Sites earmarked for future homes
Plans to build on a strip of land behind houses on Earlham Road is facing strong opposition from residents. It’s one of dozens of sites, including part of Eaton Golf Club and large parts the UEA, earmarked for future development.
Residents of a terrace on Earlham Road have opposed development of land behind their homes for years. The orchards, which back onto the playing fields at Recreation Road Infant School, are used communal
ly. But the developers, Hibbett and Key, who own most of the strip, want to turn it into housing.
This is just one of over 170 sites in the city where homes or businesses could be built in years to come. The Cit
y Council estimates 3000 homes are needed in Norwich by 2026.
Sites earmarked for development at UEA
Large parts of the University of East Anglia campus are marked out for development (see map, right). Eleven hectares of land along Bluebell Road, owned by Bartram Mowers Ltd, has been suggested for mixed use, despite being in a floodplain. Land at Eaton Golf Club has also been put forward. And the former Civil Service Sports Ground in Eaton looks set to be built on, allowing for some open space within the plans.
The public, community groups and developers were asked for ideas for where the city could grow in the future. Car parks, empty office buildings and brownfield sites have all been suggested. In some cases, groups have asked for green spaces to be kept free from development, such as Norwich’s last windmill, where the owner has asked for the area around Peafield Mill to be protected.
Some sites could be put to an entirely new use. The former Woolworths on Riverside may be turned into a concert hall to host live music or sports events, or even a public indoor sports centre.
The sites are part of a stategy to meet the city’s long-term need for new homes and jobs. The first round of public consultation has opened. Some are likely to face opposition. Have your say on sites near where you live. There are exhibitions and focus groups timetabled for the coming weeks, which anyone can get involved in. Consultation closes on February 5th 2010.
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