuss this matter.

Councillor Daly asked if there was any timeline on when action would go forward. The Planning Manager couldn’t give a concrete answer but said there would be further updates in the next couple of months at both Planning South and North meetings. He advised that this will potentially be on the list for a long time. 

Councillor Ninnmey asked if the Brandeston Queen was an Asset of Community Value (ACV). The Planning Manager confirmed it was. He explained that the property was on the market and the community were able to make a bid in the moratorium period but did not. The pub remains an ACV though. 

Councillor Ninnmey asked about B.5 – The Old Golf Shop at Waldringfield and if it was still being used as accommodation. The Planning Manager confirmed it was but a planning application has been submitted for continued use. It was close to a decision being made. If approved the enforcement would be removed; if refused then enforcement will continue. He expected there to be an update in the summer.

Councillor Reeves asked for an update on A.6 – The Old Post Office in Waldringfield. The Planning Manager explained that the compliance period has just ended so a visit would be taking place soon.

On the proposal of Councillor Hedgley, seconded by Councillor Reeves it was unanimously

RESOLVED 

That the outstanding enforcement matters up to 22nd April 2026 be noted.

The Committee received report ES/2809 which related to application DC/25/4094/FUL. The application sought the creation of new vehicular access off Ipswich Road, following the closure of the existing access and the erection of a new wall/fence in a relocated position which still allowed for visibility. There were no objections from the Highways Authority or the Landscape Team in respect of the proposed development.

The application triggered referral to Planning Committee because the comments of Woodbridge Town Council received during the consultation period, were contrary to the 'minded to' recommendation of officers. The Planning Referral Panel referred the application to Planning Committee on the basis that there were material planning considerations which warranted further discussion by the Planning Committee.

The Senior Planner gave a presentation. She listed the objections raised by the Town Council. Members were shown a constraints map of the site. She explained that none of the works fall within the TPO area. Members were shown an aerial photo of the site and site location plan. The Senior Planner highlighted trees to be removed. 

She pointed out the adjacent site that has planning for a single storey dwelling which is currently being constructed. Members were shown access point photos. It was explained that the new property being built next door will share the access route with this application site. Members were shown the proposed block plan. The Senior Planner said the Landscape team did not object to the loss of the trees as they were already declining in health. 

She shared details of the fencing and it was felt the visual impact was acceptable. 

The Senior Planner ran through the planning considerations. She pointed out that there were no objections from Highways or the Landscape team. Additional planting will take place on site to mitigate the tree loss.

The recommendation was to approve subject to conditions.

Councillor Daly asked about trees and why the team said they have no landscape value. The Senior Planner said the sycamore trees do provide amenity value but due to works undertaken and the construction next door they have less amenity value than they used to.

Councillor Daly asked if the trees were considered when planning permission was granted for the adjacent site and if there were conditions imposed protecting those trees. The Senior Planner said the planning permission for the adjacent property did include protection for the trees but over time their quality has declined. Moving the access point away from their property provides a more central location for both properties.

The Chair asked about replacement planting details. The Senior Planner said there was some along the boundary but there isn't much scope within the visibility splays. The site is already quite well vegetated around the other boundaries.

Councillor Hedgley could see no problem. He was surprised that no-one had kicked up any fuss about the trees before. He was happy to support.

Councillor Ninnmey felt disquiet that the other build reduced the quality of the trees. He said it was important that trees are on the street scene to provide shading. It was disappointing that we are undervaluing trees.

The Chair had concerns about road safety, but Highways have not objected which makes it difficult. 

Councillor Daly said it was unsatisfactory but there were no planning reasons to refuse this application so they would have to let it go.


