Plans for 1,500 new homes north of Taverham approved
The development includes a primary school, a medical and community centre and new shops
Plans for a massive housing scheme on the Marriott’s Way have been given the green light.
Broadland District Council (BDC) has signed off on a 1,530-home scheme which will be built on both sides of the long-distance footpath.
The development will be on 193 acres of land between the edge of Thorpe Marriott and the NDR and includes a primary school, a medical and community centre, and shops, takeaways and pubs.
There will also be open, communal space, including allotments, 40 acres of “informal recreational space” and 10 acres of play areas.
The site will be split in two by the Marriott’s Way, the former railway line between Aylsham and Norwich which is now popular with walkers and cyclists.
The footpath will also see improvements to help encourage active travel rather than car use.
Liberal Democrat councillor Caroline Karimi Ghovanlou, member for Taverham North which includes the site, spoke in favour of the development at a planning meeting on Wednesday.
“I believe it will bring many benefits to Taverham,” she said.
No objectors spoke in the meeting.
The application covers only the broad outlines of the scheme. Details relating to how the estate will look and the exact number of homes will be covered by future submissions from developer M Scott.
Eleanor Laming, the vice chair of the planning committee, said the scheme was not perfect but she would be supporting it.
“There is a point made in the report that many journeys could be made by car and that will impact on road congestion and air quality.
“I’m pleased to see active travel provision, I hope this will encourage non-car modes, that remains to be seen if that will happen.
“I don’t think it’s perfect but on balance, I do support it.”
The plans were unanimously approved.