13 March 2024 update – We have received a letter stating that the GNLP has been adopted, see below:

The GNLP was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in July 2021 for examination.  Examination hearings, led by Independent Inspectors appointed by the Secretary of State took place during 2022 and 2023. The Inspectors considered that a number of main modifications were required to the plan in order for it to be considered sound and legally compliant and consultation on these took place between the 25 October and 6 December 2023.

The Greater Norwich Development Partnership is writing to notify you that the Inspectors’ Report on the GNLP has now been received.  The Inspectors’ conclusion is that with the recommended main modifications the GNLP is sound.

The Inspectors’ Report and appendices of the Main Modifications will be available to view on the GNLP website at www.gnlp.org.uk.  Hard copies will be available for public viewing during normal office hours at the following locations:

  • Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council offices, The Horizon Centre, Broadland Business Park, Peachman Way, Norwich, NR7 0WF. Mon. – Fri. 08.30 – 17.00 (by appointment).
  • Norwich City Council, City Hall, St Peters Street, Norwich, NR2 1NH (main entrance – please ask to be directed. Mon. – Fri. 08.45 – 13.00 & 14.00 – 17.00).
  • Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH (by appointment) and
  • South Norfolk information point at The Octagon, Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AH (Mon. – Fri. 09.00 – 17.00)

Please contact the GNLP team on 01603 306603 or email gnlp@norfolk.gov.uk to make an appointment.

You can also view the Inspectors Report on the GNLP website in Norfolk libraries using their computers.

Formal adoption of the GNLP is scheduled to take place on the following dates:

  • Norwich City Council – 12 March 2024
  • South Norfolk Council – 25 March 2024
  • Broadland District Council – 28 March 2024

A new consultation has opened by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership inviting comments on the proposed Main Modifications which are required to the GNLP following submission to the Planning Inspectorate in July 2021.

There is a lot of documentation in the GNLP if you wish to review the whole plan. Specific mentions are made in the GNLP of places near to Wreningham: Hethel, Wymondham, Bracon Ash and Ketteringham.

Consultation is from Wednesday 25 October and will conclude at midday on Wednesday 6 December 2023.

The Inspectors’ final conclusions on the GNLP which will take account of representations submitted in response to this consultation.  The Main Modifications have been subject to updated Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment which are also available to comment on along with Policies Map changes. 

Representations should be made regarding legal compliance and soundness issues only.  This is not an opportunity to reraise matters relating to other parts of the submitted GNLP that have already been considered by the Inspectors during the Examination or to submit further evidence.  The Inspectors will only consider representations relating specifically to the proposed Main Modifications and other consultation documents before reaching their final conclusions on the GNLP.

The Partnership is also publishing Additional Modifications which it intends to make on adoption of the GNLP, along with other documents for information only.  These are outside the scope of the Main Modifications consultation and comments are not invited on them.  They do not form part of the Inspectors’ examination of the Plan.    

Accessing the consultation documents

The consultation documents will be available to view on the GNLP website, www.gnlp.org.uk.  Hard copy is available during normal office hours at:

  • Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council offices, The Horizon Centre, Broadland Business Park, Peachman Way, Norwich NR7 0WF. Mon–Fri 8.30-17.00 (by appointment).
  • Norwich City Council, City Hall, St Peters Street, Norwich NR2 1NH (main entrance – please ask to be directed.  Mon-Fri 8.45-13.00 & 14.00-17.00);
  • Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2DH (by appointment);
  • South Norfolk information point at The Octagon, Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AH (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00).

Contact the GNLP team using the details below to make an appointment.

You can also view the consultation documents in Norfolk libraries using their computers.

Making Representations

The preferred way is online using the consultation system www.gnlp.org.uk.  Alternatively, you can submit a response form by email or post:  either download a response form from our website or contact us by email (gnlp@norfolk.gov.uk) or by telephone (01603 306603) to request one.

General Enquiries: 01603 306603     GNLP@norfolk.gov.uk



Mike Burrell, Greater Norwich Planning Policy Manager, writes:

A focused consultation on sites for Gypsies and Travellers will commence at 09.00 on Monday 30 January and will close at 17.00 on Monday 13 March 2023. 

“We are seeking views on sites put forward for consideration for providing residential pitches for Gypsies and Travellers.  It is important to note that no final decisions have been made on sites at this stage.  The consultation creates a further opportunity for landowners to propose more sites for Gypsies and Travellers.

“We are not consulting on any other sites that we asked for views on during previous GNLP consultations.

