Crown Estate and Pigeon work up 700-acre scheme

Thetford plans 350

The Crown Estate and development partner Pigeon are working up one of the largest privately funded schemes in the UK since the recession.


A planning application has been submitted to Breckland district council for a 700-acre scheme in Thetford, Norfolk.


The plans include 5,000 homes, 50 acres of commercial space, three primary schools and community and leisure facilities.


Pigeon said the site is within commutable distance from Cambridge and Norwich, while Centre Parcs is 5 miles to the south.


The plans had included 6,000 homes but, following an 18-month public consultation, the number was reduced. Other amendments include retaining large areas of woodland.


Pigeon director William van Cutsem said: “We have engaged extensively with the local community and the feedback received has been extremely useful in helping us finalise our proposals.


“The resulting plans will provide a new neighbourhood that everyone locally can be proud of and that will make a positive contribution to the future of Thetford.”


Savills is acting as planning adviser. Associate Will Lusty said: “The planning application has now been validated by Breckland council.


“This has been testament to all involved, with this being a significant, complex application, dealing with various considerations, including environment and habitat regulations and infrastructure provision.”


Nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com


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