Saxmundham residents to vote on modified Neighbourhood Plan

Friday, 2 October 2026 06:00

Saxmundham residents will vote later this month in a referendum on whether a modified Neighbourhood Plan should come into force.

The vote will take place on Thursday 29th October 2026, with poll cards due to be delivered shortly.

Saxmundham Town Council has published a questions-and-answers leaflet ahead of the referendum, explaining what a Yes or No vote would mean.

The council says an approved Neighbourhood Plan would become part of the planning framework used when planning applications are considered. Its policies cover issues including design, location, green spaces and local priorities. The existing plan was adopted in 2022 and has since been reviewed following changes to the parish boundary and the proposed Garden Neighbourhood.

The leaflet also makes clear that the referendum is not a vote on individual energy projects, the proposed Garden Neighbourhood or proposed roadside services. Those matters are dealt with through other planning or consenting processes.

If more than half of those voting choose Yes, the modified Neighbourhood Plan will come into force. If more than half vote No, the existing Neighbourhood Plan will remain in place.

The referendum information and plan documents are being made available to residents ahead of polling day.