On the proposal of Councillor Hedgley, seconded by Councillor Bennett it was unanimously

RESOLVED

That the application be approved subject to conditions below:


Conditions: 

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun not later than the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: This condition is imposed in accordance with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

2. The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out other than in complete accordance with:

12186-D-AMS EXISTING & PROPOSED BLOCK PLAN (AIA) - received 23 February 2026
ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT - received 23 February 2026
PW832-PL1002 REV F SITE LOCATION PLAN / PROPOSED SITE BLOCK PLAN - received 02 April        2026
PW832 PL1003 REV C PROPOSED STREET ELEVATION - received 02 April 2026
2412-972-SK278 - PROPOSED ACCESS RELOCATION PLAN  - received 23 October 2025
APPLICATION FORM - received 23 October 2025

Reason: For avoidance of doubt as to what has been considered and approved. 

3. Before the new vehicular access is first used, visibility splays shall be provided as shown on Drawing No. SK278 with an X dimension of 2.4 metres and a Y dimension of 43 metres to the nearside edge of the carriageway and thereafter retained in the specified form. Notwithstanding the provisions of Part 2 Class A of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification) no obstruction to visibility shall be erected, constructed, planted or permitted to grow over 0.6 metres high within the areas of the visibility splays. 

Reason: To ensure drivers of vehicles entering the highway have sufficient visibility to manoeuvre safely including giving way to approaching users of the highway without them having to take avoiding action and to ensure drivers of vehicles on the public highway have sufficient warning of a vehicle emerging in order to take avoiding action, if necessary.

4. The new vehicular access shall be laid out, surfaced and completed in all respects in accordance with Drawing No. SK278, with an entrance width of 4.5 metres. Thereafter, it shall be retained in its approved form. Prior to the new access being brought into use, all other means of vehicular access into the site from Ipswich Road shall be effectively stopped up and closed in complete accordance with Drawing No. SK278. 

Reason: To ensure the access is laid out and completed to an acceptable design in the interests of the safety of persons using the access and users of the highway and to avoid multiple accesses that would be detrimental to highway safety.

5. Gates or other means of obstruction to the new vehicular access shall be set back a minimum distance of 5 metres from the public highway and shall not open towards the highway. 

Reason: To avoid unacceptable safety risks and traffic delay arising from vehicles obstructing the public highway while the obstruction is removed or replaced by enabling vehicles to clear the highway while this is done.

6. The approved landscaping scheme shall be implemented not later than the first planting season following commencement of the development (or within such extended period as the local planning authority may allow) and shall thereafter be retained and maintained for a period of 5 years.  Any plant material removed, dying or becoming seriously damaged or diseased within five years of planting shall be replaced within the first available planting season and shall be retained and maintained.

Reason: To ensure the submission and implementation of a well-laid out scheme of landscaping in the interest of visual amenity.

Informatives:

1. The Local Planning Authority has assessed the proposal against all material considerations including planning policies and any comments that may have been received. The planning application has been approved in accordance with the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework and local plan to promote the delivery of sustainable development and to approach decision taking in a positive way.

2. Biodiversity Net Gain
 
The effect of paragraph 13 of Schedule 7A to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is that planning permission granted for development of land in England is deemed to have been granted subject to the condition (biodiversity gain condition) that development may not begin until a Biodiversity Gain Plan has been submitted to and approved by the planning authority, unless a statutory exemption or transitional arrangement applies (under paragraph 17 of Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024).
 
Based on the information available this permission is considered to be one which will not require the approval of a biodiversity gain plan before development is begun because one or more of the statutory exemptions or transitional arrangements is considered to apply.

3. Note: It is an OFFENCE to carry out works within the public highway, which includes a Public Right of Way, without the permission of the Highway Authority.
 
Any conditions which involve work within the limits of the public highway do not give the applicant permission to carry them out.  Unless otherwise agreed in writing all works within the public highway shall be carried out by the County Council or its agents at the applicant's expense.

The County Council's East Area Manager must be contacted on Telephone: 01728 652400. Further information can be found at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/environment-and-transport/highways/dropped-kerbs-vehicular-accesses/  
 
A fee is payable to the Highway Authority for the assessment and inspection of both new vehicular crossing access works and improvements deemed necessary to existing vehicular crossings due to proposed development.

