West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has launched a period of public engagement as plans for a new hospital in Bury St Edmunds move into the next stage of the planning process.
In 2023, outline planning permission was granted for a replacement hospital on the Hardwick Manor site. The Trust is now preparing to submit its Reserved Matters planning application, the second stage of the process, which focuses on the detailed design of the development within the parameters already approved.
The principle of development, overall scale and access arrangements were established at outline stage in 2023, and this engagement focuses on how the scheme is being developed.
Before submitting the application later this spring, the Trust is inviting feedback from patients, staff and the wider community on specific elements of the proposals.
These include:
- Building heights and external appearance
- Access to and movement around the site
- Parking and transport arrangements
- Landscaping, ecology and how natural features are incorporated.
Ewen Cameron, Chief Executive of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re now at an important stage in planning the new West Suffolk Hospital. The site already has outline planning permission, which means the principle of developing Hardwick Manor has been approved. This next stage focuses on how the hospital will look and how the site will work in practice.
“We’re keen to hear from local people about the elements we’re developing as part of our Reserved Matters application. Feedback received will be reviewed alongside technical assessments and planning requirements to inform refinement of the submission before it is finalised later this spring.”
The new hospital forms part of the national New Hospital Programme and will replace the existing West Suffolk Hospital estate, which is constructed of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
Members of the public can find out more and share their views in several ways:
Public drop-in event
Tuesday 10 March, 2pm–8pm
Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club, Nowton Road, IP33 2BT
Online information session
Monday 16 March, 6pm–7pm
There is no need to book for the drop-in event.
Full details, including an online feedback form, are
available at:
www.wsh.nhs.uk/planning
Hardcopy versions of the feedback form can be requested by writing to the address below or emailing the team at futuresystemprogramme@wsh.nhs.uk;
The Future System Team
Quince House Level 2
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Hardwick Lane
Bury Saint Edmunds
IP33 2QZ
The engagement period runs from Monday 23 February to Friday 20 March 2026.
Feedback received will be reviewed alongside technical assessments and planning requirements to inform refinement of the proposals ahead of submission of the Reserved Matters planning application.