Green spaces saved from development
There’s relief at news that 3 green, open spaces in south Norwich won’t be built on for housing. Local people on Earlham and Bluebell Road are delighted to learn the land has been ruled out for now.
Around 170 potential sites across Norwich had been put forward for development, of which 80 have been shortlisted.
Muntjac deer on Earlham Road
A strip of land runs between a terrrace on Earlham Road and school playing fields. Residents strongly contested plans to build houses on the land, arguing it’s part of a green corridor within the city which stretches from Heigham Park to the cemetery. Muntjac deer, foxes and woodpeckers are regularly spotted there. In sifting through the list of 170 potential sites in Norwich to build 3,000 homes in the city over the next 15 years, the council has set this site aside.
Local resident Linda Bright said: “I’m relieved and delighted. The land is far too valuable for use by residents and the community.” The former allotment land is a mixture of orchards and vegetable plots. Linda Bright added: “For our children it’s been a really important part of their upbringing. We hold an annual fireworks display on the land, have held wedding parties, get togethers. We all hugely enjoy the amenity.”
River valley along Bluebell Road
Plans were put forward to develop 11 hectares of land along Bluebell Road, owned by Bartram Mowers Ltd. It was earmarked for mixed use, despite being in a floodplain. In a report to councillors, this site will also not be carried forward, citing “loss of a large scale green open space, adjacent to the river valley.”
David Shein who lives opposite the land said he’s very pleased: “I couldn’t understand why they wanted to develop the land. The traffic on Bluebell Road is already hectic since the closure of Colney Lane, so it’s good news as far as we’re concerned.”
Open spaces in Eaton
Part of Eaton Golf Club was also put forward for housing development. Here officers have decided “the loss of urban green space could not be justified.” Meanwhile the former Civil Service Sports Ground in Eaton has been included in the shortlist. 4 hectares of land has been earmarked for a minimum of 75 dwellings, providing developers keep some open space and cycle access within the plans.
Public consultation next month
Around 80 sites have been shortlisted to go forward. City councillors will meet next week to discuss the report, which if approved will then go out to public consultation. Brownfield sites across the city are included, to help Norwich meet the housing and employment needs over the next 15 years.
If approved, consultation will begin in February 2011. They include:
- Former livestock market on Hall Road, which will be turned into an industrial estate
- Earlham Hall at the University of East Anglia, which will become an Enterprise and Innovation Centre
- Bethel Street fire station which will be developed into a mixture of retail, offices and housing.
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