More than 100 planners, local authority representatives, and members of the public gathered at The Hold in Ipswich, and online, last week to discuss a number of contemporary planning topics.

Nationally recognised guest speakers from Suffolk County Council, Natural England and Darkscape Consultancy covered a range of issues impacting upon the planning process and National Landscapes in Suffolk and Essex.

Areas of discussion included Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects such as Sizewell C, Biodiversty Net Gain, light pollution and its impact on our dark skies, as well as the changing requirement on local planning authorities.

The event was free to attend and was organised by the Dedham Vale and Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape team.

Nick Collinson, Chair, Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape Partnership said:

“Protected Landscapes are facing unprecedented challenges in the face of both biodiversity and climate crises. The National Landscape Planning Event showcased the role that planning needs to play as development takes place, and the biodiversity & climate enhancements we should expect through initiatives such as NSIPS, and Biodiversity Net Gain.

National Landscape Partnerships have a long history of work constructively with developers to deliver the best outcome for the protected landscape and we will continue to do so in this special place.”

The event was recorded and can be watched online at any time via the National Landscapes YouTube channel.

For more information about planning in the Dedham Vale National Landscape, visit dedhamvale-NL.org.uk/managing/planning.