Controversial redevelopment of Norwich's Anglia Square finally approved
The plans will see 1,100 homes and 8,000 square metres of commercial space built on the site of the crumbing shopping centre
The controversial redevelopment of the eyesore Anglia Square site has been approved by City Hall.
The scheme was granted permission eight votes for to five against by members of Norwich City Council’s planning committee, at the end of a marathon eight-hour meeting.
Developer Weston Homes, with investment firm Columbia Threadneedle, applied to demolish the brutalist shopping centre, along with the neighbouring Sovereign House and Gildengate House.
The plans will see 1,100 homes built across 12 blocks, ranging in height from two to eight storeys.
Weston Homes also wants to construct 8,000 square meters of commercial space, a community hub and 450 car parking spaces on the land.
The move was welcomed by the outgoing city council leader, Alan Waters, with the redevelopment of the site being a key issue for him during his time in office.
“I’m relieved and delighted,” he said.
“The members of the committee gave it very serious consideration and I am pleased that we have this decision for this blighted site, which a recent newspaper poll showed that 75pc of people wanted something done about.
“We have weighed all the evidence and taken into account the needs of the wider city.
“Within a matter of months, we will start seeing the redevelopment of the site, bringing housing, jobs and the confidence for others to invest in Norwich.”
This is the second time in five years the city council has approved redevelopment of the Anglia Square.
In 2018, councillors approved a contentious scheme that included a 20-storey tower block, hotel and cinema.
That plan was ultimately rejected by the then secretary of state, Robert Jenrick, who branded it “excessive”.
A speaker on behalf of Weston Homes, told Thursday’s planning committee that they had acknowledged that the previous scheme did not reflect the views of some locals and various stakeholders
He said they have taken this as a chance to comprehensively review the scheme “and solve individual reasons for refusal”, with many controversial elements removed.
Councillors heard the concerns of a variety of groups, including the Norwich Society, Save Britain’s Heritage and the Norwich Renters Collective.
Many of the objections related to a lack of affordable housing in the plan – just 10pc, when council policy calls for 33pc – the impact on historic buildings in the area, and whether too many houses were “single aspect” – properties which only get light from one side.
Liberal Democrat councillor Judith Lubbock said: “This is the most significant decision I have had to make in my years as a councillor and I have swung from approval to disapproval.
“This is a scheme that addresses some of the shortcomings of the previous one.
“There are, however, areas which could be improved – the harm that arises to two listed buildings, the number of single aspect dwellings.”
Ms Lubbock said it was a balanced issue and decided it weighed in favour of approval.
She praised the scheme for unlocking development on a brownfield site, that would remove unsightly buildings and provide 10pc affordable housing.
But several councillors had concerns about the scheme, with Green councillor Gary Champion worrying it would amount to “gentrification” of the area.
Mr Champion said the style of development could slot into any city in the world and would take away what makes the area unique.
“I feel that we are allowing ourselves to be bullied into a position that this is the only option available to us,” he said.
“I came in this morning ready to rubber stamp this, but I don’t feel right about this.”
Labour’s Ian Stutely also voted against the development, arguing it would cause harm to heritage buildings, including the Grade I listed St Augustine’s Church.