A local authority hopes to grow in size to meet the demand of its booming population.

Breckland Council has called for the boost to member numbers as part of an electoral review after it was found more than a third of wards in the district were underrepresented. 

It comes a decade after the last assessment of the authority, following which its numbers were reduced by 9pc, when four positions were cut.

Eastern Daily Press: Breckland Council offices in DerehamBreckland Council offices in Dereham (Image: Archant © 2013)

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According to a report, 37pc of the council's wards now face a lack of representation due to Breckland's growing population, which has increased to 141,476 people in 2021 compared to 11,000 in 2011.

With plans to build more than 16,500 new homes by 2046, the population is expected to continue to grow rapidly in future years.

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To address the deficit, Breckland Council is applying to the Local Government Boundary Commission to create two new posts to better meet the democratic needs of the area.

It is hoped these changes, which would come into force by the next local elections in 2027, will enable the authority to better represent its people and ensure "any debate is informed by a range of views and opinions."

Councillors will discuss the move at a meeting this week.