By Geoff Fisher 
There are a lot of changes happening in local government and some changes not happening. Or will they? Who knows?
Lets talk about what is 100% happening.
Planning is under a lot of focus as the government looks to make it “easier” for building to happen.
First, there is the refresh and tidying up of the National Planning Policy Framework – not the most exciting item, but if you ever wish to object or support a planning application, quoting an item from this document will help you in your cause. Please ensure you use the most up-to-date citations (as of 17 August) in this LINK.
Next is planning committee reforms or Town and Country Planning Regulations 2026 (England). This one I’m unhappy about – I’ll explain.
There are some good items. These reforms mean that councillors sitting on planning committees will be required to have additional training. They already receive a lot and this additional requirement will assist councillors.
The key item is that applications will be marked as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. Schedule 1, classed as minor applications, will solely be decided by officers. Schedule 2 can go to committee if they cause what is considered significant impact, which is measured via a new gateway test.
In my view, this risks making it harder for genuine, valid concerns on applications to be called in or local residents having true influence on applications in the future. Time will tell and I may be wrong. Details are HERE.
The next item is planning powers for mayors. As you may know, Norfolk and Suffolk are getting a combined mayor, and there is currently an open consultation on whether they should have powers for planning for larger schemes only, but for me again this takes away power and input from local residents. It is open until 5 October and you can air your views HERE.
The final item I wish to mention is the Greater Norwich Local Plan – its first consultation is now open until 28 September. Its comments are on the backbone of the plan, not on specific sites as yet as they have not been assessed or vetted – this will happen over the next six months and residents can comment in early summer 2027.
Reepham has six sites put forward; I stress again they have not been assessed. Details of the sites are HERE.
With Reepham’s road layout a lot of thought is needed prior to anything being agreed, and I would encourage everyone to have their views taken into consideration.
We all know that Norfolk needs more homes – if they are well situated, have good access and supportive facilities then most residents can get behind them and see the benefits to a local area.
Now, what isn’t happening (yet).
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) has been halted for 14 areas across the UK. The official reason given is a new Minister, a new Prime Minister and a review of what is happening. For Norfolk this means the Broadland District Council elections will happen in May 2027.
Its anyone’s guess; mine is that LGR will carry on until possibly 2028 or even 2029.
Norfolk has had the same set of councils since 1974, so much has changed − demographic, population, infrastructure, technology and so on. A review and a change is needed, many agree on that. What that looks like is where the debate really happens. Let’s see what is presented.
If anyone wishes to discuss any of the above, my contact details are below.
Cllr Dave Thomas
Tel: 07903 820140
Email: dave.broadlandlibdems@gmail.com