People living in Little Bealings are being asked to help shape a new Neighbourhood Plan that will steer future growth, protect local character and inform how land is used in the village.

East Suffolk Council has launched a formal consultation on the draft plan, which was prepared by Little Bealings Parish Council and submitted to the planning authority ahead of independent examination.

If approved, the Neighbourhood Plan would form part of the policy framework used when deciding planning applications and appeals, influencing where development may occur and the look and feel of proposals.

"A Neighbourhood Plan gives communities a chance to set out a vision for future development by identifying local needs and aspirations. It will eventually sit alongside the Local Plan and be used, along with any other material considerations, to inform future planning decisions.

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"I would encourage people to see the plan for themselves and let us know what they think before the next stage of the process."

The comments were made by Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management.

Residents can view the draft and submit feedback online at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/neighbourhood-planning/neighbourhood-plans-area, or in person. Hard copies are available during normal opening hours at Kesgrave Library and at the East Suffolk Customer Service Centre in Woodbridge Library.

Representations will be forwarded to the examiners to be considered alongside the plan. Subject to completing all required regulatory stages, the policies and proposals in the document will be used by East Suffolk Council when determining planning applications within the Little Bealings Neighbourhood Area.

Comments may be emailed to [email protected] or posted to: East Suffolk Council, Planning Policy and Delivery Team (Neighbourhood Plans), Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ.

Please head all submissions "Little Bealings Neighbourhood Plan" and clearly indicate the paragraph or policy your comments relate to. You can also ask to be kept informed about the Council’s decision on the examiner's recommendation and subsequent progress of the plan.

All responses must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 26 August 2026. After the consultation closes, all representations will be published online as soon as possible.