An area of Norfolk is predicted to experience one of the fastest population growths in the country over the next six years.
South Norfolk is in the top five districts in England which are expected to see the most rapid increase, according to new government data.
The figures show the population there is projected to increase by 15.5pc to 144,617 by 2032.
The rate is almost six times greater than other areas of Norfolk and the projection places it among the fastest-growing areas in England.
Only Tower Hamlets (20.4pc), South Derbyshire (19.2pc), Stratford-on-Avon (17.4pc) and North West Leicestershire (15.8pc) are predicted to have a greater growth.
The huge projections for South Norfolk will raise concerns about the pressure which could be placed on GPs, schools and roads in areas such as Wymondham, where 2,500 homes could be built.
However, the population increase could also generate economic growth in some areas, including along the A11 corridor linking Norwich to Cambridge.
SURGING SOUTH NORFOLK
South Norfolk has already seen significant population growth in recent years.
The numbers living here rose by 14.4pc between the 2011 and 2021 - higher than the overall increase for England.
It was one of the fastest growing areas in the eastern region, with Wymondham one area seeing a huge increase in the number of homes.
The town, the largest of seven in South Norfolk, has seen its population rise from 11,364 in 2001 to 16,335 in 2021
And according to blueprints for new developments around Norwich, Wymondham is expected to build between 2,513 homes between 2018 and 2038.
Those demands could contribute to South Norfolk seeing its overall population jump to 166,982 by 2032, according to the Office for National Statistics.
In Long Stratton, 1,914 homes are expected to be constructed before 2038, while in Diss 754 are set to be developed.
Most of the growth in South Norfolk is expected to be the result of net internal migration, increasing the population by 24,639, with international migration responsible for only 1,628.
The growth has generated concerns about the pressure the new populations will bring.
Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, said: “We have always believed in the benefits of planned growth and delivering essential infrastructure alongside, if not before the building of houses.
“Only months after coming to power, central government decided to change the rules and increased the number of houses that we have to deliver in South Norfolk, to meet their targets.”
Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk, added: "South Norfolk is the best place to live, work, raise a family and retire in the whole country, and I'm pleased that people throughout the country recognise how special our area is.”
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL PICTURE?
All but seven local authority areas in the country will see a growth in population by 2032.
Ipswich is one district expected to see a fall in the number of people living there, with a decrease of nearly 1,200, a fall of -0.85pc
Gosport, in Hampshire, will see the largest drop at -2.12pc.
The data has been released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as part of population changes forecasted between 2022 and 2032.
It shows increases in all Norfolk districts, but at significantly lower rates than in South Norfolk, with Great Yarmouth's population rising by just 2.6pc.
Trevor Wainwright, leader of the Labour Party on Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said the area needs more housing.
"Great Yarmouth has an ageing population and not that many people are relocating to Yarmouth," said Mr Wainwright.
"As far as new housing is concerned we certainly need more housing and more social housing."
He added there is a "huge amount of young people that want to get on the housing ladder".
Broadland’s population is projected to increase by 9.5pc to 146,627, while Breckland is predicted a 9.3pc increase to 156,780.
Norwich – where the population will have a median age of 35 by mid-2032 – is forecast growth of 4.7pc.
Net international migration is tipped to be the largest factor for growth in the city.
In North Norfolk, the population is projected to jump from 103,223 to 109,392, an increase of 6pc.
The median age will increase from 55 to 58, the oldest in Norfolk.
According to the ONS data, 36pc of the North Norfolk population will be aged 65 or over by 2032.
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk will see its population rise by 4.1pc.
Share