SWANTON MORLEY
PARISH COUNCIL
Welcome to Swanton Morley
The future of Robertson Barracks.
As part of a wider £5.1bn investment programme to deliver a modern and sustainable estate for the military to live and train on, Robertson Barracks has been identified as surplus to military requirements and is expected to close in 2031. This provides a potential opportunity to create an integrated, new, rural community that will continue to be part of Norfolk life when the army leaves.
The team
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is the estate expert for defence, supporting the armed forces to enable military capability by planning, building, maintaining, and servicing infrastructure. The DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The DIO has appointed a professional team of consultants to look at the opportunity and to undertake detailed feasibility studies on future options for Robertson Barracks.
Planning and Property Consultants responsible for site promotion, local plan engagement with Breckland District Council, and preparing any future planning application once the site is available for development.
Masterplanner and Architect responsible for working with the community to create a masterplan for the site.
Sustainability and Transport Consultants responsible for undertaking all feasibility studies to support any future plans.
Community Engagement Consultants responsible for engaging with the local community and consultation on future options for the site.
For more information and any updates please visit:
https://robertson-barracks.co.uk/learn-more/
Breckland District Council Local plan.
The council's planning policy documents set the strategic context for development in the District. These include governing the decisions made on planning applications and which types of development are suitable for each area. It is a key document that guides development in the District over the next 20 years.
The National Planning Policy Framework sets an expectation that each Local Planning Authority (LPA) should produce a single Local Plan which sets out the strategic planning priorities for the District.
Following the Examination in April 2023, the Council received the final Inspector's Report in respect of the Examination of the Partial Update and the Inspector found the review to be 'sound'.
The Breckland Local Plan (as amended by the Partial Update) was adopted at Council on 21 September 2023.
Breckland District Council Local Plan
Breckland District Council Local Plan Review 2024
In September 2022, Breckland Council agreed to undertake a review of the Adopted Local Plan 2019. The Council agreed a revised timetable for this in November 2023.
The Review is a Full Update of the Plan that will roll forward the plan to 2046, including the allocation of new developments and reviewing other policies as necessary.
The Council has completed a Partial Update of the Local Plan on Policy INF 03.
Breckland Council Local Plan review page
Additional information for residents
Breckland Council Strategic Infrastructure Plan
Swanton Morley Parish Council response to Breckland District Council's Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation
"Roger Atterwill, Chairman of Swanton Morley Parish Council said, the Parish Council commissioned an independent analysis of Breckland Council's local development plan proposals. This detailed 126 page report was discussed at length and unanimously agreed by Parish Councillors at our meeting held on Monday 8th July. This has been submitted to Breckland Council. The report provides detailed analysis of Breckland's proposed development policies and constructive observations and response concerning the future of Robertson Barracks. We are aware that this brownfield site could be utilised by the Government for prison or immigration purposes but the Parish Council feels that it has a lot of potential for both housing and employment growth. This would be our preferred option. There are many existing technical buildings which could be repurposed to create business premises and the Parish Council understands the potential the site has to create jobs for local people. We will continue to work constructively with Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Breckland Council in the months and years ahead."
SMPC Response concerning the future of Robertson Barracks