A referendum is being held today over a modified version of the town’s Neighbourhood Plan, with the South Saxmundham Garden Neighbourhood at the heart of the changes.
The Garden Neighbourhood is already allocated for development through the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan.
A hybrid planning application is currently being considered, with proposals including housing, employment and community development, roadside services, land for a primary school and pre-school, open space and infrastructure.
The modified neighbourhood plan would not allocate any additional land for development.
Instead, it would introduce more detailed local design and environmental policies which would be considered when planning applications for the Garden Neighbourhood are determined.
The enlarged neighbourhood area also includes land west of the A12 because it falls within Saxmundham’s new parish boundary.
What to bring to the polls?
Anyone voting in person in the Saxmundham neighbourhood plan referendum must show an accepted form of photographic ID, such as a UK passport or UK photocard driving licence.
A poll card is not stated as the required ID. Voters were sent poll cards confirming their polling station, but the key requirement at the polling station is accepted photographic identification.
Voting takes place at either the Market Hall or Fromus Centre, depending on the elector’s postcode.
Why is there a debate over voting Yes or No?
Battle lines have been drawn in recent weeks over voting yes or no to the plan.
The argument centres on whether the modified plan gives Saxmundham greater protection from unwanted development or leaves the door open to more commercial development west of the A12.
Those supporting a Yes vote argue the plan would give the town greater influence over the 800-home Garden Neighbourhood, including its design, infrastructure and green spaces, while providing protections relating to major energy infrastructure.
But Suffolk county councillor Julia Ewart, who is calling for a No vote, argues the plan does not go far enough to protect countryside west of the A12. Concerns include the possibility of development such as a service station, hotel, warehousing and takeaways.
Saxmundham Town Council says it also opposes the proposed roadside services development and argues the modified plan would strengthen the town’s influence over future plans.
What happens whether the plan is supported or not?
If approved, the modified plan’s additional policies would become part of the planning framework used to consider development proposals.
It could also have financial implications for the town.
Where development falls within an area covered by a made neighbourhood plan, the proportion of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) passed to the town council increases from 15% to 25%.
If planning permission is granted for the Garden Neighbourhood and development begins, a made modified plan would enable East Suffolk Council to distribute 25% of CIL collected to Saxmundham Town Council to spend on its local infrastructure priorities.
If the modified plan is not adopted, the existing 2023 neighbourhood plan would remain in place, but the additional site-specific Garden Neighbourhood policies would not come into force.