3.1.1 If the objectives and targets of the Local Plan are to be achieved, then it is important that the policies and proposals set out in the Written Statement are practical and capable of implementation during the Plan period. Policies set out the criteria against which applications for planning permission are considered and therefore implementation will be made by the District Planning Authority through development control. Proposals tend to promote a particular type of development or land use on a specific site. They will be implemented by the public and private sector, including Mid Suffolk District Council. It should be stressed that the District Council has no direct power to influence the investment decisions of the other implementing agencies. Much will need to be achieved by co-operation and negotiation.

Putting the Local Plan into practice.

3.1.2 Private Investment - Private developers will only invest in land and buildings where there is a commercial return. The Plan has sought to create a framework which encourages this investment in housing, industry, retailing and leisure. Developers will be expected to provide necessary infrastructure and community facilities where a need is created by the proposed development. Purchasers of land should take into account that they may need to enter into planning agreements with the District Planning Authority or other statutory authorities in order that development can proceed.

Encouraging the private sector to invest in land and buildings.

3.1.3 Public Sector Spending - A number of the proposals will be implemented by the public sector, such as school buildings, town centre enhancements and off-street parking. There are difficulties for the District Council to predict its own level of spending on capital projects over the ten year period of the Plan. Therefore no financial appraisals of particular developments are included in the Plan. Mid Suffolk District Council reviews its budget on a yearly basis, looking to contain its annual budgetary growth within 0.3 per cent having allowed for inflation.

Working within realistic expenditure targets.

3.1.4 Implementing the Proposals - The performance of the Local Plan will be kept under regular review and therefore it is important to know which public and private sector agencies are expected to implement the site proposals, when they are likely to start and the duration of their involvement. Table 7, overleaf, gives a description of the implementing agencies and the range of their responsibilities.

Giving an idea of when proposals will be carried out.

3.1.5 Each proposal has been included in an Implementation Schedule which has been published as supplementary planning guidance. The Implementation Schedule sets out the opportunities, constraints, infrastructure requirements and probable completion period for each site.

Agencies Involved in Implementing the Local Plan

Mid Suffolk District Council - will take a leading role through its responsibilities as District Planning Authority and will implement the Plan through the following measures:-

- determining planning applications

- preparing development briefs for particular sites

- preparing supplementary planning guidance, such as design guides

- negotiating with and advising prospective developers on matters in support of the Plan

- encouraging schemes by Housing Associations to meet local housing needs.

Collectively the different Departments of Mid Suffolk District Council will help implement the Plan and its objectives through the following measures:-

- provide serviced industrial land

- promote local industry and commerce and provide an advice and information service to firms and businesses

- provide off-street parking

- provide grant-aid to Parish Councils and voluntary organisations

- promote tourism including financial support to Arts and Museums

- provide sport and leisure facilities, including countryside recreation

- environmental health and safety including control of pollution

- countryside management projects in support of wildlife and landscape improvement

- provide housing for special needs and co-ordinate housing provision for those unable to compete in the open housing market.

Suffolk County Council - will have an important role as Highway Authority with responsibility for roads and transport (except Trunk Roads) including on-street parking, road closures, highway safety and traffic management. The County Council is also responsible for Education and Social Services. The County Planning Authority deals with strategic planning, minerals and waste disposal.

Town and Parish Councils - provision of recreation and community facilities, including allotments. Voicing local opinion on planning applications. Assisting with surveys of local housing needs.

Private Sector, including Construction Industry - carries out most new housing construction, industrial and commercial development and provision of leisure and retail facilities. Developer contributions may be necessary towards related infrastructure and community facilities.

Utility Companies - including Anglian Water Limited, British Telecom, Suffolk Water Company, Mercury Communications, Eastern Group and British Gas (Eastern).

Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions - allocation of finance to County Highways Authority and direct responsibility for construction and maintenance of Trunk Roads.