Opportunity to have your say on housing sites in South Norfolk

These amendments propose several focused changes to the previous version of the VCHAP that was published last year. Residents and other stakeholders now have the chance to comment on whether they believe the proposed amendments comply with planning law and are in accordance with National Planning Policy.

The amendments to the plan include the identification of three new sites for development and the extension of five other identified sites, alongside a number of other amendments to proposed policies. The choice of new or extended sites has been informed by the consultation on options for 'Alternative Sites and Focused Changes', which took place from December 2023 to February 2024.

There are 48 Village Clusters based on primary school catchment areas. The VCHAP aims to deliver a minimum of 1,200 new homes by 2038 across rural South Norfolk. Individual site allocations typically range from 12 to 50 homes, with most sites accommodating 25 or fewer homes.

Cllr Lisa Overton Neal said:

"We value the input of our residents and community stakeholders in shaping the future of our district. The publication of these important amendments to our draft plan is a critical step in ensuring the Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan meets the needs and aspirations of our rural communities. We encourage everyone to review the proposed changes and share their feedback."

Comments on the VCHAP Regulation 19 'Pre-submission Addendum' can be made from 9am on Monday 12 August until 5pm on Monday 7 October 2024.

Residents are invited to provide their views on the legal compliance and soundness of the proposed changes.

The consultation and supporting documents can be accessed in the following ways:

• Online: on the South Norfolk Council website
• At South Norfolk Council offices: The Horizon Centre, Broadland Business Park, Peachman Way, Norwich, NR7 0WF (open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm), or The Octagon, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AH (open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
• By visiting libraries in South Norfolk: visit the Norfolk County Council website for details of local branches
• At the Millennium Library: The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1AW (open Monday to Friday 10am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm)

Further information and background material will also be available through a ‘virtual exhibition’ which can be accessed during the publication period.

Anyone wishing to submit a formal representation on the content of the plan may do so, in writing, before 5pm on 7 October 2024. It can be submitted online via the web address listed above, or using one of our hard copy representation forms which are available at the locations listed above.

Following the consultation, any revisions to the VCHAP will be examined by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate before a final version becomes part of the Development Plan for South Norfolk.

For further information and enquiries, please contact the Council’s Place Shaping Team on 01508 533805 or at localplan.snc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk.