South Norfolk and Broadland Design Code Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Introduction

South Norfolk Council and Broadland District Council are pleased to announce the formal public consultation on the draft Design Code Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), along with its supporting documents: the Broadland Character Assessment and the Assessment Framework. This is your opportunity to share your views and help shape the future of residential development across our districts. We invite residents, local organisations, technical consultees, developers, parish and town councils, and all interested stakeholders to take part.

Consultation overview

The consultation will run for six weeks, between 9:00am on Monday 27th October 2025 and 5:00pm on Monday 8th December 2025. During this time, you are encouraged to read the draft documents and provide your feedback using our online consultation webform. Your comments and suggestions will play an important role in finalising the Design Code.

Background to the Design Code SPD

The draft Design Code SPD has been developed to support the delivery of high-quality residential development throughout South Norfolk and Broadland. By setting out clear design expectations, the SPD aims to ensure that new homes and neighbourhoods are attractive, practical, and sensitive to the unique character of our towns and villages. This work has been funded through the Government’s Planning Skills Fund and led by expert consultants, with input from Council planning teams and local stakeholders.

The preparation of the Design Code involved extensive informal engagement, including three previous stages of public and stakeholder input. Insights from these stages have helped to shape a practical and locally relevant document. The current consultation represents the final opportunity for all interested parties to contribute before the documents are adopted.

Supporting the Design Code are two key documents: the Broadland Character Assessment, which describes the distinctive features of Broadland’s built environment and landscapes, and the Assessment Framework, which provides structured prompts for evaluating the quality of development proposals. Together, these documents are designed to help residents, planners, and developers achieve better outcomes for our communities. The existing South Norfolk Character Assessment (formerly included in the South Norfolk Place-Making Guide SPD) will also form part of the final Design Code.

Supporting Documents

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Interim Consultation Statement
• Equalities Impact Assessment
• Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening

How to take part

• Read the draft Design Code SPD, Broadland Character Assessment, and Assessment Framework (links below)
• Review the supporting information provided, including FAQs, the Equalities Impact Assessment, and environmental assessments.
• Submit your comments using the online feedback form. Please ensure your feedback is sent before the closing date on 8 December 2025.

All responses received will be considered carefully. The consultation outcome and any proposed changes will be reported back to Cabinet and Full Council before the documents are formally adopted.

Further information

If you have any questions regarding the consultation or the documents, please contact the Place Shaping Team at South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils by emailing localplan.snc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk or by calling 01508 533633.

We look forward to receiving your feedback and thank you for taking the time to share your views.

Stage three consultation: May-June 2025

The third stage of public consultation sought views on the draft Design Code and appendices documents. The documents published at this stage included the draft Design Code, the draft Broadland Character Assessment and a draft Assessment Framework.

The feedback received during this period has been analysed and a final draft of the Design Code is being prepared for formal consultation. The responses received at this stage have informed the final draft of the Design Code.

Stage two consultation: September-November 2024

The second stage of public consultation in relation to the Design Code took place between September and November 2024. The consultation was again held via the Placechangers consultation platform and saw 209 responses being submitted by 85 participants. The consultation sought views on the proposed vision for the Design Code, as well as the different issues and opportunities for each of the coding area types.

Tibbalds have analysed the feedback and responses that were received and a summary of issues raised is available to read below. These responses have helped to inform the production of the draft Design Code.

Stage one consultation: July-September 2024

143 responses were received in response to the online stage one consultation. 78% of these responses were submitted by local residents with other groups such as town/ parish councils, statutory consultees and local businesses providing the remainder of the feedback. Online workshops were also attended by Council officers, Local Members, town and parish councils, as well as architects and developers from across the two districts. This first stage of engagement helped us to understand the priorities for design of new development across the districts, and what people think is unique/distinctive about both Broadland and South Norfolk. A summary of the feedback received during this period is available below.