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PLANNING NEWS :

26 January 2010

Public consultation on possible sites for development and regeneration.

The Norwich City Council has invited landowners and others to suggest sites
across Norwich for potential development. Norwich City Council is not committed to any proposals mentioned below and the inclusion of these sites does not represent a decision by the Council.

The Council has invited the views of members of the public on any of these sites and asked for any responses to be sent by 5 February to the City Council at the postal address or the email address below.

Sites which impinge directly on the Yare valley are:

1 Bartram Mowers, Land west of Bluebell Road, [Reference M 009]
Proposed for, predominantly, housing with some community facilities. The committee would like to point out that applications for development on the Bartram site (unconnected with the business) have all been turned down, and all subsequent appeals have been dismissed. The City Council and government
inspectors have consistently considered the site part of an important green wedge between the city and Cringleford, with Bluebell Road defined as a clear limit to development.

OUR RESPONSE (30 January 2010)

2 University of East Anglia, Earlham Hall, [Reference OU 003-16]
Proposed Enterprise and Innovation Centre (in the area of Earlham Park)
We do not think that Earlham Park should lose any of its appeal as an open space to be enjoyed by all.

OUR RESPONSE (30 January 2010)

3 University of East Anglia, The meadowland area between the Bluebell Road end of the University Broad and the university buildings to the north, [References OU 003-6 and OU 003-18] Proposed for University development
Our view is that the meadowland setting of the university near the UEA broad is a valuable scenic, landscape, green open space and a wildlife corridor which should be preserved.

OUR RESPONSE (4 February 2010)

4 University of East Anglia, The bus link across the river Yare,
[Reference OU 003-19] between the University and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the Norwich Research Park to the west
The proposed site allocation is for a “Public Transport and cyclists/pedestrian link” but it is to be noted that a cyclists/pedestrian link already exists across the valley linking the University to the Science Park and Hospital. The proposal will not create any new facility for cyclists and pedestrians but instead will degrade the quality of part of the existing link. This objection is to the vehicular use of the proposed link by public transport or otherwise.

The river valley is of increasing value for recreation and wildlife because of the large number of homes, under construction, and being planned in its immediate vicinity. Yare Valley is a valued wildlife and recreational asset of the people of Norwich and the fringe parishes. Its importance as a “Green Infrastructure Priority Corridor” has been recognised in the Greater Norwich Joint Core Strategy. In consequence, any development proposed in the valley to which a valid alternative exists should be avoided. This proposal is unnecessary because a route along the nearby Watton Road is already available for buses especially if the university allows two way bus traffic on University Drive.

The development would also have a serious impact on the recreational use of the valley, e.g.:

1. The changes, real and perceived, on the safety of people and their pets using the valley – particularly as part of the route is adjacent to woodland from which playing children and pets may suddenly emerge without warning.

2. The disturbance to the enjoyment of the valley as a recreational area because of noise, air and water pollution; impaired visual amenity; reduced opportunities for observing wildlife.

3. The loss of existing pedestrian and cycle routes that form part of a network that is available currently for calm and peaceful recreation and exercise.

OUR RESPONSE (30 January 2010)

UEA Strategic Development Principles: Response to Bidwell's consultation document

General comment

The committee considers that development of any one of these sites would be very damaging to the landscape and amenity value of the river in this area. It is important that anyone concerned at the potential damage to the character of the valley arising from these proposals should write to the City Council quoting the reference numbers of the relevant sites. It is preferable if you write in your own words.

Please help in resisting developments which would seriously damage the character of the valley. The form can either be completed electronically and emailed as an attachment to: LDF@norwich.gov.uk or written or printed off and posted to:

Mike Burrell
Planning Policy Team Leader
Policy and Project Team
Norwich City Council
Norwich NR2 1NH

To see more information about the sites and the proposals made about them either phone City Hall or see “Norwich site allocations”. Click on “Ward links” and choose either “Eaton ward” or “University ward”.

If you wish to comment by email on one or more of the sites download the response form. If you wish to comment on more than one site you will need to complete a form for each one. If you are writing a letter you will need a separate page for each site.