Why it matters: The council says that the masterplan would provide a clear, coordinated strategy for developing five undeveloped sites allocated in the council's Local Plan, whilst addressing important infrastructure, character and environmental challenges.
The big picture: Situated immediately south of the existing Ravenswood neighbourhood, the South Ravenswood area represents a significant opportunity to deliver new homes, improved open spaces, commercial floorspace and enhanced public transport facilities.
Ravenswood itself was developed between 1999 and 2018 on the former Ipswich Airfield, with an additional 96 homes completed in 2025. It now has around 1,300 homes, a primary school and a district centre, and is widely recognised for its distinctive design, strong layout and successful planning.
The South Ravenswood masterplan would aim to build on this legacy by ensuring future development is well-supported by infrastructure.
What they're saying: Cllr Carole Jones, portfolio holder for planning and museums, said: "The South Ravenswood area offers a unique opportunity to support new growth and investment in this part of Ipswich, which could bring significant social, environmental and economic benefits to local residents."
"We know there are important infrastructure, character and environmental challenges to address, which is why a comprehensive, masterplan-led approach is essential. It would allow us to fully understand these challenges and create a clear, coordinated strategy for delivering new development and the supporting infrastructure."
She added: "Crucially, this process would be shaped by landowners and the community, ensuring local knowledge and expertise guide decisions on issues such as traffic, the historic environment and the provision of high-quality open spaces."
The details: The masterplan would cover five undeveloped sites allocated within the council's Local Plan. Together, these sites represent a significant opportunity to deliver the new homes, improved open spaces, commercial floorspace and enhanced public transport facilities the town needs.
The initiative directly supports Ipswich Borough Council's Corporate Strategy priority to ensure everyone has access to quality, affordable homes. By planning carefully for future needs, the council aims to create new opportunities for residents whilst enhancing the area's overall sustainability and functionality.
For context: The masterplan approach will address considerations such as highway junction capacity and environmental factors, including the presence of protected species in the area.
What's next: If approved by the Executive, the masterplan process would be shaped by landowners and the community, ensuring local knowledge and expertise guide decisions on issues such as traffic flow, the historic environment and the provision of high-quality open spaces.
The work is intended to serve as a platform for schemes to be delivered through future planning applications and may inform future planning policy.
The bottom line: After years of sitting undeveloped, despite being allocated in the Local Plan, the South Ravenswood area could finally progress through a comprehensive masterplan that the council says addresses infrastructure and environmental challenges whilst delivering the homes and facilities Ipswich needs.