“You can find information about the sites, along with supporting information and useful FAQs, online at www.gnlp.org.uk, where you can also comment.

“The easiest and most efficient way to make comments on the consultation is to submit them online at www.gnlp.org.uk.  Alternatively, you can respond in writing using a response form which can be downloaded from www.gnlp.org.uk or requested by phone or email.  Written representations should then be emailed or sent to us by post. 

“Contact details are: Tel:  01603 306603 E:  gnlp@norfolk.gov.uk Post:  Greater Norwich Local Plan, Room 428, City Hall, St Peters St, Norwich NR2 1NH

“Please contact us if you need consultation information in a different format.

All responses must be received by 17.00 on Monday 13 March 2023.  No representations will be accepted outside of this period.


There are two letters for your information, the first from the Planning Inspectorate and the second from the campaign group “Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons”

The Planning Inspectorate will close their initial consultation on 5th December for the project which proposes to install high-voltage power lines and their associated large pylons across the countryside in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. They have sent the following letter which included links to the extensive documentation submitted by the applicant:

The Parish Council is one of the statutory bodies to be consulted on this matter. We will consider the matter and respond appropriately.

In the meantime, it is open to residents to contact South Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council to make their views known and ask that these be included in the considerations leading to the Council(s) response to the Planning Inspectorate.

The campaign group, “Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons”, has also written to encourage public and council comment about this project. Their letter is here, and promises to provide guidance on making a representation:


Tom McCabe, Head of Paid Service, NCC, recently wrote about the Budget Consultation currently underway and closing on 30 December 2021. His letter states:

“Normally Norfolk County Council would publish budget proposals to be considered by its cabinet and scrutiny committee in October, before going out to public consultation. However, because of the uncertainties this year over local government funding, support for adult social care, and other pressures, the council felt it prudent to wait till the Chancellor provided a clearer picture before publishing the budget proposals.

“At the core of the budget proposals is our Better Together, For Norfolk strategy. This builds on our previous plan and sharpens our focus for the next four years to support recovery and renewal. It outlines our ambitions for our county, its people, communities, and businesses and provides the platform to drive a whole-system approach, underpinned by a corporate delivery plan.

“Despite the challenges facing us all throughout 2020 and 2021, we have continued to provide the services which give children and young people the best start in life, support vulnerable and older people, maintain and develop our highways and transport network, provide library, waste disposal, and fire services and work in partnership to grow the economy.

“We are delivering all these services in a financial climate of risk and uncertainty, from both service user and provider perspectives. Some of the main challenges we faced before COVID-19 are still present or have been exacerbated, including population changes, social, economic, and health inequalities, rising demand for services and support, workforce challenges in key sectors such as the care market, government policy changes, funding reductions and the impact of continued financial constraints. The Council must now plan for the multiple impacts of rising budget pressures, uncertainty over Government funding, and the financial challenges associated with the recovery following COVID-19.

“As we work to rebuild and revitalise the County many of the additional costs, lost income, and undeliverable savings in the current year will have a significant impact on our 2022-23 finances. It remains critical to develop balanced, sustainable budget proposals which will enable the Council to continue to deliver the essential services which are relied on by all Norfolk’s people, businesses, and visitors.

“We now want to hear your views on our council tax and budget approach to help our elected councillors make the right, even if tough, decisions in agreeing on a balanced budget for 2022-2023.

“I wanted to alert you to the webpage where we published our budget consultation on Thursday 25 November. You can find out more at www.norfolk.gov.uk/budget and have your say using our online feedback form. Using our online feedback ensures we have a clear record of your response and that your views are accurately recorded.

We appreciate that some residents may not have online access and people who are unable to respond online can send us their views in writing to:

Freepost Plus RTCL-XSTT-JZSK Norfolk County Council,

Ground floor – South Wing,

County Hall,

Martineau Lane,

Norwich NR1 2DH.

“Residents can request our budget consultation document in other formats, including paper form, by calling 0344 800 8020 or emailing haveyoursay@norfolk.gov.uk. We will make all materials as accessible as possible.

“Our consultation closes at midnight on Thursday 30 December 2021. Please note that if we receive any consultation responses after this date we cannot guarantee that we will be able to take them into account.”

NCC contact is Christine Mawson, Stakeholder and Consultation Manager

email: christine.mawson@norfolk.gov.uk or telephone 01603 224485.


