Litter pickers help to tidy up Wreningham

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Around 20 enthusiastic volunteer litter pickers helped to tidy-up Wreningham, Top Row and Penny Green as part of the Big South Norfolk Litter Pick on Sunday March 29.

The volunteers spread out from the Village Hall to clean verges, paths, playing fields and other public locations across the Wreningham Parish Council area.

The effort was part of the annual Big South Norfolk Litter Pick, organised by South Norfolk Council, who lent equipment for the event.

Organiser, Keith Morris, said: “As always there was a real community spirit about the day with enthusiastic volunteers joining in to help tidy up our beautiful village despite a bit of rain.”

Afterwards, volunteers enjoyed cakes and a free drink courtesy of Wreningham Parish Council and the Witch & Wren Social Club.

If you would like to litter pick in Wreningham, equipment can be loaned at any time from members of Wreningham Parish Council.

Please contact Cllr Keith Morris at keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk for details or ring 01508 488318.

Pictured above are some of the volunteer litter pickers having a free drink in Wreningham Witch & Wren Social Club after completing their work.

Planning Application – Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and infrastructure with landscaping – West of Wymondham Road, Bracon Ash

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Reference: 2025/0806
Applicant: Mr Poole
Location: Land West Of Wymondham Road, Bracon Ash [Road connecting B1113 to Flordon]
Proposal: The installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) including associated infrastructure and landscaping
Application Type: Full Planning Permission

This planning application has been resubmitted for public consultation following a request from Norfolk County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for a clearer statement on drainage on site. Comments to South Norfolk by 31 December 2025 [although it is noted that the LLFA have asked for an extension to 15 January 2026].

Tel 01508 533813 / 01603 430509
planning@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

All the planning documents can be accessed here. Documents on the South Norfolk website detail this application and include:

Landscape and Visual Assessment document dated March 2025 (2025_0806-LANDSCAPE_AND_VISUAL_ASSESSMENT-8714520.pdf)

Pg5/6 offers a description of the site:

“2.2.3 The development would comprise of the following:

  • The batteries will be housed in containers running in parallel rows across the site.
  • The containers will have a maximum built form of 3m.
  • The BESS containers will require site levelling and small-scale groundworks for the implementation along with slab foundations.
  • A Developer and District Network Operator (DNO) substation compound and associated access and infrastructure.
  • Cabins including a switchgear / meter room.
  • Internal service roads will run through the site.
  • Underground and overground cabling.
  • 2m high security fencing would be erected around the site boundary to restrict access to the site with CCTV at regular intervals.
  • Associated landscape works.

2.2.4 The site would be accessed from Wymondham Road with new access roads connecting traffic from the road to the development area.

2.2.5 The development is expected to be operational for 35 years. At the end of this period, the development will be dismantled, and the site restored, or an application would be submitted to extend the life of the development….”

Pg 67 – visibility assessment for a radius of 3km from the site

Community Engagement

2025_0806-STATEMENT_OF_COMMUNITY_INVOLVEMENT-8714505Download

Dog Fouling

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The South Norfolk Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control) has been extended for a further three years. For Wreningham this relates directly to the playing field, the Reading Room and the land around the Village Hall. It is also relevant to the footpaths in and around the village. See the notice below:

Sealed PSPO4 SNCDownload
No dogs allowed sign 2025Download
Respect our space sign 2025Download

Wellbeing Champions for Wreningham

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The Mindful Towns and Villages project aims to increase the number of people within the community who have the knowledge and skills to be able to spot when someone may need support with their mental wellbeing, signposting them to supportive services as required. These people can be from community groups, small businesses, sport clubs or can be keen residents who care about the people around them. The more knowledge and confidence a community has to support mental health, the more resilient the community can become. The people trained are known as Wellbeing Champions.

Each town or village requires a minimum number of Wellbeing Champions to gain Mindful status. Wreningham requires 2 people to be trained to meet the status.

The next course is:

  • Title: Mental Health Awareness in the Community
  • Provider: South Norfolk and Broadland Council
  • Date: 18th November 2025
  • Time: 1-3pm (please arrive 10 minutes early)
  • Location: Bracon Ash and Hethel Village Hall. Hall Road, Norwich NR14

Mental Health Awareness in the Community Training

The training is 2 hours long with a break, and offers basic education about stress, different mental health conditions, why people may struggle and signs you may notice when someone is having a hard time. You will also learn how you might approach someone and start a conversation. Finally, you will learn about the Council’s Help Hub and other services that can offer support so you can effectively signpost. You will receive access to a private area on the Council’s website with further supporting website links and a supporting resource to use when having conversations.

If you are interested in booking a place, you can use the link: https://forms.office.com/e/tQasbwdFn9

They run this training monthly and move around locations between South Norfolk and Broadland. Next year’s dates will be on the booking form soon.

Any questions? Contact Emma Haughton, Mindful Towns And Villages Co-Ordinator
01603 430102 /  emma.haughton@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

Bonfire Advice

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Bonfires (and your neighbours!)

It is perfectly legal to have a bonfire and there are no restrictions as to when you can have it. However, you must comply with the Environmental Protection Act.
Following a complaint to the Parish Council and in the interest of good neighbourliness, the following might be useful:

  • Timing – Choose a good time for you and your neighbours. Avoid weekends and bank holidays!
  • Frequency – Try to have as few bonfires as possible.
  • Management – Never leave a bonfire unattended.
  • Materials – Avoid wet or green materials as they will produce excess smoke. Do not burn anything likely to produce excessive, pungent and toxic smoke, e.g. rubber and plastic.
  • Weather – Wind can blow smoke towards the neighbours; stronger winds could impact neighbours further away.
  • Brown Bins – For low levels of garden waste you may wish to consider the brown bin service from South Norfolk Council.