Neighbourhood Planning in Barton Mills

Barton Mills Neighbourhood Plan Submission Draft (Regulation 16) Consultation - 10am Tuesday 23 June to 10am Tuesday 4 August 2026

On 9 June 2026, West Suffolk Council received the submission version of the Barton Mills Neighbourhood Plan Submission Draft and accompanying document. The council has assessed the plan in accordance with the relevant legislation and have approved receipt.

We are keen to hear the view of people who live, work and carry out business in the area. Responses should focus on whether the plan proposal is appropriate to be used for the Barton Mills Neighbourhood Plan.

We have commenced a six week consultation on Tuesday 23 June 2026 (10am). The Barton Mills Neighbourhood Plan Submission Draft and other consultation documents can be viewed and responded to via the council's online consultation system.

Barton Mills Neighbourhood Plan (Regulation 16) Submission Draft May 2026
Barton Mills Neighbourhood Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Statement and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Screening Statement

The plan is supported by a number of evidence documents, including basic conditions statement and consultation statement, which can be viewed (for information only) on the council's online consultation system

What can be commented on

Comments are invited regarding whether the ‘plan proposal’ fulfils the ‘basic conditions’ (Paragraph 8, Schedule 4B Town and Country Planning Act (as amended)).

The 'basic conditions'

Representations received under regulation 16 regarding the plan proposal will be forwarded to an independent examiner. The examiner will assess the Barton Mill Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents against ‘basic conditions’ which are set out below.

Have regard to national policy and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
Contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
Not result in the local authority providing less housing than would have been provided if the plan did not exist.
Not prevent development from taking place which is proposed in the development plan for the area and if it took place, would provide housing.
Comply with relevant environmental outcomes reports (EOR).
Not breach, and be otherwise compatible with assimilated EU obligations.
Comply with human rights legislation.
Meet prescribed conditions in relation to the plan (meaning that the plan has passed all necessary legal, environmental and procedural requirements).

In addition to what is set out in the primary legislation, secondary legislation requires plans to:

Comply with habitats regulations requirements and have regard to all material considerations (including environmental impact assessment where relevant).

How can you comment on the proposed submission plan?

Please submit your comments by 10am on Tuesday 4 August 2026 by using the council's online consultation system, or via email to neighbourhood.planning@westsuffolk.gov.uk. You can also send in your comments by post to Strategic Planning, West Suffolk House, West Suffolk Council, Western Way, Bury ST Edmunds IP33 3YU. We cannot accept anonymous responses. All information received is public information (subject to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)). Further information regarding GDPR and privacy can be found on the council's website.

Where are the documents available?

The documents are available for inspection online via the councils online consultation system and hard copies are available to view at the following locations:

West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Mildenhall Hub, Sheldrick Way, Mildenhall IP28 7JX (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Barton Mills Church, The Street, Barton Mills IP28 6AP

What happens next?

We are working with Barton Mills Parish Council to appoint an independent examiner who will make recommendations and their report will be published online in due course.

Once the council has received this report, and reviewed whether modifications are required, it can decide that the plan is ready for a referendum. (Further details can be found under the summary of the key stages in neighbourhood plan at steps 4 to 7).

Neighbourhood plan - pre-submission consultation

As part of the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2015 (as amended), Barton Mills Parish Council is undertaking a pre-submission consultation on the Barton Mills Pre-submission Draft Neighbourhood Plan 2025-2041 until 17 October 2025. You can view the document and comment on the Barton Mills Parish Council website

All enquiries relating to this consultation should be made to Barton Mills Parish Council.

Barton Mills Neighbourhood Area Designation

On 4 March 2022 Barton Mill Parish Council submitted an application to define the boundary of its neighbourhood plan. The regulations regarding neighbourhood area applications changed and there is no longer a requirement for publicity if the application is for the whole parish area, as it is in this instance.

Under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) the council has confirmed the designated area on 4 March 2022.