Planners looking at the future development of Ipswich must look well beyond its traditional boundaries, Suffolk’s cabinet will hear next week.

It is to consider the county’s response to local plans currently being drawn up by councils across Suffolk – and will make the point that the current boundaries are inadequate when looking at the development of Ipswich.

Communities like Kesgrave, Martlesham, Rushmere and Pinewood now have to be considered as part of Ipswich as the town runs out of room to expand within its historic boundaries.

That is accepted by Ipswich council leader David Ellesmere who said the development of the Ipswich Garden Suburb on the town’s northern fringe would leave now major sites for development left in the borough.

He said: “Once the Garden Suburb is built out the town will have nowhere else to grow within its own boundaries so we have to look at the wider area.

“We are already working alongside Suffolk Coastal in drawing up our new local plan and we are also talking to Babergh and Mid Suffolk about new developments in their districts.

“The Ipswich area is growing and we work with all our neighbours to achieve the best possible result and to try to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure as the town expands.”

Suffolk cabinet member for Ipswich Paul West chairs a group of councillors and senior officers which looks at planning issues in and around the town.

They are looking at infrastructure projects like a potential northern relief road to link in with the new homes in the Ipswich Garden Suburb and new schools to help cope with new families moving to estates on both sides of the borough boundary.

It also looks at business opportunities on sites like the former sugar beet site which is in Babergh but owned by the borough council.

Mr West said: “ When it comes to future economic growth and meeting housing needs around Ipswich, developers don’t always recognise borough boundaries.

“The county council is looking to work with Ipswich Borough Council and its neighbouring district authority partners like Babergh and Mid Suffolk to help them open up potential opportunities for future development sites that may cross current boundaries.”