Welcome to the Capel St Mary Parish Council

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.