Time running out to have your say on development plans

Cllr Shaun Vincent, chair of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant)

The deadline for the latest stage of consultation on the Greater Norwich Local Plan – a plan into where council bosses should place more than 7,000 homes - is 5pm on Friday, December 14.

The plan is being pieced together to help Norwich City, Broadland and South Norfolk councils establish how they could shape development in the area in the coming years.

It will set out a vision for growth, identify sites for new homes, jobs and infrastructure and provide the basis for planning decisions up to 2036.

Sites indentifed around Diss and Roydon in the consultation. Picture: Greater Norwich Local Plan (Image: Archant)

Around 600 potential sites were put forward and consulted on in January. This latest consultation covers sites submitted since then, smaller sites and amendments.

It covers dozens of potential sites across South Norfolk including areas around Diss, Bressingham, Roydon, Harleston, the Pulhams, Burston and Tivetshall St Mary and St Margaret.

One of the most affected places is Dickleburgh with some 17 potential development sites indentified around the edges of the village in total. More housing is needed because more people move into the region than leave, people are living longer and insufficient housing has been built in previous years.

Sites indentifed around Dickleburgh and Pulham St Mary in the consultation. Picture: Greater Norwich Local Plan (Image: Archant)

Cllr Shaun Vincent, chair of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership, explains: 'It's especially difficult for young people to move out into their own homes.'

Most of the sites needed for new development have already been identified in existing plans or have planning permission but a further 7,200 homes are needed up to 2036 over the whole Greater Norwich area, along with the infrastructure needed to support them.

Cllr Vincent added: 'This is a further chance for people to have their say before a draft plan is put forward for consultation next year. The more people who contribute the better the plan will reflect the views and needs of the people who live, work and run businesses here.'

Sites indentifed around Tivetshall, Burston, Shelfanger and Winfathing in the consultation. Picture: Greater Norwich Local Plan (Image: Archant)

Find out more about the plan and respond to the current consultation with your thoughts at the Greater Norwich Local Plan website, including how this may affect comments made on previously consulted on sites.

Sites indentifed around Harleston and the Pulhams in the consultation. Picture: Greater Norwich Local Plan (Image: Archant)