Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 14, 2025

Purpose: To confirm the methodology to be adopted to determine the position of parishes within the Breckland Local Plan Review Settlement Hierarchy.

Content:  RESOLVED that:   1.    Cabinet approved the Town and Parish Settlement Hierarchy and its methodology as evidence to support the emerging development strategy.   2.    Delegated authority to the Director of Planning to make minor non-material consequential changes to the documents as necessary.

Reasons for the decision: The new Parish Settlement Hierarchy has been informed by feedback and local knowledge from public consultation and a review of other Local Planning Authority methodologies. The new methodology provides a more sophisticated and robust means of identifying a settlement hierarchy for sustainable growth. The new Parish Settlement Hierarchy will inform the Local Plan’s growth strategy and key policies within it.

Alternative options considered: Option 1: To adopt the Parish Settlement Hierarchy which would support the development strategy for the Local Plan and the Local Development Scheme.   Option 2: Not to adopt the Parish Settlement Hierarchy. This would impact the development strategy and therefore delay the Local Plan.