Decision

The Cabinet has decided to approve the methodology for determining the position of parishes within the Breckland Local Plan Review Settlement Hierarchy.

Analysis

outcome: The Cabinet approved the Town and Parish Settlement Hierarchy and its methodology as evidence to support the emerging development strategy.

summary: The decision at stake is the methodology to determine the position of parishes within the Breckland Local Plan Review Settlement Hierarchy.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the methodology for determining the position of parishes within the Breckland Local Plan Review Settlement Hierarchy.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves determining the hierarchy of settlements for sustainable growth, which could impact local stakeholders and development plans.

affected_stakeholders: ["Local residents", "Town and Parish Councils", "Developers"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.breckland.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2482

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

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

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

Date of Decision: July 14, 2025