Neighbourhood Planning in Freckenham
We formally 'made' (adopted) the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan on 18 March 2025.
The Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan 2023-2040 is a statutory development plan document for West Suffolk Council. The plan is a material consideration with the parish of Freckenham for planning application purposes.
- Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan 2023-2040 - made 18 March 2025
- The final decision statement (incorporating Freckenham Neighbourhood Area)
Neighbourhood Plan referendum
A referendum relating to the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan was held on Thursday 20 February 2025.
More information can be found on the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan information statement.
More general information on neighbourhood planning can be found on the neighbourhood planning page
For queries regarding the referendum please contact elections@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Post examination - decision to proceed to referendum
Freckenham Parish Council have amended the submission version of the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan in line with the examiner's report of 27 September 2024
On 9 December 2024 we issued a decision statement that the amended Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan (referendum version) can proceed to a referendum on Thursday 20 February 2025.
Examination of the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan
The independent examiner issued his report on the Submission Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan on 27 September 2024. The report concludes that subject of a series of recommended modifications set out in the report the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan meets all the necessary legal requirements and should proceed to referendum.
West Suffolk as the local planning authority now has to consider each of the examiners recommendations, the reasons for them, and decide if further modifications are needed, and they are satisfied the plan as modified meets the basic conditions and issue a decision statement.
The council has appointed Andrew Ashcroft MRTPI to carry out the examination of the submission Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan (Regulation 17 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012
Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan (Regulation 16) - Submission consultation is now closed
West Suffolk Council received the submission version of the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan and accompanying documents. The council has assessed the plan in accordance with the relevant legislation and have approved receipt.
We are keen to hear the views 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 Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan.
We have commenced a six week consultation on 14 June 2024. The Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan Submission Document can be viewed and responded to via the council's online consultation system.
- Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan Submission Document
The plan is supported by a number of evidence based documents, including the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Opinion, which can be viewed 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,; who will assess the Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents against 'basic conditions'. These require that the plan:
- Has regard to national policy and guidance from the Secretary of State.
- Contributes to sustainable development.
- Is in general conformity with the strategic policy of the development plan for the area of any part of that area.
- Does not breach or is otherwise compatible with EU obligations - this includes the SEA Directive of 2001/42/EC.
- The making of the neighbourhood plan is not likely to have significant effect on a European site (as defined in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (d)), either alone or in combinations with other plans and projects.
How to comment on the proposed submission plan
Please submit your comments by 5pm on 26 July 2024 by using thecouncil's online consultation system. Comments cannot be accepted if anonymous. All information received is public information (subject to the General Data Protection Regulations)
Where are the documents available
The documents are available for inspection online via the council's 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)
Hard copies of the document are also available to view locally at Freckenham Village Hall when open. Hard copies of the document can be sent to those who are unable to easily view them online. Please call strategic planning on 01284 757368 or email neighbourhood.planning@westsuffolk.gov.uk
What happens next?
We are working with Freckenham 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)
Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Opinion: Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan
The SEA and HRA screening opinion is now available to view.
Freckenham Neighbourhood Plan - pre-submission version
As part of the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2015 (as amended), Freckenham Town Council has undertaken a pre-submission consultation on the Freckenham draft Neighbourhood Plan.
Freckenham Neighbourhood Area designation
On 2 November2018, Freckenham Parish Council submitted an application to define the boundary of their Neighbourhood Plan. The regulations regarding neighbourhood area applications have recently 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 confirmed the designated area on 2 November 2018.
A designation statement to this effect, a copy of the application and supporting information and a map identifying the neighbourhood area can be view below: