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Come along to a community consultation event on the new Local Plan in Dereham to have your say on the approach to future development in Breckland.
Find out about the alternative development strategy options and other key considerations for planning growth across the district.
Where?
We will be at Dereham market place on Friday 16th February, 10am-1pm.
Come along and speak to us about future growth in Breckland.
Can’t make it?
Take a look at the new information on the Commonplace website
The questions you’re asking on the proposed development strategy consultation.
Breckland Council is reviewing the Local Plan. The new Local Plan will guide development across the district to 2046. Right now, the Council is inviting everyone to participate in a consultation that considers alternative development strategies that could inform the new Local Plan.
Here’s some of the most frequently-asked questions that have been raised during the consultation so far.
1. Looking at the new proposed Development Strategy Scenarios, how were the housing allocation numbers determined and do these reflect sites submitted in the Call for Sites?
Each of the Development Strategy Scenarios illustrate how the housing allocation numbers might look if different principles are applied to distribute growth across the district. These scenarios explore what it might look like if new development is focused on larger settlements or if growth were to be more evenly across the district and include more rural areas. They also consider how prioritising new development on strategic ‘brownfield’ sites might ease the pressure on market towns and smaller villages.
The overall number of homes shown in these illustrated scenarios is taken from the total housing target for the new Local Plan period to 2046 excluding homes already allocated (those with planning permission) and excluding an allocation for windfall sites (those sites that come forward unexpectedly for one or two homes).
For each scenario, the housing numbers for each place, has been informed by the status of each settlement (according to the Settlement Hierarchy in the current Local Plan), the existing population size and the number of homes built or committed in each settlement. The sites submitted in the recent Call for Sites have had no bearing on the preparation of these Development Strategy Scenarios.
2. Has the concept of a new settlement been entirely rejected?
There was significant opposition to the option of a new Garden Village during the Issues and Options phase of consultation. Strong views have been expressed against the creation of a mixed-use garden community at North Elmham, which the Council acknowledges.
The Council has confirmed in the Alternative Development Options paper its view that this site is not appropriate as a location for development. Options for the future of sites such as Swanton Morley Barracks, where development of a new settlement could enable reuse of brownfield land, form part of the scenarios set out in this consultation paper.
In line with public opinion, the Council’s starting point for considering new development is the provision, or likely delivery of community infrastructure – good access to public transport, roads as well as health provision and education among other services. This is vital for large-scale housing developments including new settlements or Garden Villages. In the right place, with the right provision of community services a new settlement or Garden Village could be an alternative option to consider in determining a development strategy for Breckland. For instance when exploring strategic brownfield sites in the alternative development strategy options such as the Swanton Morley Barracks when the Ministry of Defence relocates troops in 2029.
3. What happens if we don’t agree with how the Council has assessed some of the potential sites submitted as part of the Call for Sites?
Through the new proposed assessment criteria the Council is aiming to find a fair way to assess which of the submitted sites to shortlist. This consultation is an opportunity to hear everyone’s thoughts on the proposed criteria and also whether this has been applied correctly to the submitted sites.
The Council is keen to hear which aspects of the criteria don't work, whether additional questions are required or which of the questions are the most important. This is an opportunity for people to say if they don’t agree with how sites have been assessed.
The submitted sites will be reviewed in a second phase, which will bring in expert views from specialists – statutory consultees such as Natural England – to consider aspects including flood risk, utility constraints and proximity to protected areas such as The Brecks.
A shortlist of sites will then be prepared to align to the development strategy as part of the Preferred Options phase of consultation, likely to begin in late Spring. Feedback at this stage will help the Council to finalise the sites to take forward as part of the new Local Plan
Any development proposals that come forward for these sites will still need to be considered as part of the planning process.
4. What is a Local Service Centre?
A Local Service Centre is a technical term for a parish that is considered to have an appropriate provision of community services to support further development. A Local Service Centre is defined by meeting five key elements, or tests:
Having a primary school; having an appropriate level of public transport with frequent services to a larger settlement in peak hours; a community facility such as a village hall, pub or cafe; employment (as an indicator of economic activity); and a village shop or post office.
5. Why is the Council doing extra consultation?
In reviewing the feedback shared during the Issues and Options phase of consultation, the Council has decided that some topics need further consideration and this is why this extra phase of consultation has been added.
Specifically, this consultation focuses on identifying a preferred development strategy looking at how growth could be allocated across the district. It also considers whether the settlement boundary approach (as set out in the current Local Plan) is the right way to protect Breckland’s countryside and the character of villages; whether the definition of a Local Service Centre is still appropriate; and whether the proposed assessment criteria for shortlisting potential sites submitted is fit for purpose.
This extra consultation will continue until Monday 19th February. There will be a further phase of consultation – Preferred Options – in late Spring which will be an opportunity for everyone to review the full draft of the Local Plan.
If you have any further questions, visit Commonplace to find out how to get in touch with the team.
Thank you.
Come along to a community consultation event for the Local Plan in Attleborough to have your say on the approach to future development in Breckland.
Find out about alternative development strategy options and other key considerations for planning growth across the district.
Where?
We will be at Attleborough Charter market (in front of Town Hall), Queens Square, Attleborough on Thursday 1st February from 10am-1pm.
Come along and speak to us about future growth in Breckland.
Can’t make it?
Take a look at new information on the Commonplace website.
Thank you.
Thank you for your continued interest in Breckland’s Local Plan.
It was great to see so many people visiting the Commonplace website and attending events throughout the district to share their views in 2023.
There is a new phase - Development Strategy Consultation from Monday 8th January 2024 until the Monday 19th February 2024. This phase of the Local Plan consultation will cover important issues such as how to accommodate future growth across the district and development strategy options.
Please share your views by visiting the NEW pages on the Commonplace website here.
Everyone is welcome to join a consultation event:
Wednesday 10th January, 6.30-7.30pm– virtual event via Zoom (link to join https://zoom.us/j/96279475241?pwd=OG9TcitNeUZSWk5ySTI5Y2VCdlM3dz09, webinar ID 962 7947 5241, passcode 060968).
Thursday 1st February, 10am-1pm– in-person event at Attleborough Charter Market (in front of Town Hall), Queens Square, Attleborough.
Tuesday 6th February, 10am-1pm– in-person event at Dereham Market, Market Place, Dereham.
We look forward to seeing you!
Thank you to everyone who made it to one of the Local Plan events, it was great to see you and hear your views.
For anybody who missed the events, this is a reminder that there will be a virtual event taking place on Wednesday 22nd November from 6.30pm-7.30pm.
This will be a great way to learn more about the Local Plan and the Common Place website as well as sharing your views on key issues.
It’s simple to join, just follow the Zoom webinar link below on November 22nd, the event will run from 6.30pm-7.30pm:
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98062274283?pwd=dTBQYzVEcVJvUWhyMlpCUW5FeE1EUT09
Passcode: 141328
Webinar ID: 980 6227 4283
Do you have a specific question to ask?
If you have a specific question that you would like us to address during the event, please send it to hello@filigreecommunications.com.
Changes to youth workshops
The two planned virtual youth workshop events on 21st and 28th November have been postponed until early 2024.
We have made the decision to adopt an alternative approach by arranging some in-person workshops to run alongside the work of the Youth Advisory Board. These will be aimed at 12-16 year olds, taking place at locations around Breckland in early 2024 (locations and dates will be confirmed at a later date).
With this change in approach we are aiming to increase engagement with the younger generation so that their needs and aspirations are considered. Youth workshops within a Local Plan can play a crucial role in community development and are a great opportunity for individuals to play an active role by engaging with their peers.
There's still time to have your say...
Find out more about the Local Plan here.
Thinking about what we would like to see happen for our communities in the next 23 years can seem like a long way in the future but for the generation most likely to be affected by future change it's really important that young people join the conversation and shape the future of Breckland.
How they can get involved:
Share views on Tik Tok
Create a 30 second video, using #BrecklandLocalPlan, speaking about what matters to them and which issues concern them most in Breckland. They can also talk about their views in one of the virtual workshops.
Join an online workshop
Join one of our online workshops where we will discuss topics in the Local Plan. We have run some virtual workshops already, but these will be specific for young people. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the plan and also share views on areas of concern, this includes climate change, economy and jobs and other topics. There will be two events (run in the same format):
Tuesday 21st November, 6pm - 7pm Register here.
Tuesday 28th November, 6pm - 7pmRegister here.
Find out more about the Local Plan here.
There are lots of things to consider when planning new homes for Breckland and we would like to hear your views.
By joining the conversation, you can have your say on housing and many other things covered by the Local Plan such as infrastructure and the natural environment.
How do I share my views?
You can do this on the Local Plan website.
Remember to share with family and friends so that they can share their views too.
Find out more here.
We are pleased to announce that there will be an additional virtual event taking place on Wednesday 22nd November from 6.30pm-7.30pm, for anyone who missed the previous events but who would still like to have their say.
This is a great way to learn more about the Local Plan and the Common Place website as well as sharing your views on key issues.
It’s simple to join, just follow the Zoom webinar link below on November 22nd, the event will run from 6.30pm-7.30pm:
Passcode: 141328
Webinar ID: 980 6227 4283
https://zoom.us/j/98062274283?pwd=dTBQYzVEcVJvUWhyMlpCUW5FeE1EUT09
The Local Plan events are almost finished with just two remaining in Swaffham and Dereham.