The Committee received report ES/2810 which related to application DC/25/4787/FUL. The application sought the installation of water services, changes to the external compound layouts and addition of an acoustic perimeter louvre system on the roof to the rear of the leisure centre. Air source heat pumps will also be added to the existing roof single-storey flat roof at the rear of the building. The application triggered referral to Planning Committee because East Suffolk Council is the owner and applicant. The pool is currently closed for the works to take place.

The Senior Planner gave a presentation. Members were shown the constraints map. It was explained that the building is in flood zone 1 and just outside the conservation area. The National Landscape is to the south and listed building were shown in red.

She showed aerial photographs and a selection of photos of the site together with the site location plan. The front of the building will not be impacted. Members were shown pictures of the plant area and the roof where the air source pumps will be located. They were shown views across the car park to give the context of the conservation zone.

Members were shown the proposed block plan and floor plan and proposed elevations of the louvres to screen the air source heat pumps. The Environmental Protection team are happy with the proposal. Not received any objections and it is deemed to be compliant with national and local policies.

Councillor Hedgley asked if the acoustic screening was new. It was confirmed that it was.

Speaking as Cabinet Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Daly said it was very important that we reduce our carbon footprint and he was very much in support.

On the proposal of Councillor Daly, seconded by Councillor Hedgley it was unanimously

RESOLVED

That the application be approved, subject to the conditions below: 

Conditions: 

1. The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out other than in complete accordance with the Application Form received 10 December 2025, Flood Risk Assessment received 10 February 2026, Drawing No's 0949-LP-P0 (Site Location Plan) received 14 January 2026 and 0949 - 002 - P1 (Proposed domestic water services, external compound layout and acoustic perimeter louvre system) received 10 December 2025.

Reason: For avoidance of doubt as to what has been considered and approved. 


Informatives:

1. The Local Planning Authority has assessed the proposal against all material considerations including planning policies and any comments that may have been received. The planning application has been approved in accordance with the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework and local plan to promote the delivery of sustainable development and to approach decision taking in a positive way.

2. Biodiversity Net Gain

The effect of paragraph 13 of Schedule 7A to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is that planning permission granted for development of land in England is deemed to have been granted subject to the condition (biodiversity gain condition) that development may not begin until a Biodiversity Gain Plan has been submitted to and approved by the planning authority, unless a statutory exemption or transitional arrangement applies (under paragraph 17 of Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024).

Based on the information available this permission is considered to be one which will not require the approval of a biodiversity gain plan before development is begun because one or more of the statutory exemptions or transitional arrangements is considered to apply.

The Committee received report ES/2811 which related to application DC/26/1189/FUL.

The application sought planning permission for the construction of a rear extension to the dwelling, a detached garage within the rear garden, and the erection of a 5metre long boundary brick wall at a height of 2 metres. The application triggered referral to Planning Committee for determination as the application is from a member of staff.

The Assistant Planner gave a presentation. She showed the site location plan and an aerial photograph together with photos of the site. She explained the extension is in keeping with surrounding properties. Members were shown the proposed block plan and elevations. She ran through the proposed materials to be used. It was explained that the ridge line will be 600mm higher than the existing. Within the surrounding street scene there are similar extensions, so the proposed increase is in character with the local area.

The Assistant Planner showed the floor plans and ran through the material planning considerations and key issues. No objections have been received and one letter of support from a neighbour has been submitted. The recommendation was to approve subject to conditions.

Councillor Hedgley thought that the max height of a fence was 1.8m between neighbours, not 2m. He asked if it should be 1.8m. The Planning Manager said if the fence wasn’t adjacent to a highway it can go up to 2m; permitted development rights allow this. It is traditionally 1.8m as that is 6 foot. A fence adjacent to a highway can only be 1m.

