Finding Space for Growth: Norfolk’s Housing Challenge

In a proactive response to shifting national housing policies, the councils of South Norfolk, Norwich, and Broadland have initiated an important search for potential development sites to accommodate revised government housing targets. This effort represents a thoughtful attempt to balance population growth with community needs while maintaining local control over development decisions.

The Greater Norwich authorities had previously created a comprehensive plan identifying locations for 45,000 new homes to be built between 2018 and 2038. However, the recently adopted Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) from March 2024 now requires review due to significant changes in national planning reform. The government has implemented a new calculation method for housing needs, resulting in higher targets for the region, alongside introducing a reformed plan-making system that fundamentally changes how local authorities prepare and execute development strategies. These changes have created both challenges and opportunities for the councils as they navigate these new requirements while trying to ensure development occurs in ways that benefit existing communities.

By beginning this review process now, the councils are demonstrating foresight in maintaining control over where future growth will occur. This proactive approach helps ensure that new developments aren’t haphazardly placed but are instead accompanied by essential infrastructure improvements, environmental protections, and meaningful community benefits. Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk District Council, emphasized this point, stating that “Maintaining our reputation for successful joint planning is vital. An up-to-date plan doesn’t just meet government mandates, it places the tools for growth directly in the hands of our communities, ensuring we build homes where they make sense, supported by the roads, employment areas and green spaces people need.” This philosophy reflects the councils’ commitment to thoughtful expansion rather than reactive building.

A particularly notable aspect of this review is its focus on the delivery of new strategic settlements. By identifying sustainable locations for entirely new communities early in the process, the councils hope to reduce development pressure on existing towns and villages. This approach could help preserve the character of established communities while creating purpose-built new neighborhoods with integrated amenities and services. The Greater Norwich area has historically benefited from its collaborative planning approach, securing major infrastructure investments like funding for the Long Stratton bypass. By continuing this tradition of joint planning, the councils hope to leverage their unified position to obtain similar investments for future growth areas.

As part of this process, the councils have opened a “call for sites” running until March 23, inviting landowners, developers, and other stakeholders to submit potential locations suitable for housing, employment, or other uses. This inclusive approach seeks to identify all viable options before decisions are made. Following this submission period, the Greater Norwich authorities will conduct thorough assessments to determine which sites may be appropriate for inclusion in the revised plan. This evaluation will consider numerous factors including environmental impact, infrastructure requirements, and community integration potential, ensuring that only truly suitable locations advance to the next stage of consideration.

By initiating this review before the June deadline, the councils have positioned themselves to receive government funding that will offset the costs associated with the planning process. This financial support will enable more thorough research and community engagement as the plan develops. The current call for sites represents just the beginning of what will be an extensive public consultation process, giving residents opportunities to shape how their communities grow in the coming decades. Those interested in learning more about the process or participating in the site submission can visit the official portal at https://gnlp.oc2.uk, where comprehensive information about the review process and submission requirements is available. Through this collaborative approach, the Greater Norwich authorities aim to create a development framework that balances government requirements with local needs and preserves what makes the region special while accommodating necessary growth.