Broads Society Heritage Programmes

Much of the Broads living landscape can rightfully be regarded as an important part of Britain’s cultural heritage. The rivers and estuaries may have run across the wetlands from time immemorial but most of the 40 or so broads themselves are the flooded remains of man-made peat quarries that fed the fires of East Anglia and further afield for centuries. The Romans dug for peat here almost two millennia ago, but the industry peaked between the 12th and 14th centuries when drainage for agriculture and sheep-farming saw a boom in the wool industry. The huge wealth at that time also created what is said to be the highest density of churches anywhere in the world – there are over 650 of them in Norfolk!

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In the Broads Society we campaign with like-minded partners, particularly the Campaign for National Parks, to make sure that planning controls are fit for purpose in an area that is the equivalent of a national park. Most recently this saw us contacting Norfolk MPs to revisit  plans to relax the rules on conversion of farm buildings to residential or other use.

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Each week our team of volunteer experts scrutinise planning proposals received at the Broads Authority and either support, oppose or recommend changes, based on a deep understanding of planning regulations and a determination to retain the Broads heritage as we know and love it. Our members include more than a dozen Parish Councils who seek our help and advice on such matters from time to time.

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Details of our heritage programmes and campaigns can be found below.