A vision for the future of development in a Norfolk district has been unveiled, detailing where thousands of new homes could be built.

Breckland Council is updating its local plan and design guide - two key documents that are used to inform planning decisions in the area.

The local plan update details where potential new developments could be built as the council seeks to create 16,525 extra homes.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Sam Chapman-Allen, leader of Breckland CouncilSam Chapman-Allen, leader of Breckland Council (Image: Breckland District Council)

The design guide sets out the standards and characteristics expected to be achieved by new developments, identifying key themes that include climate-friendly designs, those that complement and enhance surroundings, better integration with nature and efforts to mitigate the impact of vehicles. 

The public will have the chance to have their say on the plans through an eight-week consultation period which will be held over the Christmas period. 

While most of the 16,500 homes have already been allocated, sites for only 4,467 more need to be found over the next two decades.

Four scenarios for where new developments could be built will be part of the consultation.

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Fakenham & Wells Times: Land at the Swanton Morley Barracks could be turned into a huge housing development of 2,000 homesLand at the Swanton Morley Barracks could be turned into a huge housing development of 2,000 homes (Image: Newsquest)

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The options include:

  • Concentrating development in market towns with 80pc of housing to be allocated to Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton. The remaining 20pc would be allocated to 'local service centres' - larger villages with access to amenities like GP surgeries - such as Weeting and Great Ellingham.
  • Equal distribution between urban and rural areas. Housing would be split 50/50 between market towns and local service centres.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The Abbey Estate in ThetfordThe Abbey Estate in Thetford (Image: Newsquest)

  • Maximise use of strategic sites on previously developed land at Swanton Morley Barracks and the Abbey estate in Thetford. The remaining housing need would be allocated between market towns (80pc) and local service centres (20pc).
  • Maximise use of brownfield sites at Swanton Morley Barracks and Abbey estate with the remainder of housing split 50/50 between market towns and local service centres.

Land at Swanton Morley Barracks has been earmarked for up to 2,000 homes while the Abbey revamp could create an additional 460 homes.

Cabinet members voted to take both policies to public consultation.