Planning Consultants in Norfolk
Cedar Planning is a planning consultancy based in Norfolk and led by an RTPI chartered town planner. We serve developers, landowners, architects, homeowners and businesses across Norwich, South Norfolk, Broadland, Breckland, North Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and West Norfolk.
We understand the county's distinctive planning issues - from Nutrient Neutrality and GIRAMS, sensitive landscapes and Norfolk's evolving Local Plan framework - and use that local knowledge to provide practical, policy-led advice.
- Local planning advice
- Fixed fee quotations
- Norfolk wide support
Planning in Norfolk Is Not Like Planning Anywhere Else
The Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) has reshaped the policy context for housing across Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland, introducing new strategic allocations and infrastructure requirements that directly affect viability and design expectations.
North Norfolk's Local Plan covers one of England's most sensitive coastal and landscape environments, with character and design policies that require careful navigation. West Norfolk and King's Lynn coastal areas are also heavily constrained, but opportunities remain. The Breckland Local Plan directs the majority of development to five key Market Towns, with distinct policies on rural housing, employment land and settlement boundaries.
The planning landscape in Norfolk is also changing significantly. The government's revised National Planning Policy Framework has important implications for how Norfolk's councils plan for housing and development needs, with Local Government Reorganisation also adding further complexity.
Read our latest Norfolk planning update
A practical update on the latest Local Plan position across Norfolk and what it could mean for sites, development proposals and planning applications.
Read the blog postNorfolk specific issues we regularly deal with
River Wensum and Broads catchment mitigation credits — we advise on compliance strategies.
Calculating and managing the necessary tariff for residential sites near internationally designated habitats.
Deep knowledge of Greater Norwich, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland, North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth planning policy.
Specialist understanding of the distinct policies governing Norfolk's most sensitive and protected landscapes.
Cedar Planning is not a national agency parachuting into Norfolk from outside. We live locally, regularly work with Norfolk's planning authorities, and understand what officers and councillors here expect. That local knowledge is a genuine advantage for your planning application, appeal or site promotion strategy.
Proud members of the Norfolk Business Community
Cedar Planning is proud to be a member of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. As a locally based planning consultancy, we value being part of the wider Norfolk business community while providing professional planning advice to homeowners, developers, landowners, architects and businesses across the county.
Every Corner of Norfolk Covered
As a Norfolk based planning consultancy we cover every district in the county. Whether your project is a rural barn conversion in Breckland, a new-build dwelling in a North Norfolk coastal village, a commercial development near the A11 corridor in South Norfolk, or a sensitive infill site within the Broads Authority area, Cedar Planning have you covered.
Broadland & South Norfolk
Key towns in Broadland include Sprowston, Thorpe St Andrew, Aylsham, and Reepham. In South Norfolk, Wymondham, Diss, Harleston, Long Stratton and Loddon. Expert guidance on Greater Norwich Local Plan strategy and rural housing sites.
Breckland
Key towns include Thetford, Dereham, Swaffham, Attleborough and Watton, plus the Brecks. Guidance on the Breckland Local Plan, rural housing and settlement boundaries.
Breckland AdviceNorwich City Council
Key areas include Norwich City Centre, Golden Triangle, Costessey, and Hellesdon. Specialised in urban infill, change of use, and heritage assets.
Norwich PlanningNorth Norfolk Council
Key towns include Cromer, Sheringham, Fakenham, Holt, and North Walsham. Managing complex coastal policies, AONB restrictions, and tourism growth.
North Norfolk AdviceGreat Yarmouth Borough
Key towns include Great Yarmouth, Gorleston-on-Sea, and Caister-on-Sea. Supporting commercial redevelopments, flood risk schemes, and urban planning.
Great Yarmouth AdviceKing's Lynn & West Norfolk
Key towns include King's Lynn, Hunstanton, and Downham Market. Promoting strategic agricultural conversion, rural schemes, and local plan call for sites.
West Norfolk AdviceThe Broads (Broads Authority)
The Broads Authority is its own planning authority for the rivers, broads and riverside land across Norfolk and north Suffolk, with National Park-level protection and its own Local Plan.
Broads AdviceWe cover all of Norfolk, including urban areas, rural villages and more sensitive protected landscapes as well as neighbouring counties of Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
View LocationsOur Norfolk Planning Consultancy Services
Cedar Planning delivers expert locally-based planning consultancy across Norfolk. We pride ourselves on helping developers, landowners, architects and homeowners navigate the complexities of the planning system. If you are looking for expert help and guidance use the links below for more information.
