Traffic restrictions and roadworks starting within the next week for the Reepham district have been issued by one.network.

Cawston Road, Salle
14 September – 18 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Orsted Hornsea Project Three (Uk) Limited
Works reference: P300173529895

Church Road, Bintree
17 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC411NL001WGSNVN4T

Whitwell Road, Reepham
17 September – 21 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804355982KIRM

Mill Road, Reepham
17 September – 21 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804346353KIRM

Smugglers Lane, Reepham
17 September – 21 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344508KIRM

Highfield Close, Foulsham
17 September – 21 September
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168899758_G

Holt Road, Heydon
20 September – 21 September
Other, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: ARN-2600-60291934

Rabbit Lane, Great Witchingham
22 September – 25 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD01310811667

Mill Street, Elsing
23 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU8014160KISC

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 14 September appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

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

The post Planning reforms accelerate as reorganisation stalls again appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Traffic restrictions and roadworks starting within the next week for the Reepham district have been issued by one.network.

Lyng Road, Sparham
07 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC008PLT3164001130032025

Holt Road, Heydon
08 September – 10 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804375037KIRM

Norwich Road, Corpusty
08 September – 10 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804375038KIRM

Station Road, Reepham
09 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG031CF46366

Fakenham Road, Bintree
09 September – 10 September
Other, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: ARN-2600-80306478

Whitwell Street, Reepham
10 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC411NL001WGRHW87X

Chapel Close, Reepham
10 September
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG031CF48305

Cawston Road, Salle
14 September – 18 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Orsted Hornsea Project Three (Uk) Limited
Works reference: P300173529895

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 7 September appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Bircham Centre’s Walled Garden Talks have returned this September, offering four short lunchtime talks under the theme “Finding Your Direction”.

The first session has already taken place, but three further talks – each exploring a different way of navigating life, creativity and heritage – will run over the coming weeks.

Set in the Bircham Centre’s peaceful walled garden (entrance via the gate in Pudding Pie Alley, between the centre and the King’s Arms, Market Place, Reepham), each talk begins at 12 noon, lasts around 20 minutes and includes time for questions.

Admission is free and there is no need to book; visitors are encouraged to bring a drink, a friend and simply drop in.

Upcoming talks

Tuesday 8 September – Jon Ford: Finding Your Direction Through Adversity 

Jon Ford’s route into teaching – and eventually becoming a head teacher – was anything but straightforward. After a difficult childhood and a period of homelessness, he found a new direction that reshaped his future. In this personal and uplifting talk, Jon reflects on the people and experiences that helped him rebuild his life and support young people to find their own paths.

Tuesday 15 September – Helen Lindsay, Conservation: The Power of the ‘Real Thing’ 

Paper conservation specialist Helen Lindsay will explore why original objects, documents and artefacts held in museums, archives and libraries matter. She will discuss how encountering the real thing deepens our understanding of the past and why preserving these collections is vital for future generations.

Tuesday 22 September – Jessica Perry: Drawing Discoveries 

Artist Jessica Perry will share how her drawing practice has shifted from tight illustration to playful experimentation. She will discuss how this change has opened up new ways of thinking about nature, climate and the garden – and how creative exploration can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Whether you’re drawn to personal stories, heritage, art or simply fancy learning something new at lunchtime, the organisers say everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the garden.

Photo: Bircham Centre

The post Walled garden talks focus on finding your direction appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Reepham Housing Trust is a not‑for‑profit organisation that owns and manages eight architect‑designed bungalows in Sun Barn Walk.

Built specifically for older residents and those with limited mobility, the homes include features such as wheelchair‑accessible toilets and shower rooms, along with:

• individual air source heat pumps for heating and hot water
• a raised flower bed for each property
• well‑maintained communal gardens
• a fully equipped garden room providing a shared social space for residents.

To raise awareness locally, the trust is distributing a new leaflet around Reepham in community venues, the medical practice and the pharmacy. A PDF version will also be available on the Reepham Town Council website.

The bungalows are offered at modest, affordable rents to older people or those with limited mobility and who have a personal or family connection to Reepham. Rents are reviewed annually and set at affordable levels.

This affordability is possible because the trust is run entirely by volunteer trustees, who commission qualified tradespeople to maintain, repair and improve the properties as needed.

“Like many small local organisations, we now need new trustees to ensure this invaluable community resource continues to thrive,” said chairperson Nichola Johnson.

