26/06/2026
What we do -> Recent Success Story: Vanners Site – A Positive Step for Sudbury
The Sudbury Society’s Planning Committee has been closely involved with the application for the western section of the former Vanners site since late 2024, and more actively since the full submission in February 2025. Throughout this long process, our Planning Lead, John Purser, has worked tirelessly with the applicants and our committee to ensure Sudbury’s interests were fully represented.
From the outset, the Society supported the principle of the development. However, it became clear that Babergh District Council were minded to refuse the proposal, despite the points we raised during the slow progression of the application.
When the application went to Committee on 20 May 2026, the planning officer recommended refusal in a 41‑page report, supported by a further 14‑page assessment from Essex Place Services and comments from Historic England. A small number of objections were also submitted, including from a resident and ward member in Weavers Lane, even though the site has no frontage to that road.
Our Chairman, Sam Thornton, spoke at the meeting to highlight that recent Conservation Area developments have included three‑storey buildings, and that the locally listed frontage, originally identified by the Society, was being retained. He also stressed the importance of welcoming a £20 million investment into Sudbury for a much‑needed facility.
After discussion, councillors proposed approval against the officer recommendation. The final vote was 5–2 in favour, securing permission for the development.
We believe this is an excellent outcome for Sudbury and a clear example of practical decision‑making that recognises the town’s needs. The Society received warm thanks from the applicants, site owners, and even a member of the Planning Committee for our clear and reasoned contributions.
A huge thank‑you to John Purser for his persistence and dedication throughout this process.
Sam Thornton
Chair, The Sudbury Society
