Decision

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Portfolio Holder for Growth have decided to approve the Land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton Masterplan for public consultation.

Analysis

outcome: The Land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton Masterplan was approved for public consultation.

summary: The decision at stake is whether to approve the Land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton Masterplan for public consultation.

topline: The Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Portfolio Holder for Growth have decided to approve the Land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton Masterplan for public consultation.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious due to potential concerns from local stakeholders about the impact of the development on the surrounding area.

affected_stakeholders: ["Local residents", "Businesses in the area", "Environmental groups"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=947

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Planning, Portfolio Holder for Growth

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Portfolio Holder for Growth will be asked to make a decision to go out to public consultation on the Land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton Masterplan.   Report number CAB/WS/25/026 attached to this Notice provides further information on the background and purpose of the decision required.

Content: The Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Portfolio Holder for Growth will be asked to make a decision to go out to public consultation on the Land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton Masterplan.   Report number CAB/WS/25/026 attached to this Notice provides further information on the background and purpose of the decision required. Resolved:   That the Land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton Masterplan be approved for public consultation (as set out in Appendix 1 to Report number CAB/WS/25/026). The Shepherds Grove Masterplan outlined a strategic vision for the development of 37 hectares of land at Shepherds Grove, Stanton, designated as a Strategic Employment Area under Policy AP42 of the emerging West Suffolk Local Plan. The site, a former RAF airfield, was currently home to two industrial estates (East and West) and was earmarked for employment uses including offices, R&D, light and general industrial and storage/distribution.   Key features included: •       A new roundabout on the A143 and a link road to Grove Lane to improve access and remove HGV traffic from Stanton village. •       A phased development approach with a strong emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity net gain (minimum 10%), and high-quality landscaping. •       Design principles that integrated the site with the surrounding rural landscape and existing industrial uses. •       A commitment to BREEAM Excellent standards, renewable energy use, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). •       Extensive stakeholder and community engagement, with public consultation aligned to West Suffolk’s Statement of Community Involvement. (NOTE: No new housing or retail development was proposed)   The public consultation would be for six weeks.  Once closed, a statement setting out the results of this stage of the engagement process would be submitted to West Suffolk Council, together with a final draft version of the Masterplan. Upon approval, the final Masterplan would then be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by the Council and would be used to inform the decision-making process on future planning applications for new development that may be submitted.   A Masterplan was a requirement of emerging West Suffolk Local Plan Policy AP42, (due to be adopted in July 2025). Therefore, no alternatives were available.

Date of Decision: June 18, 2025