Have your say on new planning document

A consultation on the draft Coastal Adaptation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which provides guidance on the planning policy approaches along the coast from Holkham in Norfolk to Landguard Point, Felixstowe in Suffolk, begins on Wednesday 25 January.

A partnership of East Suffolk Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, North Norfolk District Council, the Broads Authority, and the shared Coastal Partnership East team have prepared the draft SPD to support the implementation of Local Plan polices related to the coast. The document provides detailed guidance for residents, developers, businesses and landowners on the interpretation of policies to help ensure coastal communities continue to prosper whilst adapting to coastal change. The draft SPD includes some 'best practice' case studies from across the combined area.

Cllr David Ritchie, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management said: "This joint document will help shape future planning decisions in East Suffolk's coastal communities and I would encourage residents who may be affected by coastal changes to view the draft document and contribute their comments."

Cllr Carl Smith, Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: "Effective management of our coast and how we adapt to the effects of coastal change are of fundamental importance to the continued sustainable enjoyment of our coast and our economic development.

"This new document will help ensure the Great Yarmouth area can continue to prosper by providing detailed guidance for developers, landowners and other relevant individuals and organisations by increasing our resilience, innovation and vitality. With that in mind, we would very much urge people to take part in this consultation and provide feedback that will help us and our partners provide a robust and effective framework for the future."

Cllr Andrew, Brown, North Norfolk District Council's portfolio holder for Planning and Enforcement said:"This document is the result of several authorities agreeing to work together to ensure we make better informed planning decisions in future. It is important to engage with our residents in North Norfolk and this consultation delivers the opportunity to test and receive opinion on the best way forward. The proposals once adopted will give support to interpreting policies in the emerging Local Plan for our district and ensure our coastal communities can continue to thrive notwithstanding the challenges from climate change in the years ahead."

Cllr Harry Blathwayt, Chair of the Broads Authority Planning Committee said: "We are seeking views from all members of the local community about the proposed planning guidance, to ensure that Coastal Communities continue to prosper and can adapt to coastal change."

Comments on the Draft Coastal Adaptation Supplementary Planning Document must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 8 March 2023.

You can view and comment on this consultation online.

Comments can also be emailed to planningpolicy@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or sent to East Suffolk Council, Planning Policy and Delivery Team, Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ.

All comments received will be considered and taken into account when finalising the Coastal Adaptation SPD, which is aiming to be adopted in summer 2023.

Once adopted, the SPD will be a material consideration in determining relevant planning applications.

Paper copies of the Draft SPD and Consultation Statement have been made available for inspection at the Town Hall, Hall Plain, Great Yarmouth. More information on Town Hall opening hours can be found online.

Paper copies of the consultation documents can also be sent out to individuals on request by contacting localplan@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.