Putting communities facing major housing, energy and infrastructure proposals first

20 Oct 2026

A motion giving stronger support and greater community influence over major schemes that would have long term negative impacts has been backed by councillors.

West Suffolk Council agreed the motion which reaffirms calls for plan-led growth, rigorous assessment and meaningful consultation with residents on major housing, energy and infrastructure proposals.

This follows two major proposed schemes for a new city and power generation that have the potential to change the face of West Suffolk and impact on its communities.

The motion reaffirmed the council’s opposition to the 400,000 home Forest City proposal in its current form because of its extraordinary scale and unresolved questions around infrastructure, water, transport, farmland, public services, funding and impacts on existing communities

It also welcomes the Government’s decision not to progress Forest City through the New Towns Programme or a development corporation, but recognises this has not stopped developers from pursing the plans.

It also asks the council to engage fully and at the earliest appropriate opportunity with the Redmere Wind Farm proposal and other nationally significant infrastructure proposals affecting the district. In addition, it also calls on Government and developers to ensure meaningful consultation with affected communities.

The motion highlights the increasing pressure on West Suffolk and the wider Suffolk area from large-scale proposals which could have long-term and potentially harmful consequences for communities, landscapes, infrastructure and public services.

View the recommendations of the Council: COU-WS-26-026 Motion on notice Supporting our communities when facing large scale housing energy and infrastructure proposals

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council, who proposed the motion said: “West Suffolk recognises the need for new homes, renewable energy and infrastructure, but major proposals must be plan-led, evidence-led and supported by the infrastructure and services communities rely on. In short West Suffolk communities must be at the heart of these decisions. It also supports my role as leader in to continue engaging with Government, neighbouring authorities, MPs and other stakeholders to champion and represent West Suffolk’s interests.”

Cllr Joe Mason, who seconded the motion, said: “This is about making sure the voice of local residents who have to live with the consequences of these developments are front and centre, such as in the case of Redmere. It reaffirms our opposition to the Forest City proposals that seem to return like a bad penny despite not being included in Government plans. It ensures local people, parish and town councils and elected representatives have a meaningful voice when proposals could fundamentally affect the future of their communities.

The motion follows the council’s previous formal objection to the privately promoted Forest City proposal, which envisaged up to 400,000 homes for a population approaching one million between Cambridge, Newmarket and Haverhill. The council objected on the basis that the proposal was not plan-led or evidence-based, had no formal status in the planning system and was not supported by Government, local authorities or local communities. The Government’s New Towns Taskforce has since rejected the Forest City proposal, reflecting concerns raised by councils and local communities.

The motion also refers to the recently announced Redmere Wind Farm proposal as a further example of major strategic development potentially affecting West Suffolk communities. The proposal is at an early stage and currently envisages up to 32 wind turbines, up to 220 metres high, together with battery storage across an area spanning Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Due to its proposed generating capacity, it would be considered through the nationally significant infrastructure planning process rather than determined locally as an ordinary planning application.

The motion recognises the need for new homes, renewable energy, economic growth and investment in infrastructure, and says well-designed and properly planned development can bring significant benefits.

However, it states that the scale, location and cumulative impact of major development must be properly understood, particularly where communities are being asked to accommodate development serving needs beyond their own area.

The motion was debated by councillors at the Council meeting on 13 October.

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