All the district and borough councils in Suffolk are seeking people's views on the most important issues and priorities for new 'local plans'.
Local plans are the council's blueprint for development in your local area and have huge implications for wildlife and the natural environment near you.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust is responding to all the local plans, because they are more important than ever to stop the destruction of the natural environment. Local plans must also go further to repair and restore nature for the benefit of people, communities, businesses, and the economy.
We need your voice, too.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit their thoughts as part of these consultations. This is an opportunity for you to influence what your local area could look like over the next 20 years.
Help us to create a county that delivers for both nature and people.
Respond to your local consultation
The links below will take you to the Local Plan Consultation for your local area. You don't have to answer all the questions - just the ones you want to - and it should only take a few minutes.
Babergh Local Plan Consultation Deadline: 5pm on Fri 31 July 2026
Mid Suffolk Local Plan Consultation Deadline: 5pm Fri 31 July 2026
East Suffolk Local Plan Consultation Deadline: 5pm: Wed 29 July 2026
Ipswich Local Plan Consultation Deadline: Midday on Wed 2 Sept 2026
West Suffolk Local Plan Consultation Deadline: 5pm Tue 28 July 2026
Not sure which consultation to respond to? Find your local council.
What is Suffolk Wildlife Trust saying?
We will be telling the councils that these plans must do more than just protect wildlife and prevent harm to the environment. They must also do more to actively repair and restore nature - not just for the benefit of wildlife, but for people, communities, businesses, and the economy too.
- Ensure everyone has good access to nature-rich places to improve mental and physical health and social equality
- Reduce river pollution to improve water quality, water efficiency, and lower water bills
- Restoring rivers and floodplains to reduce flooding and improve the land's ability to absorb water in times of high rainfall
- Create new nature-rich green spaces with trees, ponds, and parks in our local areas - and in new developments - to improve life for people and wildlife
- Protect, restore, and manage more land for nature to help reverse the catastrophic loss of wildlife in Suffolk
- Support thriving businesses and jobs in a resilient nature-positive economy
This is what growth and development that delivers for people, businesses, the environment, and the economy in Suffolk should look like.
Stay up to date with our work to help nature's recovery in Suffolk by signing up to our Campaigning & Activism mailing list.