Welcome to the Capel St Mary Parish Council

PUBLIC CONSULATION A14 J55 COPDOCK INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME has launched today and will run until 9 December 2021.

Public Consultations are being held at:

-          Holiday Inn Ipswich, London Rd, Ipswich IP2 0UA Saturday 6 November 11-6pm

-          Capel St Mary Village Hall, Capel St Mary, Ipswich IP9 2ER Friday 12 November 2-8pm

-          Belstead village hall, Grove Hill, Ipswich IP8 3LU Saturday 20 November 11-6pm

-          Copdock Village Hall, Village Hall, London Rd, Copdock, Ipswich IP8 3JN Friday 26 November 2-8pm

If you can’t attend our in-person events, please visit the website where you will find the virtual event space designed to replicate the in-person events. The website also includes the online brochure and response form.

There will also be an online webinar on the 10 November from 6-7pm. The webinar will cover an overview of the scheme and give you an opportunity to ask any questions. Details on joining the webinar can be found on the website.

If you would prefer a physical copy of the scheme brochure there will be a number of them on display in local communities. These information pick up points are:

-          Goslings Farm Shop, Garden Centre & Cafe, High Rd, Felixstowe IP11 0RJ

-          Sproughton Community Shop, Tithe Barn, Lower St, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3AA

-          Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Rd, Ipswich IP1 2BX

-          Suffolk Libraries, County Library, Northgate St, Ipswich IP1 3DE

-          Stoke Library, Maidenhall Approach, Ipswich IP2 8PL

-          Chantry Library, Hawthorn Dr, Ipswich IP2 0QY

-          Gainsborough Community Library, Clapgate Ln, Ipswich IP3 0RL

-          Felixstowe Town Council, Town Hall, Undercliff Rd W, Felixstowe IP11 2AG (To be distributed in the Visit Felixstowe beach-hut)

-          Capel St Mary Parish Council, 27a The Street, Capel St Mary, Ipswich. IP9 2EE (will also be distributed in the local library)

Coronavirus -The Capel St Mary Parish Council will be following the advice issued by NALC (National Association of Local Councils), the LGA (Local Government Association) and the NHS who are liaising with Public Health England keeping Communities updated on the ever evolving situation

VACANCY - There is currently a vacancy for TWO Parish Councillors. If you are interested in applying for this voluntary position or would like further information, please contact the Clerk.

Capel St Mary is a large village located off the A12 between Ipswich and Colchester. The village was originally developed on a "ribbon" basis before expanding in the 60's and 70's on an "open-plan" basis, leading to the attractive landscaping current residents enjoy. This is a friendly and welcoming village with a lot to offer both young and old.

This beautiful village is well equipped with a host of local facilities including a selection of shops, village bar, the village pub, Primary School, Police Station, three Churches, Doctor's Surgery, Dental Practice, Library and an award winning Allotment Site. There are two children's Play Areas, a Community Playing Field currently hosting bowls, football and running clubs, and a large Village Hall complex, all run by the Community Trust, supported by the Community Association and Parish Council.

Annual events provided by the Community Association which residents look forward to include Summer Fun Day on the Playing Field; Bonfire Night and Fireworks Display; and the Christmas Float where Santa and his Snowmen do a house to house collection to raise all important village funds. The September Fruit and Produce show by the Allotments Association is one of the biggest and best in the local area, while the Orchard Players pantomime and summer show in the Village Hall are eagerly anticipated. The Community Association regularly hold events in the Village Hall and Vine Lounge, including some very popular tribute acts.

The village appeals to a variety of people offering a village life ideal for families, while the good access to the main roads and Manningtree railway station provide easy connections for commuters.

A Very Sheltered Housing Complex of 32 units comprising of both bungalows and apartments has been developed by Orwell Housing Association to accommodate those over the age of 55 years looking to retain their independence and yet live within a secure environment whose care facilities meet their needs.

Currently we find ourselves facing large potential development by different developers, following a 'call for land' by Babergh District Council. After hosting a village drop-in and conducting a Housing Need Survey and Parish Plan we established that residents are not opposed to development and growth of the village, but this must be the right type and quantity of housing in the right location. See further details under 'Development'.

Babergh and Mid-Suffolk have now concluded their consultation on the proposed Joint Local Plan. This is an important document which will provide the strategy for the growth of the Districts, setting out what and where development will take place up to 2036.

Residents, local businesses and stakeholders were asked to have their say on the proposed draft Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan which is now with the examiners. Once adopted, the new Joint Local Plan will replace the existing local planning policies for both Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Joint Local Plan Consultation Document

If you have any questions or require further information please Email the Parish Council Clerk.