Update 28 December 2018

SNC have updated the planning application 2918/1658 . It is now entitled:

“The change of use of land to a residential Traveller Site for one family, involving the retention of one stable building for use as a dayroom, the standing of 2 touring caravans on 2 concrete pads, the installation of 2 outdoor security lights, a sewage treatment plant, a children’s play house, and post and rail fencing.”

Additional documents have been posted on the SNC website in support of the application. Comments from the public are again welcomed although the closing date is rather close – 4th January 2019.

Update 30 October 2018

SNC have advised that the planning application 2918/1658 has been amended. It is now entitled:

“The change of use of land to a residential Traveller Site for one family, involving the retention of one stable building, and its conversion for use as a dayroom, the standing of 2 touring caravans and 1 mobile home on 3 concrete pads, the installation of 2 outdoor security lights, a sewage treatment plant, a childrens play house, and post and rail fencing.”

The applicant’s agent has provided a statement supporting the application: 2018_1658-SUPPORTING_STATEMENT_INCLUDING_DESIGN_AND_ACCESS_STATEMENT-6214041

The planning officer, Glen Beaumont, invites further comments to be submitted by 20 November 2018 to:

email: planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk
post: SNC, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton NR15 2XE

Update on WPC meeting on 13 August 2018

With respect to the planning application 2018/1658, the advice remains to focus on material considerations (remember the image attached to the previous post); this message has been heard and the comments appearing on the SNC planning site are making their point very well. A number have revisited their comments and recast them in the light of the guidance.

SNC planning site is currently carrying 106 documents the vast majority of them from parishioners. Those who are not able to use the technology for whatever reason have used the postal system to get their comment in. The 450 voters in the village all have a chance to make their contribution and I expect at least 116 from those attending the Parish Council meeting!

Remember, when commenting, to include the reference number 2018/1658, whether you support or oppose the application, and provide your name and contact details, then use one of the following options:

  • e-mail planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk
  • write to Planning Team, South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton, Norwich, NR15 2XE
  • go to SNC planning page, click on the options at the bottom of the page; login / register, complete the on-line form
  • Visit SNC in Long Stratton and leave your written comments there
  • e-mail Phil Hardy (if you prefer not to have your name, etc. made public – he will provide a summary of comments received. This is NOT as effective as individual, named comments since it will become one comment.)

The Parish Council’s draft minutes are posted on this website in the Council’s pages. We were waiting for Cllr. Hardy to provide us with the text of his statement made at the opening of the Open Forum part of the meeting. The Parish council’s own objection statement is on the SNC website.

Normal consultees plus a few others such as the RSPB and Norfolk Wildlife Trust have been invited to consider the parishioners’ on-line comments (to make use of local knowledge) and to submit their own.

Phil Hardy took some actions in the Monday meeting and Helen Mellors (hmellors@s-norfolk.gov.uk), Development Manager of SNC has responded to each (see the blue text):

  1. To put back the closing date for comments – given the obvious problems people were having with the web-site. [Done]
  2. Talk to SNC IT about the on-line comments/registration issue – is there a reason for these problems, can it be resolved?

We are happy to help anyone who is experiencing difficulties with registering on the planning pages of the website to enable them to comment online. As far as I am aware, we have not been contacted directly to notify us of anyone experiencing difficulties. Details are given on the Council’s website, the consultation letters and site notices about alternative methods of submitting comments which includes by e mail or in writing.

3. Confirm the default basis for a planning application when no (real) evidence presented for Traveller status.

Any application is always considered on its own merits and in accordance with national and local plan polices and any other material considerations.  If the applicant submits evidence to say they meet the definition of a traveller, for planning purposes, then this will be a material consideration and the application considered in accordance with local plan policy DM3.3.  A new dwelling outside the development limits would also need to be considered in light of paragraph 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)  and local planning policy DM1.3.  Material consideration would also need to be given to the Council’s  housing land supply in the rural area and at present the Council is applying material weight to evidence in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) which shows we have a shortfall. Clearly other policies in the local plan will also apply and will need to be taken into account as appropriate.

4. Clarify this applicant’s status with regard to being a Traveller

The case officer is currently seeking clarification from the applicant and once received this will form part of the application.

5. Examine whether there is a breach of GDPR in insisting that names & other details are to be published and not offering to withhold them. (perhaps a “name & address supplied” option?).

We reviewed all processing of personal data before the GDPR was implemented with the Information Governance Manager, which included publishing comments received regarding planning applications on our website. I have also discussed the publishing of contributor’s names and address with the Council’s Senior Governance Officer & Deputy Monitoring Officer who considers that there is not a breach of the GDPR as the Council has set out how the data will be used in the privacy statement which is set out above as part of the lawful processing of the application. Details on the website also highlight that Members of the public can send their comments to their District Councillor who can raise them as appropriate, so they can be taken into account when the application is considered.

