First phases of 1,530-home development go to vote

The first two phases of a 1,530‑home development on 190 acres of land on the outskirts of Norwich have been recommended for approval.

Plans for 405 homes near the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) in Taverham, Norfolk, will go before Broadland District Council's planning committee next Wednesday.

Outline permission for the wider scheme has already been granted, but councillors will now decide on details, including design and layout.

Although officers have recommended approval, the proposals have proved contentious, with villagers raising concerns about increased traffic.

The overall 1,530-home scheme is called Marriott's Park and is being delivered by three separate developers, Barret David Wilson Homes, Norfolk Homes and Abel Homes.

It will be built alongside the existing Thorpe Marriott estate.

Land for a primary school, a medical or community centre, business units and open space are also included in the project.

Early plans also suggested a pub could be opened at the site.

Barratt David Wilson Homes is seeking permission for 279 homes on land between Fir Covert Road, Reepham Road and Breck Farm Lane, while Abel Homes has applied to build 126 homes on neighbouring land.

Both applications relate to reserved matters such as road layout and building design.

When the Marriott's Park plans first emerged, they drew objections from Taverham Parish Council and local residents.

Norwich Airport also raised concerns about glare from solar panels, while Norfolk County Council's flood team criticised the drainage proposals.

However, following amendments and agreed conditions, the parish council, airport and flood officers have withdrawn their objections.

Once completed, the development is expected to bring about 3,500 new residents to the area, which had a population of 14,989 at the 2021 census.

The site is included in the emerging Greater Norwich Local Plan, which identifies a need for 50,000 new homes across the area by 2038.

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