The Council meeting on Tuesday 14 July 2026 saw a wide range of topics discussed, from national issues like asylum seeker accommodation and large-scale development proposals to local neighbourhood plans and environmental stewardship. Key decisions included the adoption of the Withersfield and West Row Neighbourhood Plans, and a motion on practical environmental stewardship was carried.

RAF Barnham Camp and Asylum Seeker Accommodation

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed use of RAF Barnham camp¹ to house asylum seekers. Councillor Cliff Waterman, Leader of the Council, detailed the council's opposition to this proposal, highlighting concerns about the impact on the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which are crucial for the conservation of the stone curlew. He stated that a letter had been sent to Alex Norris MP, the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, outlining these concerns. Councillor Waterman also urged political and community leaders to help calm the situation on the ground, criticising the protests outside the base as potentially counterproductive and a strain on local police forces. Councillor Tony Brown, Leader of Spectrum, challenged Councillor Waterman's description of the protests as rabble, arguing that residents felt they had lost their voices and were exercising their legitimate right to protest. Councillor Susan Glossop raised concerns about keeping parish councils updated on the situation, requesting a clear communication strategy.

Forest City Development

The council's joint opposition with Cambridge County, East Cambridgeshire, and South Cambridgeshire District councils to the Forest City 1 plans was reiterated by Councillor Waterman. He confirmed that a joint letter from council leaders had been sent to the government urging them to oppose the plans, which he described as ill thought through and harmful to our area, especially to the horse racing industry. Councillor Joe Mason expressed concern that a future spatial development strategy could revive such proposals and sought assurance that any such strategy would respect local plans, protect rural communities and agricultural land, and require the clear support of local councils and communities. Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger, Leader of the Conservative Group, also raised concerns about the proposal and suggested considering bringing the Forest City issue to full council for a mandate.

Haverhill Town Centre Improvements

Plans to invest £1.63 million in transforming Haverhill Town Centre were discussed. These improvements are designed to increase visitors, support local businesses, and create a more vibrant high street. The proposals include refurbishing the former HSBC building, creating a more welcoming market square, and enhancing public spaces. Councillor Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth, was thanked for his leadership in bringing these plans to fruition.

Withersfield and West Row Neighbourhood Plans Adopted

The council formally adopted the Withersfield Neighbourhood Plan and the West Row Neighbourhood Plan. Both plans had successfully passed referendums held on 7 May 2026, with a clear majority of residents voting in favour. Councillor Frank Stennett, Cabinet Member for Planning, introduced both motions, highlighting that these neighbourhood plans would become part of the statutory development plan for West Suffolk and would be used when assessing planning applications. He congratulated the respective parish councils and working groups on their successful production of these plans. Councillor Julia Wakelam seconded the motion for the West Row Neighbourhood Plan, and Councillor Ian Houlder seconded the motion for the Withersfield Neighbourhood Plan, both emphasising the importance of these plans in giving local people a voice.

Motion on Practical Environmental Stewardship

A motion on Practical Environmental Stewardship, Local Resilience and Value for Money in West Suffolk was debated and carried. Proposed by Councillor Janne Jarvis and seconded by Councillor Carol Bull, the motion reaffirmed the council's commitment to environmental resilience and responding to climate change. Councillor Jarvis emphasised the need for a pragmatic path forward, focusing on building local resilience to risks such as extreme heat and flooding, and highlighted that such work made economic and social sense. Councillor Bull stressed the importance of stewardship and that West Suffolk Council had a track record of taking action rather than just talking about climate change. Councillor Tony Brown, however, stated he would abstain, citing hypocrisy in the council's approach to development and a lack of focus on big stuff. Several councillors spoke in favour, including Councillor Diane Hind, who highlighted the risk of wildfires, and Councillor Gerald Kelly, who noted the council's proactive approach to the recent heatwave by activating its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.

Annual Scrutiny Report 2025-2026

Councillor Sarah Broughton, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, and Councillor Peter Armitage, Chair of Performance and Audit Scrutiny, presented the annual scrutiny report. The report detailed the work undertaken by both committees over the past year, including reviews of the West Suffolk Council Annual Report, presentations from the West Suffolk Alliance and NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, and discussions with Cabinet members on various topics such as planning obligations, sports provision, and council property assets. The report also covered the work of the Western Suffolk Community Safety Partnership and the Suffolk County Council Police and Crime Panel.

Other Discussions

The Leader's statement, introduced by Councillor Cliff Waterman, covered a range of topics including the Better Recycling scheme, the council being shortlisted for the Royal Town Planning Institute's Awards for Planning Excellence, solar panel installations, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, initiatives to support town centres and high streets, and summer entertainment programmes. Questions were raised by councillors regarding the Newmarket Playzone, the availability of sharps disposal points in Haverhill, and the progress of market revitalisation.