Brandon commission

The Independent Commission on the Future of Brandon (Brandon commission), funded by West Suffolk Council, is a body of expert advisers and stakeholders, overseeing the exploration of options to shape Brandon as a place where businesses and communities can thrive. Launched in 2025 and chaired by Mark Pragnell, the commission will provide evidence-based and locally-grounded advice to guide the future development of Brandon. This initiative aims to balance options that will best grow the prosperity and enhance the wellbeing of current and future residents, while recognising and protecting the sensitive ecological and environmental characteristics of the town and wider area in which it is located.

Current engagement 

The initial online Brandon survey has now closed and the results have been analysed. Read the analysis of the Independent Commission on the Future of Brandon’s initial online public engagement: Building a bright and bold future for Brandon and the Brecks. 

This document is not accessible for people using assistive technology. If you need the document in an alternative format please email: brandon.commission@westsuffolk.gov.uk.

Brandon commissioners

• Tim Cowan - Conservation Officer for the Brecks, at The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
• David Harris - Chairman of Chase Plastics (one of the country’s longest established manufacturers of recycled plastic pellets with a factory in Brandon that serves customers across the UK and mainland Europe).
• Terry Hawkins – Brandon resident, who runs the Brandon website, is editor of the Brandon magazine, co-founded Brandon in Bloom, helps to organise the Best of Brandon awards and is Governor at Breckland School and Glade Academy.
• Professor Emma Lees - Professor of Environmental and Property Law at the University of Cambridge, and Fellow of Downing College.
• Mark Pragnell (Brandon Commission Chair) - Managing director of Pragmatix Advisory, with over 30 years’ experience as a macroeconomist, forecaster and policy consultant.
• Dr Rebecca Thomas - Senior Lecturer (specialisms include ecology and conservation) at Royal Holloway University of London.

Commission meeting dates

• Wednesday 10 September 2025, 11am - 2pm, at Center Parcs, Elveden Forest

Any organisation or individual that wishes to attend a commission meeting should contact the chair in advance, who may extend an invitation at his discretion and subject to space.

Past meetings

• Tuesday 3 June 2025, 11.30am - 1.30pm, online using Microsoft Teams - third meeting of the Brandon commission notes
• Monday 19 May 2025, 12.30pm - 3.30pm, at Brandon Town Council offices - second meeting of the Brandon commission notes
• Monday 7 April 2025, 12.30pm - 3.30pm, at Brandon Country Park - first meeting of the Brandon commission notes

More detail and information on the purpose and aims of the commission

• Brandon commission Terms of Reference
• Brandon commission Memorandum of Understanding
• Independent commission launched to help secure a better future of Brandon

For more information or to get involved please email brandon.commission@westsuffolk.gov.uk