Homes recommended for approval despite concerns

Developer Berliet Ltd said the homes on the former Pinebanks site near Norwich were "much needed"

Councillors should back plans for hundreds of homes, but also reject some proposals, according to a report.

Plans to redevelop the Pinebanks site and surrounding area on the outskirts of Norwich were first put forward in 2013.

A report for Broadland councillors, who will meet next Wednesday, advises them to give their approval to 480 properties, whilst turning down 70 others at the site in Thorpe St Andrew.

Hundreds of people have lodged objections to the plans over concerns including the scale of the development and its impact on the area.

Developer Berliet Ltd previously wanted to build 725 properties, but has since scaled back its plans to 550.

It said the homes were "much needed".

Part of the Pinebanks Centre, before it was gutted by fire in 2014

The site for the proposed development is a large one, split into four areas.

It includes Pinebanks, the former Norwich Union Sports and Social Club, which closed in 2008 and was gutted by fire in 2014.

Next to it are Langley North and South, which were once home to Langley Prep School, and Griffin Lane.

The proposals have been strongly opposed by local residents, councillors and the town council for years, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition against them.

The plans are "on too large a scale for the area" warned Conservative district councillor Peter Berry, who added that nearby roads were "on the verge of collapse" and "would not take the increased volume of traffic".

An artist's impression of how part of the site could look if it is redeveloped

Independent Conservative councillor Trudy Mancini-Boyle raised similar concerns and also argued the "proposed mix of house types do not reflect the character of Thorpe St Andrew & do not meet local housing needs".

"There are no bungalows and a predominance of apartments," she added.

The town council said in its objection: "The density for the site as presented is too great.

"The totality of this increased density will exacerbate the strain on local infrastructure and services. In particular, school, dentists, and GP surgeries are already beyond capacity."

A 101-page report by council officials also said concerns had been raised by Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust about the impact on ancient woodland.

'Acceptable in planning terms'

Despite the concerns, the report concludes that 480 homes in three parts of the application – Pinebanks, Langley North and Griffin Lane – are "acceptable in planning terms" and should be approved.

However, it recommends refusal for 70 homes in Langley South, on the basis of the impact on ancient woodland.

In its planning statement, Berliet Ltd said the development would provide "an opportunity to create a sustainable and attractive new community that will enhance the local area, protect the existing natural and heritage assets and provide much needed homes".