Why a Community Land Trust
The Leiston Town Council Neighbourhood Plan was made in 2017. It was recognised that as a means to delivery of affordable social housing targets a CLT should be established. We are working in partnership with the Town Council to deliver change. - Leiston-cum-Sizewell Neighbourhood Plan – Leiston-cum-Sizewell
What is the Masterplan?
This is a plan drafted by East Suffolk Council to pull together a Leiston wide view of potential regeneration and investment proposals (including those in the Neighbourhood Plan) to allow Leiston to grow and offer an 'urban design’ that links the town assets to the benefit of residents and visitors. Leiston-Town-Centre-Masterplan.pdf
Why are there no supermarket in the plans?
We have previously engaged with many of the key supermarket owners and none of them were then interested in opening a new store in Leiston. We will contact them again in 2026, as with Sizewell C now going ahead, new housing in the town, they might be more interested. Our case will be stronger if the community survey that is currently underway shows that demand for a second supermarket is strong.
Finding a site for a second supermarket that is large enough, accessible enough with parking, loading and close to the town centre will not be easy.(The former Coopers store is only half the size Lidl look for in a new store. Leiston also has a number of independent stores, and these may be compromised by another supermarket.
What is the Coop doing to help?
We are pleased to say that we are in touch with a new contact in the Coop Regional Lead Team, and they really understand about the Leiston issues. He has made positive comments about positive changes to the Leiston store.
Can the boarded up ugly shop fronts be fixed up?
Yes, we agree completely the boarded-up windows spoil the look of the street. These properties are earmarked for demolition, within the next two years so it is unlikely that money will be invested into them in the short term. We agree it has taken far too long to progress these works.
What is being done about the garish take away shop signage?
We get many comments about the signage and window vinyl on take aways, but sadly this is not something we have any control over. We know the town council have spoken with East Suffolk Council about encouraging the shop owners to take on board public feedback and tidy up their premises.
Will we lose parking spaces?
We will have to see what the architects propose, but there are no plans to lose parking capacity in our plans. In fact, we hope that East Suffolk Council will open the land south of the existing High Street carpark to provide additional spaces that will support the nighttime economy and film theatre users.
What about some EV charging places?
The Town Council and Net Zero Leiston project are working on possible locations for EV charging. It is a delivery objective in the Masterplan.There are already fast chargers at the Coop and Sizewell C have provided some electric bikes that can be hired. We’re told that an electric car for hire will also be available soon.
How do your plans fit with new One-Way system?
The Leiston Traffic Scheme will make Main Street and the High Street safer, and more pleasant for pedestrians. Both the Traffic Scheme and Market Square projects are recognised in the Masterplan. Demolition of the Sizewell Road properties provide an opportunity for a new Bus Stop for Saxmundham bound buses. The two schemes are designed to give maximum benefit.
When will all this be delivered?
The Land behind the Sizewell Road properties is owned by East Suffolk Council and they are developing design proposals for how the land could be laid out. These will be submitted to planning in early 2026. However, there are other statutory stages that will require completion including a habitat survey for Bats. Natural England dictate the details of this and it unlikely to be complete before September, meaning that detailed plans may not be submitted until early 2027.
What about containers as a temporary option?
We recognise how effective containers can be in developments like 'Beech Street' Felixstowe, however we don't feel this will deliver the long-term aspirations identified in the Neighbourhood Plan. We continue to believe that It is important to look for a mix of affordable housing to rent, civic space, and retail units in the completed space. There is also a risk that if we deliver a container- based solution, we will be unable to demonstrate the need that will attract further grant funding.
We are aiming for a long-term solution.
Are all the stakeholders behind these plans?
The key group here are East Suffolk Council as they own the land behind the Sizewell Road, they have been working with Leiston Town Council to implement changes that support Leiston Neighbourhood Plan.
How does the Doctors Surgery fit into the plans?
In short, they don’t. The Leiston Doctors Surgery are aware of our aspirations, but none of the proposals are suitable. There is a lack of town centre space for a new surgery and associated parking, plus at this time it is our understanding that the Surgery team are not looking to move.
What about the impact of Sizewell C?
We are all aware of the impact of the Sizewell C project is having on Leiston. The development creates an opportunity to regenerate the town centre, to which Sizewell C are committed to help make happen. Like it or not, Sizewell C is the catalyst that can transform our town centre.
What can I do?
The strength of a community land trust is its membership. The more members we have, the more loudly we can lobby for the changes we all want to see here in Leiston. Join the Leiston Community Land Trust and make your voice heard. https://leistonclt.co.uk/membership-payment
We are aware of a lot of the local feeling and common comments. Regularly feedback includes comments such as:
We can’t change everything, but we can try to do something. Have a look at our online survey and give us your feedback and ideas. https://s.surveyplanet.com/pyr5uzkx
Other useful links -
January 2026
A Mackman Group collaboration - market research by Mackman Research | website design by Mackman