If you need clarification or wish to comment on these, then please raise them directly with Helen Mellors.

The solicitor consulted by the Parish Council advised that until the planners’ recommendation was known, there is nothing to challenge. So the Parish Council will bide its time until then. In the meanwhile I do not know the steps being taken by those parishioners who wish to raise a separate challenge earlier than this. If there is a co-ordinating group for this can they contact me?

The application is to come before the Planning Committee for its decision (in September?). The normal process is for a series of presentations to the committee; we will need to declare beforehand our intention to attend and speak:

  1. the Planning Officer presents the application to the Committee (as per the recommendation document published beforehand);
  2. 5 minutes for the Parish Council to present its case;
  3. 5 minutes for the public (parishioners or representative), and
  4. 5 minutes for the applicant.

[Note: Only 5 minutes – so the time has to be well used – highly focussed on the telling points with no padding or bluster.]

At each point the Committee may question the presenter. The Committee then make final statements and vote on the application. The decision is either: accept the planning application (with such constraints as may be recommended), or, to reject the application. In the latter case, I imagine that the issue could be to return the site to a pre-application state through some enforcement action by SNC – but that is yet to be determined and may require additional input from Wreningham people or their legal representative(s).

The Parish Council and “public” presentations must be closely aligned and mutually supportive. So it is vital that we maintain close cooperation.


The Greater Norwich Local Partnership have opened a consultation on a number of additional sites. Some of these are in or near Wreningham and you should be aware of them. More information is available on the page link here. The Wreningham specific information has been extracted and placed at the end of that page.

You are encouraged to make your views known to GNLP but please also let your Parish Councillor know what you think.


Monday’s meeting had a lively and informative Open Forum during which many of the 116 parishioners present expressed their views about the planning application for the field adjacent to the Village Hall. The Parish Council was given invaluable feedback and observations. In attendance were Phil Hardy (District Councillor) and Colin Foulger (County Councillor).

Prior to the meeting the EDP carried the story. This was followed by an update at the close of the meeting.

Never before have I seen such long queues waiting to attend a Parish Council meeting! As the hall filled, the Parish Council took up position on the stage in order that parishioners could see and hear  clearly.

A show of hands indicated full support to oppose the application. Parishioners had clearly shown they wanted the Parish Council to register an objection with South Norfolk.

People reported difficulties using the SNC planning site when trying to register their comments: they ran out of time; lost their work; were unable to complete registration; etc. With this in mind, the District Councillor has arranged for the consultation closure date to be put back to 24th August. For those concerned about their names and address being made public, Councillor Hardy invited them to email their comments to him. He will collate them for inclusion in his Councillor’s report. I must emphasise that this does not carry the same weight as individual comments to South Norfolk Planning.

Before the meeting, I had taken informal legal advice which recommended delaying any legal intervention until the planners had made their recommendation. The Parish Council may then instruct a solicitor.

Two thirds of parishioners expressed support for a separate legal approach sourced and funded by themselves.

I need to stress that the main message, underlined by Colin Foulger, is that comments must be objective, factual and address material considerations, as explained in the image below. Colin makes it clear that if people ensure sufficient comments are made then there is a very good chance that we will win.

Finally, I wish to thank all who attended for their positive approach and working with me as the Chair to ensure the meeting met its objectives. And, thank you to those who helped to clear away the tables and chairs.


South Norfolk Council (SNC) is re-consulting on a draft Guidelines for Recreation Provision in New Residential Developments Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The draft SPD outlines the Council’s agreed policy on the adoption and maintenance of open spaces and play areas in new developments.  From the date of adoption of the SPD the Council will not take on responsibility for such areas. This will fall to either Parish/Town Councils or to a designated Management Company.  The draft SPD contains guidelines for Parish and Town Councils thinking of taking on this responsibility. We would appreciate your views.

The draft SPD will be subject to public consultation for a four-week period from Friday 4th May to 5pm on Tuesday 5th June.  Comments are invited on any aspect of the SPD but please make it clear as to which section/paragraph number(s) the comments relate. The Council’s preferred method for receiving comments is via email to LP@s-norfolk.gov.uk.  Comments can also be sent by post to: Interim Joint Spatial Planning Manager, South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton, Norfolk, NR15 2XE.

Full details are available on the Council’s website at https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/residents/have-your-say/consultations .