Breckland Planning Consultant

Specialist Advice for Dereham, Thetford, Swaffham, Watton & Attleborough.

Planning in the heart of Norfolk requires local knowledge. Breckland is unique. It balances significant housing growth in its "Key Market Towns" with strict environmental protection in the Brecks. From Nutrient Neutrality issues to the Stone Curlew Buffer Zones, there are hidden constraints that can trip up the unprepared.

At Cedar Planning, we work extensively across the district. We understand the Breckland Local Plan inside out, helping landowners, farmers, and developers navigate the system effectively.

Key Planning Issues in Breckland

We check your site for:

• Settlement Boundaries: Breckland has strict lines drawn around towns like Dereham and Swaffham. We advise on whether your site is "inside" (easIER approval) or "outside" (requires a strategic approach).

• Stone Curlew Buffer Zones: A unique constraint in Breckland. Development within 1.5km of protected nesting sites is strictly controlled. We can tell you if your site is affected.

• Nutrient Neutrality: Parts of the district fall within the Wensum catchment, requiring nitrate mitigation before you can build new homes.

• Agricultural Diversification: We help farmers and developers use Class Q rights to convert barns into homes or commercial units without full planning permission. A powerful tool in the more remote parts of Breckland.

Our Breckland Services

1. Strategic Land Promotion Breckland is under pressure to deliver housing. We represent landowners in promoting sites for allocation in the Local Plan, particularly around the A11 corridor and growing towns like Attleborough.

2. Rural Planning & Barns We specialize in converting agricultural buildings. Whether it's a "Class Q" prior approval or a full planning application for a bespoke barn conversion, we know how to handle the "structural suitability" tests.

3. Commercial & Industrial Supporting business growth in Thetford Enterprise Park and other employment zones with change-of-use and expansion applications.

4. Residential Appeals If Breckland Council has refused your application—common reasons include "unsustainable location" or "landscape harm"—we can manage your appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Free Review for Breckland Sites

Send us your details. We will check your location against the Breckland Local Plan map and Stone Curlew zones.