The West Suffolk Council meeting on Tuesday 13 October 2026 addressed several key local issues, including the 'Forest City' development proposal and the future of asylum seeker accommodation at RAF Barnham. The council also considered and adopted the Barningham Neighbourhood Plan and made changes to community governance arrangements.

Motion on Forest City and Large-Scale Development Proposals

A motion supporting communities facing large-scale housing, energy, and infrastructure proposals was discussed and ultimately passed with 447 votes in favour, none against, and one abstention. The motion was proposed by Councillor Cliff Waterman (Leader of the Council) and seconded by Councillor Joe Mason.

The motion reaffirmed the council's opposition to the 'Forest City' proposal, which envisages housing for up to 400,000 people between Cambridge, Newmarket, and Haverhill. Councillors expressed concerns about its scale, location, and potential impact on agricultural land, infrastructure, water, transport, and public services. While acknowledging the government's decision not to progress 'Forest City' through the New Towns Programme, the council resolved to remain vigilant to any future attempts to revive the concept.

The motion also addressed the proposed 'Redmere Wind Farm', a large energy project spanning Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. The council committed to engaging early with this proposal and others of national significance, ensuring that the cumulative impacts on communities, landscape, and infrastructure are rigorously assessed.

During the debate, Councillor Nick Clarke described the motion as diluted and stodgy. Councillor Rachel Hood highlighted concerns about food security and the potential vandalism of prime agricultural land. Councillor Adrian Whittle questioned the need for a new motion when 'Forest City' had no planning status or government support. Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger welcomed the cross-party approach but stressed the need for a clear mandate. Councillor Tony Brown called for practical action and accountability, requesting regular updates. Councillor Susan Glossop expressed concern about the Labour government potentially reversing its stance.

Councillor Cliff Waterman thanked councillors for their contributions and acknowledged the cross-chamber approach, reiterating that while 'Forest City' was unlikely to happen, unity in opposition was important.

RAF Barnham Asylum Accommodation

The council unanimously passed a motion opposing the Home Office's proposal to use RAF Barnham as a site for asylum accommodation. The motion stated that RAF Barnham was not a suitable location due to its rural setting, limited local infrastructure, constrained transport links, and the likely impact on local services and communities. The council committed to engaging constructively with the Home Office to present an evidence-based case against the proposal and to work with local communities to ensure their concerns were heard, while making it clear that the council would not support divisive language or hostility.

During the public participation session, Councillor John Bauer, Chairman of Barnham Parish Council, spoke on behalf of residents, highlighting concerns about the process, suitability of the site, and the scale of the proposal. Councillor Martin Robinson, Suffolk County Councillor, raised questions about potential government funding. Susan Dowling, a resident, expressed general support for asylum seekers but acknowledged the site's unsuitability. Clare Higson, a resident, sought assurances that local views would be communicated to the Home Office.

Councillor Cliff Waterman addressed these points, explaining that any government funding would be ring-fenced and could only be used for its intended purpose. He also noted that the council's opposition was based on practical implications rather than wider views on immigration.

Barningham Neighbourhood Plan Adoption

The council formally adopted the Barningham Neighbourhood Plan, making it part of the statutory development plan for West Suffolk. Councillor Frank Stennett, Cabinet Member for Planning, introduced the plan, highlighting that it had been developed by the local community and had received a majority 'Yes' vote in a referendum held on 10 September 2026. The plan had been independently examined and found to meet the necessary basic conditions.

Community Governance Review

A Community Governance Review led to several changes in parish governance arrangements. The parishes of Fornham All Saints, Fornham St Martin, and Fornham St Genevieve will be grouped under a single The Fornhams Parish Council, with a revised allocation of councillors. The number of councillors for Freckenham Parish Council will increase from five to seven, and for Fakenham Magna Parish Council from five to six. The parish warding arrangement for Honington cum Sapiston will be removed, with a revised allocation of councillors. Councillor Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the recommendations, which were adopted by the council.

Change of Polling Place

The polling place for polling district Bury St Edmunds (Westgate) 1 will change from the West End Home Guard Club to the Inclusive Church on Glastonbury Road. Councillor Diane Hind explained that this change would provide electors with a polling place located within their own district, improving convenience and accessibility. The Inclusive Church has undergone refurbishment and has been assessed as suitable for polling purposes.

Treasury Management Reports

The council approved the Treasury Management Report for June 2026 and the Annual Treasury Management and Financial Resilience Report for 2025 to 2026. Councillor Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented these reports, which detailed the council's investments, borrowing, and financial performance. Both reports had been reviewed by the Financial Resilience Sub-Committee and the Performance and Audit Scrutiny Committee.

Standards Committee Report

Councillor Roger Dicker, Chair of the West Suffolk Standards Committee, presented a report regarding the conduct of Councillor Andy Neill. It was determined that Councillor Neill had breached the council's code of conduct. As a sanction, Councillor Neill was required to write a letter of apology to the complainant, apologise to the full council at this meeting, and undertake further training on the code of conduct within three months. Councillor Neill subsequently apologised for his actions, stating they were ill-judged and inappropriate.

Welcome to New Councillor

Councillor Graham Cone was welcomed to his first West Suffolk Council meeting, representing Haverhill West.