Housing strategies and policies

Read our latest strategic policies, learn about the custom/self-build register, download our local housing profile, and explore Help to Buy

Homeless and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020 to 2025 (PDF) [816KB] (opens new window)

Allocations Policy

Breckland Council's Allocations policy explains how we assess applications to the housing register, how we decide on an applicants' priority and how applicants can apply for social housing for rent.

We spent time speaking with partners and support organisations in 2023 to understand how the policy could change to enable council officers to focus more time on people with the greatest need whilst, at the same time, ensuring applicants are aware of the challenges that face them and are realistic about their chances of being housed through the housing register.

In December 2023 and January 2024 we carried out a public consultation on the proposed changes and then finalised the new policy, taking these into account.  The key changes, along with the reasons, can be found here:  Key changes and amendments to the Housing Allocations Policy April 2024 (PDF) [108KB] (opens new window) .

The new policy was adopted by the council's Cabinet in February 2024 and came into force on the 1^st April 2024.  The policy is available here:  Breckland Council Allocations Policy (PDF) [482KB] (opens new window) .

All applications from this date are assessed according to the new policy.

Existing applications will be re-assessed between April and September and the applicants will be contacted directly.  This will result on one of the following:

a)    Cancellation of the application;

b)    Change of banding (this could be up or down) or

c)     Change of band effective date;

Custom and self-build register

This register will help inform the council of the level of demand for custom and self-build build plots in the Breckland area. It may also enable the council to develop a strategy for matching people to plots in their area.

You can join the register if you are:

• Aged 18 or over.
• A British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the UK, or a national of Switzerland.
• Seeking to acquire a serviced plot of land in the Breckland area to build a home to occupy as your sole or main residence.

Register your interest in a serviced custom or self build plot (opens new window).

By signing up, you will help us find out more about the demand for custom and self build plots in Breckland, including what sort of plot people would like, where people would like their plot to be and the type of home that they would like to build.

We will use the information to explore ways in which it might be possible for people and plots to be brought together. However, registration does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified, or become available.

Further information and advice

Visit the Self Build Portal for more information on custom and self-build (opens new window).

You are able to  view information about people already on the register (PDF) [97KB] (opens new window)  and their requirements.

Local housing profile

Breckland's dashboard provides useful information about housing in our areas. Data is available for all parishes in the Breckland area. 

Download the local housing profile data (Excel spreadsheet) [354KB] (opens new window) .

If you have any queries, please email the Enabling team (housingenabler@breckland.gov.uk).

Help to Buy and shared ownership

The Help to Buy scheme has now closed, and any queries regarding existing homes should be passed to your management agent. 

Various other shared ownership schemes continue in operation, and the majority of homes on these will be advertised via local estate agents and property portals.  In general, those with a local connection to Breckland and a modest, regular income are eligible.

The Breckland Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2017 to 2021 has expired.

Our emerging Housing Strategy is underway and will provide a broad and complex view of how we can proactively increase the quality and delivery of homes across our district. The document will be informed by a large evidence base including:

• The Local Plan
• Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA)
• Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA)

Stakeholder engagement on the emerging strategy is scheduled to took place throughout January to March 2024. The outcomes of this are now being reviewed and the draft strategy is being developed.  It is hoped that the document will be ready to publish in Summer 2024. Should you have any comments or questions regarding this work, please email Lisa Farrington, Strategic Housing Policy Manger (lisa.farrington@breckland.gov.uk).

Breckland Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2017 to 2021 (PDF) [2MB] (opens new window)