Robertson Barracks

Dereham, Norfolk

The future of Robertsons Barracks

The barracks is due to close by 2031 and will be prepared for redevelopment following closure. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is therefore starting to consider the feasibility of potential future development opportunities.

Breckland District Council is in the process of reviewing its Local Plan. We are therefore engaging with the Council as part of this process and have put Roberton Barracks forward for consideration as a potential strategic site in their new Local Plan – this is to ensure that any development that comes forward in the future is carefully planned and supports their aspirations for development in the area.

As part of this review, the Council consulted the community on the Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18 consultation) last year. For further information on the draft Local Plan timetable, you can visit Breckland District Council’s website by clicking here.

Consultation

We will begin engaging with the local community in 2026 as we develop ideas for the future of the site, alongside the Council’s next stage of consultation on the Local Plan.

We are especially keen to involve the villages around the barracks as the masterplan for the site takes shape. We will notify the local community once our consultation plans are confirmed, so they have the opportunity to share their views and help shape the future of the site.

What is a masterplan?

A masterplan sets a vision for the future of a specific geographic area or large site. It acts as a comprehensive, long-term guide for how it will be developed to show what the place could look like in the future, including land uses, green space and infrastructure, such as roads, schools and other social and community uses.

The opportunity

The site has been identified by Breckland District Council as a strategic site in the Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan. The Council consulted the local community on the strategic options for new development in the District towards the end of 2025.

This recognises the potential for the barracks to deliver new development which could include new homes, employment, recreational or community uses.

The DIO will explore the scale of development and possible future uses in collaboration with the council, key stakeholders and the community.

Continuing the legacy of community at Robertson Barracks

Development of the site could help to:

Deliver well-planned growth with a new local centre that complements neighbouring villages.
New infrastructure and services to meet local needs, such as a shop.
Build a mix of new homes for all ages to create a sustainable and inclusive community, including a mix of tenures and sizes, and affordable homes.
Support economic growth through innovative employment uses linked to agriculture.
Create new jobs.
Open up the currently inaccessible site to the public with enhanced connections through the site to the surrounding villages.
Celebrate the natural setting with rewilding and access to more green space and enhanced playing fields.
Repurpose existing buildings on site to deliver alternative community or employment uses.
Celebrate the military heritage of the barracks, in consultation with the local community.