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Breckland Council Blocks £250m Abbey Estate Redevelopment in Thetford

Councillors said the scheme's social and emotional harm to residents outweighed its planning benefits.

Overview

  • The planning committee refused permission after a lengthy hearing, concluding the project’s disruption, stress and risk to community cohesion would outweigh any gains.
  • Flagship’s £250m, 20-year proposal for the 1,100-home estate sought to demolish hundreds of properties and deliver about 500 additional homes through phased rebuilding.
  • Residents who campaigned against the plan celebrated, citing years of uncertainty over potential compulsory purchases, loss of green space and prolonged construction impacts.
  • Flagship said it respects the decision and will review next steps, including a possible appeal or revised proposals, while pledging to keep working to improve the estate.
  • Critics accused multiple landowners of allowing long-term neglect, leaving unresolved questions over maintenance and how to tackle housing need and disrepair without wholesale demolition.