Samford October 2024 Report

1.The Government’s proposed planning policy reforms for England aim to significantly increase housing,
particularly in Suffolk, where East Suffolk could see an 87% rise in new homes. Suffolk County Council has
raised concerns about the lack of clarity on infrastructure, such as schools, transport, waste, and community
facilities, in these plans. They emphasize the need for clarity on who will fund this infrastructure and caution
against local planning authorities assuming other agencies will cover these costs.

2.Suffolk County Council has launched a pothole prevention programme to tackle areas at risk of deterioration
during winter. Utilizing the latest technology like Roadmender Elastomac and Dragon Patcher machines, the
teams aim to treat cracks and smaller defects in urban and rural roads. This new approach is more sustainable,
reducing material movement and waste by 90%, and lowering costs. The programme seeks to seal roads to prevent
water damage and reduce the formation of potholes. Traffic may be temporarily managed during repairs.

4.Suffolk County Council is launching a £3 million interestfree loan programme in November to help residents
make energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. Loans of up to £15,000 can be
repaid over 7 years at 0% interest. This initiative aims to reduce energy bills, carbon emissions, and support the
green economy. The programme is part of Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan, backed by government funding,
and delivered in partnership with Lendology CIC.

5.Suffolk residents are being asked to share their thoughts on the final draft of the Local Transport Plan for 2025
2040, which aims to decarbonize transport, boost the local economy, improve health and wellbeing, and offer
better transport options. The plan includes fifteen ‘Area Transport Plans’ and a ‘Suffolk Local Cycling and
Walking Infrastructure Plan’. The consultation is open until 25 November 2024, and the final plans will be
presented to Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet in 2025.

6.Suffolk County Council is seeking resident feedback on local pharmaceutical services through the
Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), which assesses current services and identifies gaps. This survey will
inform decisions by the Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Board, NHS England, and Integrated Care Boards,
potentially leading to new pharmacy openings. Residents can complete the survey online until 8 November 2024
to ensure services meet community needs. Residents can complete the survey online by https://bit.ly/4f4PUYC.
The deadline for submissions is 8th November 2024.

7.Suffolk Highways has introduced 38 new gritters. These gritters are equipped with digital systems a route map
planning software to keep roads safe during winter. Further information on winter maintenance carried out by
Suffolk Highways, including which roads are gritted, can be found at www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-and-
transport/highway-maintenance/check-which-roads-are-gritted.

8.Residents in Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Copdock, and Capel St Mary are invited to share their views on
proposed improvements to walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure funded by Active Travel England. These
plans aim to offer more travel choices, enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve air quality. Consultations
are open until 20 December 2024. One route, about 3.5 miles long, connects Copdock and Capel St Mary,
improving paths and linking to Ipswich Park and Ride.