The Cabinet of West Suffolk Council was scheduled to discuss a range of significant planning and housing matters, including a masterplan for Rowley Drive in Newmarket and the adoption of an updated Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document. The meeting also included plans for the commencement of a new West Suffolk Local Plan and a review of the Cabinet's Decisions Plan.

Rowley Drive, Newmarket Masterplan

A key item scheduled for discussion was the Rowley Drive Masterplan¹ for an area in Newmarket that includes the Icewell Hill and Churchill Court housing estates. The masterplan outlines a vision for the redevelopment of the area, involving the demolition of existing buildings to allow for rebuilding and the creation of improved public open spaces. The proposals aim to enhance social value, improve homes, and create better opportunities for residents. The masterplan has been developed following extensive engagement with residents and local stakeholders. The recommendation was to adopt the Rowley Drive Masterplan, as contained in Appendix B of the report², as informal planning guidance.

Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider the adoption of a new Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)³. This document updates and replaces the previous SPD from 2019, taking into account new affordable housing policies in the adopted West Suffolk Local Plan 2024-2041⁴ and changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The SPD aims to provide clarity and certainty for developers, landowners, and registered providers regarding the council's policies and requirements for delivering affordable homes. The report included a schedule of consultation responses and proposed amendments to the draft SPD, with the recommendation to adopt the amended document.

West Suffolk Local Plan Timetable, Notice to Commence and Scoping Consultation

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the commencement of the preparation of a new West Suffolk Local Plan⁵. This is a requirement following reforms to the plan-making system introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. The report outlined the need to formally commence plan-making by June 2026 and proposed a timetable for the preparation of the new Local Plan, which is expected to take 30 months. It also detailed plans for a Local Plan Scoping Consultation to gather feedback on the plan's content and engagement strategy. The recommendation was for Cabinet to recommend to Council the approval of the publication of the local plan timetable and formal notice to commence plan-making and scoping consultation.

Anglia Revenues and Benefits Partnership Joint Committee Report

A report from the Anglia Revenues and Benefits Partnership Joint Committee⁶ was scheduled for noting. This report provided an update on the performance of the partnership, including revenue collection figures for business rates and council tax, as well as information on welfare reform and financial performance.

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Cabinet was also due to note the report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee⁷ dated 5 March 2026. This report covered several items considered by the committee, including an update on the West Suffolk Local Plan, discussions regarding representation on the Suffolk County Council Health Scrutiny Committee, and a report on the Suffolk County Council Suffolk Police and Crime Panel meeting.

Cabinet Decisions Plan

Finally, the Cabinet was scheduled to consider the most recently published version of its Decisions Plan⁸, covering the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 May 2026. This plan outlines forthcoming decisions to be made by the Cabinet.