Local Government reorganisation

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Email dated 25 March 2026 from the Chief Executive of Norfolk CC, Tom McCabe:

The Government has confirmed plans for reorganisation and is minded to a three unitary council model for Norfolk. Subject to the required statutory and parliamentary steps, this would mean that from April 2028 three new unitary councils would replace the existing eight councils.  

What this means for Norfolk 

The new structure will include: 

  • West Norfolk Council (current local government areas of Breckland, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and 9 parishes from South Norfolk). 
  • Greater Norwich Council (current local government areas of Norwich, 19 parishes from Broadland, and 16 parishes from South Norfolk). 
  • East Norfolk Council (current local government areas of Broadland (less 19 parishes), Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, and South Norfolk (less 25 parishes)). 

While this is not the structure Norfolk County Council had proposed, we will work to collaboratively to ensure that the Government’s plan for reorganisation delivers councils that are effective, stable and sustainable, and able to work well with partners to deliver high-quality services. 

Where to find information on the announcement 

You can read the written statement from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the future of local government in Norfolk. 

Working collaboratively with partners 

We recognise the vital role Town and Parish Councils in supporting local communities. As transition planning develops, we remain committed to ensuring that we work with partners to shape arrangements that are built around communities, shaped by place, and designed to reflect how people live and thrive. 

What happens next 

Parliament must now approve the legal change that creates the new council.  

Our focus is on planning a well-governed transition that keeps services stable and running safely, while we work together to build a new unitary council structure that is stronger, simpler and better able to deliver for Norfolk. We will work collaboratively with the other Norfolk councils, partners and Government to shape the future model and maintain strong partnership working throughout. 

Throughout this period, all councils will continue to deliver business-as-usual services and meet statutory responsibilities, with no immediate changes to service delivery. 

We will provide further updates as key stages progress, and we will ensure there are opportunities for partners to stay informed and feed into emerging arrangements as they develop. 

With regards, 

Tom McCabe, Chief Executive

Executive Assistant: naomi.alden@norfolk.gov.uk

County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich. NR1 2DH

Planning Application – Fir Grove, Hethel Road

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Our ref 2026/0364

Proposal: Construction of new self-build dwelling following demolition of agricultural building
Location: Fir Grove, Hethel Road, Wreningham NR16 1BE
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Anderson
Application Type: Full Planning Permission

You can submit your comments by emailing planning@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk, online at www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk , or by post before 12 April 2026. If this is not possible or you wish to discuss the proposal before sending your comments please contact the case officer.
Please note: any comments you make will be available to view on-line.

The Farthings – a decision

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The S106 was recently signed by all the parties concerned and has triggered the planning permission for the application 2024/1135. See that link for all the documents.

We understand that work may commence on The Farthings site by end of March / beginning of April. The intention is to have the site ready (as described in the S106) for handover to the Parish Council by Autumn 2026. Work on the three buildings will commence after The Farthings work has started.

The Farthings Working Group members will be meeting next week and will be planning a public meeting for parishioners to explain the work between now and Autumn and invite their participation.

App Type : Full

Parish: Wreningham

Location : Land South West Of Hethel Road Wreningham Norfolk

Proposal : Construction of 2 bungalows & 1 chalet bungalow, along with 4.09 acres of land transferred to the Parish Council for Community Owned Land

Decision : Approval with Conditions (Delegated)

Date of decision : 24 February 2026

Planning Application – Elm Tree Farmhouse, Hethel Road

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Reference: 2026/0222

Applicant: Mr Jon Moon

Location: Land South Of Elm Tree Farmhouse, Hethel Road, Wreningham

Proposal: Approval of reserved matters for appearance, landscape, access, layout and scale following outline application 2023/2012 (see below)

Application Type: Reserved Matters

Comments to South Norfolk by 25 February 2026

Initial Planning Application

Reference: 2023/2012

Update: SNC planning have made a delegated decision for this application.
Date of decision : 17 November 2025; Decision : Approval with Conditions

Proposal: Outline permission for the erection of 1no. self-build dwelling with creation of new access (resubmitted)
Location: Land South Of Elm Tree Farmhouse Hethel Road
Applicant: Mr J Moon
Application Type: Outline Planning Permission

Comments to South Norfolk by 6 March 2025

ufm2_DL4_PC,TC_amended_plan,_infoDownload

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Norfolk

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The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) recently launched a consultation on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Norfolk. All three proposals submitted for Norfolk are now open for consultation until 11 January 2026.

The proposals:

  • South Norfolk Council’s proposal for a two-council model
  • Other districts’ proposal for a three-council model
  • Norfolk County Council’s proposal for a single unitary authority

The consultation is here: Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk and Suffolk – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Citizen Space

You are invited to respond to the consultation and to share your views. Your input will help in shaping the future of local government in Norfolk.

For more information contact

Sinead Carey, Strategic Advisor & Deputy Monitoring Officer sinead.carey@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

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

Planning application – High Common, Wymondham Road

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On 23 August 2025 planning permission was granted for a planning application (see here) “2023/3219 – Prior Approval notification application – South Of High Common Farm, Wymondham Road”. At the time of consultation, December 2023, the Parish Council commented and stated its opposition to the application.

On 2 October 2025 a new planning application was received by South Norfolk Council – 2025/3096 “Demolition of agricultural building and erection of five dwellings and associated change of use of land from agricultural to private amenity”. We had not been advised about this latest planning application.

Those passing by the area will see that the farmhouse has been demolished and an access road is being created from the site to Wymondham Road. The Parish Council is seeking clarification from South Norfolk Council about the status of this latest planning application and the works already undertaken.