NEW: Alternative development strategy options

From feedback shared so far, there isn’t a clear consensus on the right way to accommodate growth across Breckland – some people favour the current Settlement Hierarchy, some believe new development should be close to the main roads – A11 and A47 – and others think growth should be in the larger market towns. Read more about feedback shared so far.

We would like your views on six alternative development scenarios that explore how growth could be split across the towns and villages and also focused on larger previously-developed, ‘brownfield’ sites. 

When you have read the four alternative development scenarios below please continue to the bottom of the page to share your views in our feedback questions. There is also a detailed consultation paper setting out the approach here.

Please note: The numbers set out for each Alternative Development Scenario are based on a range of delivery assumptions and are not the final proposed figures for growth in each settlement, that will be set out in further detail in future consultation stages on the Local Plan.

A: Market towns focus

Market towns would be prioritised for 80% of the required new homes being built here with 20% allocated for the Local Service Centres. 

In this scenario, new homes would be built on key sites in Dereham, Swaffham and Watton. Considering the new homes already allocated to Attleborough and Thetford, there would be no further requirements on these Key Settlements and the strategic sites at Swanton Morley Barracks and the Abbey Estate site would not be required to meet the housing targets for Breckland. Employment space would likely be close to major roads at locations including Snetterton and Dereham.

B: Urban / rural split

New homes would be evenly distributed with 50% in market towns and 50% in the Local Service Centres.

Considering the new homes already allocated across the Market Towns there would be no further requirements for new homes in these urban areas and the majority of development would be allocated in Local Service Centres. Employment space would likely be close to major roads or at locations such as Snetterton, Dereham or more rural locations such as Shipdham Airfield. 

C: Maximise strategic sites

Previously-developed, strategic sites including the Swanton Morley Barracks and the Abbey Estate site in Thetford would be prioritised, with the remaining new homes to be allocated – 80% to the market towns and 20% to the Local Service Centres. 

This scenario would see around 2,000 new homes developed at Swanton Morley Barracks, when the Ministry of Defence relocates troops in 2029 and a potential 460 new homes at the Abbey Estate site. With the majority of the housing target met, there would be very little requirement for new homes in the Local Service Centres. Employment space would likely be close to major roads or at locations such as Snetterton, Dereham or more rural locations such as Shipdham Airfield. 

D: Maximise strategic sites and urban / rural split

Previously-developed, strategic sites including the Swanton Morley Barracks and the Abbey Estate site in Thetford would be prioritised, with the remaining new homes to be allocated – 50% to the market towns and 50% to the Local Service Centres. 

Like scenario C, this would see around 2,000 new homes developed at Swanton Morley Barracks, when the Ministry of Defence relocates troops in 2029 and a potential 460 new homes at the Abbey Estate site. Considering current allocations, there would be no requirement for further new homes in the Key Settlements or Market Towns and the remaining allocation would be within the Local Service Centres.  

E: Urban / rural split (including Villages with Boundaries)

This would include Villages with Boundaries. 50% of development in Market Towns and 50% in rural areas (70% in Local Service Centres and 30% in Villages with Boundaries).

This scenario differs from the previous scenarios with the inclusion of Villages with Boundaries. There would be no requirement for further new homes in key settlements or market towns, with the remaining allocations distributed among Local Service Centres and Villages with Boundaries which would help towards ensuring these areas continue to grow and thrive. 

F: Maximise strategic site and urban rural split (including Villages with Boundaries)

Previously-developed, strategic sites including the Swanton Morley Barracks and the Abbey Estate site in Thetford would be prioritised, with the remaining new homes to be allocated – 50% of development in Market Towns and 50% in rural areas (70% in Local Service Centres and 30% in Villages with Boundaries).

Areas with no new allocations under some of these scenarios – for instance, Attleborough – will still accommodate a significant proportion of growth through existing planning permissions and allocations.

Find out more

Read the full Consultation Paper: Alternative Development Strategy Scenarios.