The Mid Suffolk Planning Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss planning applications, including one for self-build dwellings in Old Newton, and two concerning the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket. Councillor Sarah Mansel was scheduled to chair the meeting.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to discuss three planning applications:

Land East of Cross Green, Old Newton

An outline planning application for the erection of up to eight self-build dwellings on land east of Cross Green, Old Newton. The application seeks permission for access, with all other matters to be reserved.

The application site is 0.48 hectares and is located within the settlement boundary for Old Newton. Part of the application site includes a strip of land owned by the council, which the vehicular access to the site would need to cross.

Old Newton With Dagworth And Gipping Parish Council commented that while they had no objection in principle to the site, they strongly objected to access onto the playing field. They also raised concerns about construction traffic and the phasing plan for the road.

Suffolk County Council (SCC) Highways initially raised a holding objection but withdrew it after amended plans were received. SCC Fire & Rescue requested a condition in relation to the provision of fire hydrants.

The council's Strategic Housing Team drew attention to Joint Local Plan (JLP) Policy LP08 and Housing SPD requirements in terms of demonstrating the owner/occupier of the property has had primary input into the design process. They also recommended that a design code be submitted and approved.

The council's Ecologist advised that the proposal was acceptable, subject to conditions. The Environmental Health (Noise) Officer initially identified the need for a Noise Assessment. The Arboricultural Officer had no objection, subject to the protection measures outlined in the accompanying arboricultural report.

Former Bank Building/John Peel Centre, Stowmarket

Two applications concerning the Former Bank Building/John Peel Centre, were scheduled to be discussed:

• Alterations and refurbishment of the grade II listed building at 11 Market Place and some adaptation of the adjoining John Peel Centre to expand the John Peel Centre into a multi-use, multi-room creative arts centre (planning application).
• Alterations and refurbishment of the grade II listed building at 11 Market Place and some adaptation of the adjoining John Peel Centre to expand the John Peel Centre into a multi-use, multi-room creative arts centre (listed building consent).

The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts CIC is the applicant for both applications.

The proposed works include reinstating the historic Cornhall entrance with a modern glazed aluminium door and sidelight, restoring a former ATM window, installing replica metal grilles, façade uplighting, and new signage. Internally, the ground floor banking hall will be reconfigured, and the Assembly Room will be restored. The basement will be adapted to include a sound recording studio.

Stowmarket Town Council said that they welcomed and supported the proposals to improve this important cultural asset.

Historic Buildings and Places (Ancient Monuments Society) raised concerns about the symmetry of the new doors, the angular wall to the new entrance lobby, and access to the new stage level.

The council's Heritage Team said that the proposal would cause less than substantial harm to a designated heritage asset, but that the level of harm was very low and clearly and convincingly justified in heritage terms.

The council's Economic Development & Tourism team said that they wholeheartedly supported the application, stating that it was aligned to the recent Cabinet decision to award the JPC £615,000 from the Stowmarket Gateway Fund. They added that the proposal would restore and re-connect the two buildings to create a multi-space, multi-use inclusive, and accessible community arts venue for Stowmarket with a prominent frontage onto the market square.

The council's Environmental Health - Noise/Odour/Light/Smoke team said that they had looked at this application and had no concerns.

Other Matters

The agenda also included:

• Apologies for absence/substitutions
• Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests
• Declarations of lobbying
• Declarations of personal site visits
• Confirmation of the minutes of the meeting held on 27 August 2025
• Notification of petitions in accordance with the council's petition scheme
• Schedule of planning applications
• Site inspection