Norfolk Planning Applications
Residential new builds, barn conversions, infill plots, householder extensions and commercial developments all across Norfolk. We manage the whole process from pre-application advice through to officer engagement and decision.
View servicePlanning Appeals
If your Norfolk planning application has been refused, we can challenge the decision through written representations, or hearings and public inquiries where required.
View servicePlanning Objections
Professional planning objections that engage with local policy, material planning considerations and the specific requirements of your Norfolk LPA.
View servicePlanning Feasibility Studies
Understand your site's potential before committing budget to architects and detailed design. We assess policy constraints, site-specific risks, and realistic prospects.
View servicePlanning Statements
Compelling policy narratives tailored to Norfolk LPA requirements, helping to justify development proposals clearly and professionally.
View serviceHeritage Statements
Heritage statements to support your application in Conservation Areas or in close proximity to a listed building.
View serviceWhy Clients Choose Cedar Planning in Norfolk
Homeowners, developers and landowners across Norfolk choose Cedar Planning because we combine the qualifications of an RTPI chartered town planner with day-to-day knowledge of the county's planning authorities.
Unlike national firms who treat Norfolk as just another location, we are based in Norfolk and work directly with Norfolk's local planning authorities, from Norwich City Council and South Norfolk to North Norfolk District Council and the Broads Authority.
Whether you are applying for planning permission in Norfolk for a new build, extension, change of use or rural development, you will receive honest upfront advice, a fixed fee with no hidden costs, and a planner who is as invested in your project as you are.
RTPI Chartered
Your application is handled by a Chartered Town Planner, not a generalist consultant.
Based in Norfolk
We live and work in Norfolk and deal with Norfolk's councils every week. We know what officers expect and how each authority applies its policies.
Fixed Fees, No Surprises
Clear pricing agreed in writing before work starts, so you can budget with confidence.
Every Norfolk Council Covered
South Norfolk, Broadland, Breckland, North Norfolk, King's Lynn & West Norfolk, Norwich City, Great Yarmouth and the Broads Authority.
Norfolk Chambers Member
Members of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and part of Norfolk's wider business community.
Norfolk Planning Guides and Updates
Our latest guidance on the policies and issues shaping planning decisions across Norfolk.
Norfolk Planning FAQs
Answers to the questions we are most often asked about planning in Norfolk.
Do you cover the whole of Norfolk?
Yes. We are based in Norfolk and work with all of Norfolk's planning authorities: Norwich City, South Norfolk, Broadland, Breckland, North Norfolk, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn & West Norfolk and the Broads Authority. We also cover neighbouring parts of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
How does nutrient neutrality affect planning applications in Norfolk?
Since Natural England's advice in March 2022, new overnight accommodation, including new homes, in the River Wensum and Broads catchments has had to show it will not add nutrient pollution to protected habitats. Natural England is now consulting on a draft Environmental Delivery Plan that would let eligible housing pay a fixed Nature Restoration Levy instead. Read our nutrient neutrality update.
What is GIRAMS and does it apply to my project?
GIRAMS is Norfolk's Green Infrastructure and Recreational Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy. It is a per-dwelling payment for new homes, and some tourist accommodation, that funds mitigation of recreational pressure on Norfolk's protected wildlife sites. We confirm whether it applies and how it is secured as part of your application.
Which Local Plan applies to my site?
It depends on the council. Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland share the Greater Norwich Local Plan, adopted in March 2024 and now under review as GNLP 2045. King's Lynn & West Norfolk adopted a replacement Local Plan in March 2025, and Breckland, North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth each have their own plans. See our Norfolk Local Plans update.
Who decides planning applications in the Broads?
The Broads Authority is the local planning authority for the Broads, so applications there are decided by the Broads Authority under its own Local Plan rather than by the district council. Its policies on landscape, flood risk and navigation need careful handling.
How much does a planning consultant in Norfolk cost?
Every project is different, so we give you a fixed-fee quote once we understand your site and what you want to achieve. The fee is agreed in writing before any work starts, and there are no hourly charges.
Get a Free Quote
Fill out the form below to receive a no obligation quote or general advice for your scheme.
Or alternatively, send us an email at info@cedarplanning.co.uk with the relevant information.
Based in Norfolk, Cedar Planning provides expert planning advice from a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI). We manage Planning Applications, prepare bespoke Planning Statements and Heritage Statements, and support clients through Planning Appeals for all forms of development in Norwich, South Norfolk, Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn & West Norfolk and North Norfolk.