Join us at Swaffham or Dereham markets to hear about what the Local Plan will do for the town and surrounding villages and please remember to share with friends and family!
Swaffham:
Where: Swaffham Market
When: Saturday 14th October, 12-3pm
Dereham:
Where: Dereham Market
When: Tuesday 17th October, 10am - 1pm
Visit Breckland’s Local Plan website for more information here
Come along to the Charter Market in Attleborough on Thursday 5th October from 11am-2pm, to share your views on the Local Plan which will shape how planning for housing and infrastructure will take shape over the next 23 years.
Can’t make it?
Register for the online event hereor visit the events pageto find out about other events taking place across Breckland.
Tell us what you think of Thetford and the surrounding area.
Breckland’s Local Plan will explore a shared vision for the future of Breckland and will help ensure that planning decisions are made in the best interests of our communities.
Come along to the market in Thetford on Tuesday 3rd October from 11am-2pm. There will be lots of information available and you can share your views on key issues such as housing, transport and the natural environment.
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Can’t make it?
Register for the online event here
Visit Breckland’s Local Plan website for more information here
Just a little reminder that we will be visiting towns across the district to provide you with lots of information about Breckland’s Local Plan. We want to hear your views on what is and isn’t needed in your local area, so come along to have your say.
When:Various dates from 27th September until 17th October 2023
Where:Watton, Attleborough, Thetford, Swaffham, Dereham, and online.
Can’t make any of the in-person events?
You can register for our online event here.
You can now share your views on Breckland's Local Plan. Breckland District Council is preparing a new Local Plan, which will help shape the district to 2046. The Local Plan explores a shared vision for the future of Breckland and will help ensure that planning decisions are made in the best interests of Breckland’s communities.
Building on what we heard from local people, we’re holding a further phase of community consultation, to help inform the Preferred Options and give the opportunity for people to expand on previous responses and also for those who missed out on giving their say.
Everyone who lives, works or visits Breckland is invited to join the consultation and we want to spread the message as widely as possible.
Have your say here.
This further stage will also include going out to directly speak with people and reach everyone. Starting in late September, local people are invited to join one of our consultation events taking place across the district, full details here.
Following the consultation and consideration of the comments made, the Council submitted the Partial Review to the Planning Inspectorate on 29 November 2022. The Hearing Session was held on Tuesday 18 April in Dereham.
In June 2023 the Inspector issued her interim findings in relation to the Breckland Plan Partial Review. These can be found at the following link
https://www.breckland.gov.uk/planning-policy/examination-library
(If the link does not work please copy and paste the above into your browser bar)
It is understood that the final Report will be issued towards the end of July 2023
The folders for Bridgham and Griston have been updated
https://brecklandlocalplan.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/development-responses/step1
Now is your chance to shape the future of where you live and work as the Local Plan consultation is launched.
The ten-week consultation period will begin on Friday 10 March, ending Friday 19 May (5pm) and will give you the chance to comment on the Options and Issues covering housing, employment, infrastructure and the environment.
Once finished the Council will collate all the responses and produce a summary of responses that will help shape the next phase of the Plan-making process when options will be considered to address the issues raised in this consultation.
You can find out more on our Local Plan webpage.
The folders for Besthorpe and Sporle have been updated
https://brecklandlocalplan.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/development-responses/step1
In December 2022 the Government launched a public consultation on its proposed approach to updating to the National Planning Policy Framework as well as seeking views on a proposed approach to preparing National Development Management Policies. In response, Breckland Council is to consider a report at its Cabinet on February 6 setting out some initial thoughts. The link is:
https://democracy.breckland.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=4851&Ver=4
We will not be finalising our responses until around 27th February for submission by 2nd March.
Full details of the consultation and how you can respond is available at the link below
In January 2023 the Council approved the first Issues and Options Report for public consultation. This consultation will be the first of several rounds of public consultation in the local plan preparation process.
The document provides an introduction and some background information about Breckland and seeks initial views on the a number of important issues including the amount and location of housing development, the economy, the built and natural environment, climate change and sustainable construction, transport and provision of infrastructure.
The formal consultation will begin in February 2023 but the documents are available for viewing on the Council's website
https://democracy.breckland.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=4850 (item 8/23)
Breckland Council published the Local Plan Partial Update for consultation on 10 August 2022. This ended on 23 September 2022. The Partial Update is necessary to address the wording of Policy INF 03 of the Local Plan that requires the Council to carry out an immediate review of policies in the Local Plan that cover housing, non-travelling gypsy and travellers, accessibility of homes standards and economic development. A second consultation will begin on 30 September and run until 11 November 2022. Follow this link for further information: www.breckland.gov.uk/local-plan-review.