Councillors are set to consider the timetable for the Joint Local Plan – detailing how Babergh will work with their communities, including those on the peninsula, to deliver much needed housing and employment between now and 2037.

It is proposed that the next version of Babergh and Mid Suffolk's Joint Local Plan (JLP) will be published in the autumn.

This plan will clarify how the councils propose to meet the housing targets set by government and, following public consultation, detail how and where development should take place – ensuring suitable and sustainable homes are built in the right places; and supporting Babergh's ambitions to build great communities with bright and healthy futures.

Residents in a number of villages on the peninsula are putting together their own Neighbourhood Development Plans, which will fit in with the JLPs. Stutton and Chelmondiston are quite advanced with their plans, while Shotley Parish Council's is at a very early stage and will be going it alone after Erwarton decided not to join in with it.

Following public consultation last year – enabling local businesses and residents to have their say – there has been ongoing review of the JLP with officers and councillors.

The two councils are now drafting the next version of the plan and updating evidence and appraisals to ensure the final Joint Local Plan promotes sustainable development, reflects the public feedback, and considers the potential impact of Covid-19, as well as social, environmental and economic aspects.

If the Local Development Scheme timetable is agreed by Babergh District Council on July 21 then the revised draft Joint Local Plan should be published in Autumn 2020.

The final Joint Local Plan will be formally adopted by the councils following examination by a Planning Inspector.

The Local Development Scheme also sets out a proposed timetable for a review of the current Community Infrastructure Levy rates, which are collected from developers when they build new properties.

This will ensure sufficient funding is made available to enable the additional infrastructure needed to support the development proposed by the Joint Local Plan.

Since the start of the year, communities across Babergh and Mid Suffolk have received in excess of £4.5 million in Community Infrastructure Levy – including over £3 million for school expansions – and funding for community led projects ranging from village hall refurbishments to new children's play areas.

Cllr Clive Arthey, Babergh District Council Cabinet Member for Planning said: "Development is incredibly important to us all, and particularly to our communities where housing growth can have a significant impact on their facilities and the landscape.

"Whilst we cannot control housing targets set by Government, we can continue to work with Babergh residents to influence where these developments are located, supporting our ambition for people to be proud to call our communities home.

"It has taken some time to prepare the Joint Local Plan, and we are now a step closer to providing clarity and reassurance about when and where required new homes will be built."

Peninsula councillors Jane Gould, Mary McLaren, Alastair McCraw and Derek Davis have constantly updated residents on the progress of the Local plan and advised on those village groups who have considered, or started their own Neighbourhood Development Plans.