Councillor Ninnmey asked about the first floor plan and asked for clarity that it will have a sloping ceiling, which was confirmed.

Councillor Reeves said it didn’t look like you could park a car in the garage and asked if there was room for turning. The Assistant Planner said there would be room to turn but it would be tight and it would be possible to park in the garage. The Planning Manager said it looks theoretically possible but it would be tricky however there is sufficient parking provision on the site. It is likely the garage would be used for storage instead.

On the proposal of Councillor Hedgley, seconded by Councillor Daly it was unanimously

RESOLVED

That the application be approved, subject to the conditions set out below.  

Conditions: 

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun within a period of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: In accordance with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended.

2. The development hereby permitted shall be completed in all respects strictly in accordance with:
Drawing Number: HD/IP13 6HY/GARAGE - GARAGE FLOOR PLAN & ELEVATIONS
Drawing Number: HD/IP13 6HY/PROP-ELEVATION - PROPOSED ELEVATIONS
Drawing Number: HD/IP13 6HY/PROP-GROUND - PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN
Drawing Number: HD/IP13 6HY/PROP-FIRST - PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR PLAN
Drawing Number: HD/IP13 6HY/PROP-ROOF - PROPOSED ROOF PLAN
Drawing Number: HD/IP13 6HY/PROP-SITE - PROPOSED BLOCK PLAN
Drawing Number: HD/IP13 6HY/SECTION - TYPICAL SECTION AA
Drawing Titled: SITE PLAN

Received on 27th March 2026, for which permission is hereby granted or which are subsequently submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority and in compliance with any conditions imposed by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt as to what has been considered and approved.

3. Prior to the construction of the retaining walls and steps shown on the hereby approved block plan, full details of the proposed heights of each section of retaining walls relative to adjacent ground levels shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The retaining walls and steps shall thereafter be constructed in accordance with the approved details. 

Reason: In the interests of amenity. The application did not include the necessary details for consideration. 

Informatives:

1. The Local Planning Authority has assessed the proposal against all material considerations including planning policies and any comments that may have been received. The planning application has been approved in accordance with the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework and local plan to promote the delivery of sustainable development and to approach decision taking in a positive way.

 2. Biodiversity Net Gain

The effect of paragraph 13 of Schedule 7A to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is that planning permission granted for development of land in England is deemed to have been granted subject to the condition (biodiversity gain condition) that development may not begin until a Biodiversity Gain Plan has been submitted to and approved by the planning authority, unless a statutory exemption or transitional arrangement applies (under paragraph 17 of Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024).

Based on the information available this permission is considered to be one which will not require the approval of a biodiversity gain plan before development is begun because one or more of the statutory exemptions or transitional arrangements is considered to apply.

3.      The development included (or appears to include) one or more of the following:
 
i.   works to an existing wall or structure shared with another property. 
ii.  the construction of a wall or building on or close to a property boundary; 
iii. excavations near a neighbouring building(s). 

You are advised that the provision of the Party Wall Act 1996 may apply to this development. An explanatory booklet concerning the implications of this Act is available from the Department for Communities and Local Government - www.gov.uk/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance.

The onus also rests with the owner of the property to ensure they comply with all the necessary legislation and resolve any issues with neighbours regarding access rights for maintenance etc. 

Any amendments to the hereby permitted scheme that may be necessary to resolve matters arising from the Party Wall Act, will likely require approval by the local planning authority.

4. The scheme includes works to sloping or potentially unstable ground, and/or the application site and/or adjacent land is sloping ground. 

As set out in the NPPF, {\b the responsibility and subsequent liability for safe development and secure occupancy of the site rests with the developer and/or landowner.}  
 
Although the Local Planning Authority has used its best endeavours to determine the application on the basis of the information available to it, this does not mean that the land is free from instability. 

It also does not imply that the requirements of any other controlling authority would be satisfied; in particular, the granting of this planning permission does not give a warranty of support or stability.