The outline planning application for the new West Suffolk Hospital was approved by the West Suffolk Council Planning Committee on 30 November. 

In March 2022, a hybrid planning application was submitted to West Suffolk Council with proposals to build a new hospital on the preferred Hardwick Manor site, which will replace the existing
hospital in Bury St. Edmunds.  

The positive outcome of this application represents a hugely significant milestone for our project and is a step closer to building a new state-of-the-art hospital for our West Suffolk
staff and patients.  

Craig Black, interim chief executive said: “This is an exciting milestone taking us even closer towards building a much-needed new hospital. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work
by our staff, as well as valuable input from local people in developing the plans.” 

Gary Norgate, programme director added: “The approval means that we are one step closer to making the Hardwick Manor site our new home and the local community’s new hospital for generations
to come, where future children and grandchildren will be born, mothers and fathers will be treated, and our workforce of the future will aspire to work. The approval of the outline planning application means that we are closer than ever to making this a reality.” 

The proposals will now be subject to the signing of a ‘Section 106 legal Agreement’ to secure appropriate planning obligations. Detailed design applications (known as Reserved Matters
applications) will then be prepared and will need to be submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority before development can commence on site. As the Local Planning Authority receives these, consultation with the wider community and consultees will
be undertaken in the usual way. 

Natalie Forrest, Senior Responsible Owner for the New Hospital Programme said “This is a key milestone for West Suffolk Hospital, which means they are on track to deliver transformational healthcare for the local community, and I would like to congratulate the Trust
on reaching this point. Significant work went into submitting plans that balance the acute need for new facilities with value for money and a sustainable approach. They now have an opportunity to realise the innovation that sits at the heart of our programme
by designing a hospital that ensures this hospital is fit for the future.”   

Jo Churchill, Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds said: “I am really pleased that the collaborative work between all parties to deliver 21st-century healthcare in a new hospital is well underway. I look forward to seeing the first spade in the ground and building work starting to deliver this hospital for the people in and around Bury St Edmunds.” 

The Trust is currently preparing an outline business case and, as part of the New Hospital Programme, is continuing to work closely with national colleagues to ensure designs and activities
take full advantage of the centralised programmatic approach. The approval of the outline planning application means that, subject to business case approval, the completion of the new hospital is on target for before the end of the decade.

Future opportunities to be involved in the design of the new hospital will be shared in the new year. To register your interest please visit

https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/New-healthcare-facility/Get-involved.aspx
and join the community engagement group. Alternatively write to the team at;  

Future System Team
West Suffolk Hospital
Quince House, 2nd floor
FREEPOST ANG20554
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 2BR