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 received a revised package of information, in support of the application, which has been formally consulting upon, closing on 16/09/2025. The plans and documents submitted in relation to this application can be viewed using the link at the top of this page. 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. This is also the place to make any further 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. It is not necessary to submit comments repeating what you have previously said, as any comments made to the previous consultations will be taken into consideration in the determination of this planning application.
Please note there will be no further formal consultations on this application and it will now proceed to being determined at Planning Committee on 16th October 2025, further details of this Planning Committee will be released on our website on these pages and the Committee pages Abbey Planning Committee (opens new window). The latter pages will include a Committee report, available to view 7 days before the date of the Planning Committee.
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, to allow for the Planning Committee to take place.
The Council has prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you prepare for the Planning Committee. If you are interested in attending the Planning Committee on 16th October 2025, please read our Protocol Guidance (opens in a new window)
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.
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