South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan Examination

Consultation on Main Modifications

In accordance with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended) comments are being invited on the proposed Main Modifications for the South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan.

Following from the public hearings held in January 2026, the Inspector has proposed a schedule of Main Modifications that he believes are necessary in order for the VCHAP to be sound. The Inspector is inviting comments on these Main Modifications. The consultation will commence at 9am on 14th September, and conclude at 5pm on 26th October 2026.

It should be noted that the VCHAP is still under examination. The Main Modifications are proposed without prejudice to the Inspectors final conclusions on the VCHAP which will take into account the comments submitted in response to this consultation.

Comments on the Main Modifications should be made regarding legal compliance and soundness issues only. This is not an opportunity to raise again matters relating to other parts of the submitted VCHAP that have already been considered by the Inspector during the Examination. The Inspector will only consider comments which relate specifically to the proposed Main Modifications and the other consultation documents.

On 4 August 2025 the South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (VCHAP) and its supporting documents were submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination in accordance with Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended) and Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).

The hearing sessions for the examination will begin on Tuesday 13th January 2026. The formal notice is available online and can be found below.

The Document Library, which includes all core submission documents, evidence base documents and documents related to the Examination, can be viewed through the link below.

The latest updates and further information related to the Examination can be viewed through the link below.

Appointed Inspector

Mr D Reed BSc DipTP MRTPI has been appointed to hold the independent examination of the South Norfolk Council Village Clusters Housing Allocation Local Plan. The role of the Inspector is to carry out an independent assessment of the overall soundness of the Local Plan and that it satisfies the statutory requirements for its preparation.

Appointed Programme Officer

Mrs Annette Feeney is the Programme Officer who is assisting the Inspector. She will deal with all procedural, administrative and programming matters. The Programme Officer is independent from South Norfolk Council and reports directly to the Planning Inspector conducting the Examination. All correspondence or queries relating to the Examination should be directed to the Programme Officer using the contact details provided.