Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Chief Operating Officer has decided to proceed with the submission of the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.
summary: The decision at stake is whether to proceed with the submission of a planning permission application for the Rougham Hill site redevelopment.
topline: The Chief Operating Officer has decided to proceed with the planning permission application for the Rougham Hill site redevelopment.
reason_contentious: This issue is contentious as there are concerns raised by stakeholders about traffic and alternative uses for the site.
affected_stakeholders: ["Local residents", "Suffolk County Council", "Potential tenants"]
contentiousness_score: 7
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=948
Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet. The Chief Operating Officer has exercised her delegated authority to proceed with the submission of the planning permission application for the Rougham Hill site redevelopment.
Content: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet. The Chief Operating Officer has exercised her delegated authority to proceed with the submission of the planning permission application for the Rougham Hill site redevelopment. The Chief Operating Officer has agreed to proceed with the submission of the planning application to the Local Planning Authority. The design to RIBA stage 3 has been completed and is at a stage where an application can be submitted to the Local Planning Authority. An informal planning consultation was held from 26 March to 16 April. That feedback has now been used to inform and refine our planning application for the site. The Council received 102 responses with 58 of those in favour of the suggested scheme. Some of those in favour, as well as those against, raised concerns about traffic and as part of the planning application process Suffolk County Council highways will be consulted to advise on any measures that need to be included. Public feedback also suggested alternative tenants or uses should be explored instead. Many of these had not come forward when the site was openly marketed, and choices of tenants are not in the council’s power to deliver, plus alternatives have not emerged through the regular conversations that West Suffolk Council has with other public sector partners. The decision has considered the original business case to Council on Tuesday 27 September 2022 (Item 250 refers) and a further detailed business case agreed at Cabinet on Tuesday 6 December 2022 (Item 430 refers). The Council has the option of selling the land as part of an exit strategy and achieving planning permission will add value to that asset. However, if sold the opportunity to generate long term revenue to pay for public services would be lost and significant abortive costs would be incurred.
Date of Decision: July 3, 2025