News

The future of the Abbey estate in Thetford is being shaped with the community as the latest stage of consultation gives residents another opportunity to have their say and develop ideas further.

In the third stage of a comprehensive consultation process, Abbey residents are once again being invited to share their thoughts on a range of improvements that would bring long-term, sustainable benefits to their estate.

This latest stage comes after 588 people gave their views in previous consultation between July and August, the feedback from which revealed some of the key priorities for local residents. This included the need for better parking on the estate and a desire for improved facilities for young people: 71% of respondents said they wanted better facilities for play on the Abbey.

The findings also revealed what matters to local people when it comes to their homes, with being close to parking spaces, and having easy access to their property coming out as most important.

Now, this latest consultation focuses on priorities identified by the community including parking, front gardens, new homes, back gardens, and communal green space.  A detailed brochure has been sent to everyone who has a home on the Abbey providing information on possible improvements around each of these themes and seeking people’s views.

The consultation is being led by Flagship Group and Peter Hawes, Chairman of Flagship said: “We had a fantastic response to our last consultation in the summer and we’re so grateful to everyone who took their time to share their thoughts with us.

 “We’ve listened to what the community has told us and this time, we’re sharing more detail on possible improvements around some of the things that matter most to residents.

 "The ideas we’ve put forward are based upon community feedback and are designed to address the challenges that local people have told us about.

“We’ve been speaking to residents since 2019 and we know that whilst the Abbey has a fantastic community spirit, there are significant issues too – which is why we are so committed to tackling these and bringing meaningful improvements to benefit today’s and tomorrow’s residents.

“I would urge people to once again, please do get involved in the consultation and have your say - we need your help to shape the future together.”

People can have their say online here: Give My View or in the survey that was sent out with the brochure. And, residents wanting to find out more can also come along to information sessions taking place on the following dates:

• 2pm – 4pm: Monday 18 October
• 2pm – 4pm: Thursday 21 October

Information sessions were also held on Saturday 9 October and Tuesday 12 October.

To ensure that the Flagship team can speak to people on a 121 basis, and to still be Covid-safe, numbers are limited in the information sessions. Residents wishing to guarantee their place and time, can pre-book their attendance by adding their name to the sign-up sheets displayed at the neighbourhood centre or by getting in touch on 0808 169 9301 or abbeyengagement@flagship.co.uk

The deadline for people to have their say online or in the paper survey is Monday 25 October.

Flagship is committed to working with community partners and organisations, including Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council. In November 2019, Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council agreed to work collaboratively with Flagship Group for the Abbey estate.

Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for growing the economy, deputy leader Councillor Graham Plant, said: “I’m keen to hear the views of Abbey estate residents, to inform this great opportunity to improve the estate and the local area.”

Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth at Breckland Council, commented: “It has been great to see so many people taking part in Flagship’s previous consultations and how their feedback has already helped to shape the proposals. The latest consultation is a fantastic opportunity for residents to continue to refine the plans for the area so I urge people to take part.”

To help to arrive at an option for the estate, Flagship Group will continue with consultation throughout autumn. Any resident wishing to find out more throughout this process can do so by visiting - www.givemyview/abbeyestate or Abbey Engagement Updates | Facebook