People from all over the world have come to settle in the Breckland district for hundreds of years. This has created the rich and diverse community in which we live and work today.
Breckland is one of the largest rural districts in England, covering over 1,305 square kilometres, and is one of the most sparsely populated (0.9 people per hectare). There is a dispersed settlement pattern across the district with 50% of the population living in the 5 market towns – Attleborough, Dereham, Thetford, Swaffham and Watton. The other 50% is spread across 107 rural parishes that vary in size from a population of 20 in Stanford to 2,932 in Scarning – over half having a population of less than 500.
The residents of Breckland tend to identify with one of the five market towns, which are an essential component of the economic and social structure by acting as service centres to their hinterlands. Alongside this geographical and social diversity, each town is very different and has its own history and character.
Based on an assessment of local needs and aspirations,balanced with an understanding of national objectives, we have determined three priorities:
- a well-planned place to live which encourages vibrant communities
- a safe and healthy environment
- a prosperous place to work and live
We will continue to make these priorities the centre of all our work.
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