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A document that ensures communities across Babergh are part of consultations on future planning matters - and makes sure the council is using the correct procedures - is taking a step closer to completion.
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is one of several compulsory documents that will make up a Local Development Framework (LDF) – and is due to be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination. There will be an opportunity for public representations from today for a six-week period.
The SCI demonstrates how the Council will involve the wider community in the new LDF, which will eventually replace the Local Plan, and in planning applications in the future.
Therefore, the SCI will form a very important document within the new LDF. It can be used as a reference point for communities to ensure that as each plan document is prepared and as each planning application is determined, the Council follows its procedures and practices for community involvement.
This latest stage follows two earlier public consultations and the results of these exercises have helped to shape the submission document. The SCI is due to be submitted to the Secretary of State today (May 30).
Peter Berry, the district council's Countryside Officer, said: "This is an important document, especially since its only concern is with community involvement and not actual planning matters.
“It will make clear how communities will be involved in producing new or revising plans, who will be involved and when. This will also cover community involvement in decisions on planning applications.”
Representations from interested parties are invited in the six-week period from May 30, 2006 until July 11, 2006, after which they will be considered at an independent examination by an inspector.
The document is available for public inspection during office hours, from today (May 30) until July 11, 2006, at Babergh District Council, Sudbury Advice Centre, Hadleigh Town Council, Sudbury Library and Hadleigh Library. It can also be viewed on the local development framework web pages.
Representations on the SCI must be sent in writing to Rich Cooke, Acting Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development, Babergh District Council, Corks Lane, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 6SJ or by email to: ldf@babergh.gov.uk or by fax on (01473) 825707.
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