“We meet four times a year and appreciate that everyone has busy lives, but becoming a trustee isn’t too onerous – and it makes a very real contribution to the local community.”

Anyone interested in becoming a trustee, or in finding out more about renting a bungalow, is invited to get in touch by email.

Photo: Reepham Housing Trust

The post Housing trust seeks new trustees appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Reepham & District Rotary Club has presented a Community Champion Award to Lucy Smith, aged 10, recognising her remarkable fundraising efforts for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of her grandfather, Derek Easton.

Lucy attended the club meeting on Monday 24 August, where she spoke about her plant stall on Cawston Road, Reepham. She sells a wide variety of plants – many grown herself, with others donated – and has now raised more than £25,000 for the charity.

Rotary members praised Lucy’s enthusiasm, commitment and resilience, particularly her determination to keep the stall going through recent heat and drought. Club president the Ven Arthur Hawes presented a donation to support her ongoing fundraising.

The Rotary Club also noted recent contributions from its Community Fund, which has supported Reepham Scouts, the Bircham Centre and the Reepham & District Photographic Club in recent months.

Photo: John Tym

The post Young fundraiser honoured with Community Champion Award appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Traffic restrictions and roadworks starting within the next week for the Reepham district have been issued by one.network.

Fakenham Road, Lenwade
01 September – 02 September
Other, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: ARN-2600-41334380

Crown Meadow, Reepham
01 September – 03 September
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-01

Station Road, Reepham
01 September – 08 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-02

Stony Lane, Reepham
01 September – 08 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-03

Fakenham Road, Bintree
03 September – 04 September
Other, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: ARN-2600-80306478

Lyng Road, Sparham
07 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC008PLT3164001130032025

Station Road, Reepham
09 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG031CF46366

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 31 August appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Broomhill Lane in Reepham is set for major traffic calming as Norfolk County Council approves a package of measures linked to the 141‑home Lovell Homes development.

The road next to Reepham High School will see its speed limit cut from 30 mph to 20 mph, with full‑width sinusoidal speed humps installed to reduce vehicle noise.

Double yellow lines will be added along the length of the lane, at the Whitwell Road junction and at the entrance to the new estate, while the southern footpath will be upgraded to a shared pedestrian‑and‑cycle route.

The works will be funded by the developer as part of the planning conditions attached to the scheme.

See the EDP story HERE.

Photo: Richard Taylor

The post 20 mph limit and new traffic calming set for Broomhill Lane appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Traffic restrictions and roadworks starting within the next week for the Reepham district have been issued by one.network.

Wood Dalling Road, Reepham
24 August – 26 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU803369640KIPA

Norwich Road, Booton
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344421KIRM

Heydon Road, Heydon
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344119KIRM

Blackwater Lane, Heydon
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804361224KIRM

Heydon Lane, Heydon
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804333928KIRM

Crow Hill, Wood Dalling
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344236KIRM

Guton Hall Lane, Brandiston
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344418KIRM

Porters Lane, Lenwade
27 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU8014197KISC

Church Hill, Wood Dalling
28 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC008PLT3164250830032025

Fakenham Road, Great Witchingham
28 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG054IPSUM0173-NR95QS

Bircham Road, Reepham
28 August – 02 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU803381208KIPA

Crown Meadow, Reepham
01 September – 03 September
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-01

Station Road, Reepham
01 September – 08 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-02

Stony Lane, Reepham
01 September – 08 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-03

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 24 August appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Greater Norwich authorities have begun work on a new Local Plan for 2045, prompted by national planning reforms and changes to the government’s method for calculating housing need.

As part of the early stages, the GNLP review team has launched its Scoping Consultation, inviting comments from anyone with an interest in the plan area, which covers Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk.

Several Broadland communities – including Cawston, Foulsham, Great Witchingham/Lenwade, Reepham and Weston Longville – feature in the list of proposed sites now under assessment. The results will feed into a full public consultation planned for June/July 2027.

The GNLP 2045 Scoping Consultation runs from 17 August to 28 September, closing at 5 pm, and responses can be submitted online. To respond, click HERE.

An 8.71-hectare area of land north of Dereham Road, Reepham, is proposed for a major housing development. Image: Greater Norwich Plan Local Plan 2045

The post GNLP 2045 scoping consultation now open appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.