Save Our Country Spaces submission to consultation on Issues and Options for the Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan Review & and the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

 

Strategic / Cross Boundary Issues for Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Coastal District Council

SOCS, like the North Fringe Protection Group (NFPG), are extremely disappointed that Babergh and Mid-Suffolk have declined to cooperate on this consultation with Suffolk Coastal and Ipswich Borough. 

With kind permission, SOCS will append extracts of the North Fringe Protection Group Submission to our response as an appendix.

Summary Response to Consultation in particular to the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report  

 

Are there any other issues that the Local Plan should consider?

Yes, Proper Sustainable appraisal and Brexit,

1. falling house sales in Ipswich (50% over last two years)
2. possible population adjustments due to Brexit and shifts in population and local Ipswich demographic
3. acknowledge and factor in the stark reality of the jobs and employment situation and trends within Ipswich
4. Factor in post Brexit increases likely in food prices; factor in food security and the need to grow more at home- the terrible loss of Grade 2 “Best and Most Versatile” farm land in North Ipswich must be given due consideration.

Ipswich has sub-standard cycling infrastructure, which requirements major improvement in order to encourage sustainable travel and reduce congestion, however, the poor Air Quality in key areas works against a successful cycling, walking strategy and Public Health thrust as people are further putting their Health and Wellbeing at risk by exposure from pollution whist cycling and walking in areas of current congestion and traffic fumes.

What are the disadvantages of your area that the local plans could try to address through the way land is used or developed?

Transport/congestion/poor sustainable travel options and air quality. Lack of high quality jobs and the need to improve green space/corridors.

 What are the key priorities you would like to be addressed by 2036 – in the places across Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal where you live, work or study?

SOCS feel the entire thrust of the Local Plan growth and expansion agenda is inherently unsustainable. A clear and unequivocal determination of the wider infrastructure needs together with a reliable identified funding stream to meet these needs has to be determined and established first.