Abbey Thetford

Breckland Council received and made valid an outline planning application reference 3PL/2024/0394/O (opens new window), relating to the Abbey Estate in Thetford on 30th April 2024 for:

'Outline planning permission for demolition and phased development of residential units (up to 500 units uplift) including special care units and HMOs (Classes C3, C2 and C4) and up to 1,600 sq. metres of flexible floor space for purposes within Class E (commercial, business and service), Class F1 (Learning and non-residential institutions), Class F2 (Local Community) and sui generis uses (launderette and hot food takeaways); external alterations to existing properties; together with associated highway, engineering and landscape works. All detailed matters except access points at boundary approved for future determination'.

This is proposed as a phased development comprising additional homes, external alterations to existing properties, and flexible floor space for commercial, business and service purposes - including sites of learning and community assets such as a launderette and takeaways. In addition, the proposal puts forward plans for highway, engineering and landscaping works.

This is an outline application, which means all detailed matters except for access points at the boundary would be put forward for consideration at a future point.

Since validation of the Planning Application the Council has held one formal consultation with statutory consultees and members of the public, all comments received can be viewed online through the link above.

UPDATE: August 2025

The Council has received a revised package of information, in support of the application, which we will also be formally consulting upon.  This consultation will take place in the same way as we consulted the first time round.  The consultation will include letters going to all properties within the Estate and those properties immediately adjoining the application site boundary, as well as a number of site notices being placed around the estate alongside a Press Notice in the Eastern Daily Press.  The plans and documents submitted in relation to this application can be viewed using the link at the top of this page.  This is also the place to make any comments on the application.  If you do wish to comment you will be required to register. Details on how to register are available on our web page: Planning Application Search  Please note this is likely to be the final public consultation we will do in this way.  Please also be advised it is not necessary to submit comments repeating what you have previously said, as any comments made to the previous consultation will be taken into consideration in the determination of this planning application.

In the event further information or amendments are submitted, as part of this application, we will update the above-mentioned web page and the revised plans/documents will be available to view on the website, at the appropriate time.

Please note we have formally agreed with the applicants to extend the Planning Application, details of which can be viewed on the application web page.

Once the information submitted has been consulted upon and assessed, the application will be determined at Planning Committee. 

Please note within the package of information submitted, the applicants have prepared a Cover Letter and Planning Statement, both available to view on our Public Portal (opens new window).  These documents will reference any new material, where to find it and how it has been prepared in response to comments received in the first consultation.  These are key documents in understanding the new material and where to find it.

Any queries regarding the application or the documentation therein please direct these to Planning@breckland.gov.uk.  However, if you wish to comment on the planning application, please use the link above.  It is not necessary to submit comments repeating what you have previously said, as any comments made to the previous consultation will be taken into consideration in the determination of this planning application.