Consultation Hub

Norfolk County Council asked for feedback on proposed improvements to the Market Place in Dereham. The aim of the scheme is to improve how buses serve the town, including the capacity, safety and accessibility of the busy bus stops, as well as reducing congestion in the town centre area for everyone. Making it easier for people to cross over the Market Place to access shops, amenities and bus services. 

57% of responders liked or liked very much the BSIP objectives of improving bus journey times and reliability of services and with the majority (54%) of respondents saying the agreed or strongly agreed with our proposals.

Stakeholders including Dereham Town Council and local bus operators were in favour of the proposals.

The main objections raised were the proposed new location of the disabled bays, and the reduction of the taxi rank.

There were suggestions that we should reduce parking further, pedestrianise the Market Place and create a new bus station in a different location so the buses would not be in the market place.

A small number of people requested a widening and decluttering the pavements and to move the market to another location.

Location of the disabled bays and taxi rank

Following further investigation, and considering the consultation feedback, it has been decided to amend the proposal to relocate the disabled parking bays to the south side of Church Street. This will allow the disabled bays to be improved with the addition of a hatched loading area around the parking bays.

This will also mean the taxi rank will no longer require shortening as the disabled bays have been relocated elsewhere.

Pedestrianise the Market Place

The scope of this scheme is to improve the bus stops and there is not sufficient funding to pedestrianise the Market Place at this current time.

Relocate the bus stop

It is also outside the scope of the proposals to construct a new bus stop at a separate location.

Further reduce parking

Our proposals to remove two bays from the Market Place will improve pedestrian safety, however, removing any more parking at this time may have an adverse impact on the local amenities, including the market traders, so only the changes proposed will go ahead.

Decluttering pavements/relocating the market

The proposals seek to widen and declutter the pavements in the vicinity of the Market Place where practical, however, due to the historic nature of Dereham town centre there is limited space to do so.

Moving the Market is beyond the scope of the proposal and funding.

Next steps

Work is scheduled to start in early 2026.

In summer 2025 we asked for feedback on proposed changes to the A149 Hardwick Road which would see an inbound bus lane added. 

1. Concerns about increased congestion
   Several respondents to the consultation expressed concerns that the proposed bus lane could worsen existing traffic congestion in the area.
    
2. Limited public transport alternatives
   A number of respondents highlighted that there are few, if any, bus services available that would serve as viable alternatives to their current journeys. As a result, they felt the bus lane would not significantly encourage a shift toward more sustainable transport options.
    
3. Strong support from specific user groups
   The consultation data shows a high level of support for the proposal, particularly among taxi and private hire drivers. Many of these respondents indicated their support is conditional on being permitted to use the bus lane.

On point number 1, we are currently awaiting further traffic modelling, so we are fully and better able to understand the potential impact on general traffic. This new data will be taken into account when assessing how to progress with the project.

On point number 2, we have worked with local bus companies who are in support of the proposals. Lynx Bus posted on social media during the consultation that they thought the introduction of a dedicated bus lane could lead to “a significant reduction in journey times for our customers, particularly at peak time”. And that providing dedicated road space to buses “helps make bus services more attractive [to road users].” And that the reduction in journey times, increases in bus speed and subsequent improvement in punctuality would from these measures could lead to increased passenger numbers which in turn could potentially enable Lynx to  “offer more services in future.”

On point 3, the allowed use of any bus lane built will be assessed during the TRO process.

No final decision on this project has yet been made and any physical works associated with the project are unlikely to begin before Spring 2026. This timeframe is subject to both internal approvals and the successful completion of the formal Traffic Regulation Order process.

We asked for your comments on the proposed school term dates for 2026-27.

We received 23 responses in total.  Please see the results section and the attached analysis in the consultation report.

We have agreed the school term dates for 2026-27 and they are now published on Norfolk County Council's website.  Click here.