Policy CS4:
While Policy CS4 makes helpful references to the historic environment, we query whether the focused review of the Core Strategy and the draft Site Allocations and Policies DPD pays adequate regard to the requirements of the NPPF. We note that paragraph 4.3.10 of the Sustainability Appraisal report recommends the policies in the Core Strategy are amended to ensure that new development avoids adverse effects on heritage assets.

Paragraph 126 of the NPPF states that: "local planning authorities should set out in their Local Plan a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment". The NPPF also states that local plans should include strategic policies to deliver the protection and enhancement of the historic environment (paragraph 156) and should identify land where development is inappropriate because of its environmental or historic significance (paragraph 157).

The Ipswich Local Plan as a whole should be able to demonstrate that it sets out a positive strategy for the historic environment. This means that, on balance, the Plan has a positive effect on the historic environment and heritage assets. Different sections of the Plan should form part of the overall positive strategy, such as proposals for housing or employment development. Policies throughout the document should help deliver the conservation of the historic environment with appropriate references where necessary.

English Heritage has produced guidance on how Local Plans should address historic environment issues which can be found online at: www.helm.org.uk/guidance-library/heritage-in-local-plans/.