Planning context
Building on the long-term vision for Chilton Woods, Sudbury
Land to the north of Sudbury, known as ‘Chilton Woods’, has been identified as a strategic growth location for many years under ‘Policy CS4’ of the Local Plan. Part of the site falls within this strategic development area which supports a mixed-use expansion of Sudbury.
The current proposals seek to build on these established planning objectives by bringing forward the whole site within one comprehensive, landscape-led masterplan.
Site allocation
Past, present and future consideration of the proposals
Approximately 23.6 hectares (59 acres) of the site is scheduled for development as it is within the existing Chilton Woods Strategic Site Allocation under ‘Policy CS4’ of the Babergh Core Strategy (2014). This supports a mixed-use expansion of Sudbury, including homes, employment, education, open space and community facilities.
Outline planning permission for the wider allocation was granted in 2018, and development is under way on land to the east, renaming this part of the site ‘Westland Heath’.
The remaining 21.4 hectares (53 acres) of the site being consulted on is not currently allocated for development. Babergh District Council will consider an outline planning application for the entire site including the need for the development and its social and economic benefits against any environmental impacts it may create.
Site boundary
Site allocation boundary (Policy CS4)
Local housing need
Encouraging growth in a sustainable location
There is a significant ongoing need for new homes across Babergh District, including in Sudbury, to meet the needs of existing and future residents. Babergh District Council has confirmed that it cannot currently demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, identifying a 4.68-year housing land supply. Government housing targets are set to increase further in 2028 placing greater pressure on finding suitable locations for residential development within a predominantly rural district.
Sudbury with Great Cornard is the largest town in the District and therefore provides one of the few locations in the district capable of delivering sustainable growth, and the ability to accommodate new homes alongside supporting infrastructure, jobs, schools, green spaces and community facilities.
Outline planning application
Submitting the application to local council
Cilldara Group intends to submit an outline planning application to Babergh District Council for determination. The application will seek agreement to the principle and amount of development, the proposed mix of land uses, the access strategy and the key development parameters.
Detailed matters such as the precise layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of individual parcels would be considered later through Reserved Matters applications, should outline planning permission be granted.
About Cilldara Group
Creating well-designed places for people and communities
Cilldara Group has extensive experience in promoting and delivering sustainable residential, commercial and mixed-use developments across the UK.
The company works collaboratively with local authorities, landowners, consultants and local communities to create well-designed places that respond to local needs and provide lasting benefits. Its approach focuses on delivering high-quality developments that are thoughtfully integrated into their surroundings.
Sustainability sits at the heart of Cilldara’s approach, balancing environmental, social and economic considerations to create places where people want to live, work and thrive.
You can find out more about Cilldara Group and its approach at www.cilldaragroup.com
