GNLP0332R (Land east of Reepham Road)

The GNLP Regulation 18 Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) December 2017 undertook an initial assessment of sites submitted between 16 May 2016 and 31 July 2017. Following this a HELAA addendum was prepared for consultation between 29 October and 14 December which updates the HELAA accounting for new, revised and small sites submitted. The assessment aims to identify potential capacity for housing and employment growth across Broadland, South Norfolk and Norwich.

The HELAA utilises a red/amber/green (RAG) scoring system to measure individual constraints and impacts associated with proposed development sites. It attracts green ratings for Utilities Infrastructure, Contamination and Ground Stability, Flood Risk, Market Attractiveness and Historic Environment. However, it is noted that this site attracts amber ratings for Access, Accessibility to Services, Utilities Capacity, Significant Landscapes, Townscapes, Biodiversity and Geodiversity, Open Space and Green Infrastructure and Transport and Roads. It also attracts one red rating for Compatibility with Neighbouring Uses. The site promoter is undertaking further work to assess the impact and mitigation opportunities based on the assessment findings and is working closely with stakeholders and decision makers with requirements being met where justified for later submission.

In the case of compatibility with neighbouring uses, since the first submission, the promoters have been closely engaged with Norwich International Airport (NIA) in order to understand and masterplan around the issues raised by the site's proximity to the airport and the airport Public Safety Zone (PSZ). The outcome of this work will be the subject of further submissions and explanations.

Land located to the east and west of Reepham Road (GNLP sites 0332R and 0334R respectively) is being promoted as a single masterplan and can be developed together or individually without prejudicing the later delivery of the other. The site located east of Reepham Road (0332R) could be allocated on its own or together with the site west of Reepham Road (0334R) if the Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP) so wished.

Parish comments are noted from the first HELAA consultation, these include the proposed development site being outside of the existing Hellesdon settlement area, traffic generation along Reepham and Holt Road, the distance to existing services (being contrary to the Horsford NDP) and the additional pressures introduced on existing infrastructure and amenities in Hellesdon. Concerns were also raised regarding the NIA PSZ which crosses the site and the impact of airport noise and pollution on future residents. The points raised are being given due consideration through the ongoing site promotion.

The site will extend the Hellesdon settlement boundary to the north and will provide new and enhanced access to facilities for both new and existing residents. Extensions and enhancements to greenway corridors will be provided encouraging residents and wildlife to access the wider network between Drayton, Horsford, Hellesdon and the River Wensum. The provision of Green Infrastructure corridors and open space areas constitutes a significant part of the proposed masterplan. The masterplan design will be landscape-led, resulting in these areas delivering enhancements which meet the needs and aspirations of local people. The provision of both formal and informal open space areas enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for local residents and the masterplan accounts for the airport Public Safety Zone by avoiding residential development in these areas in line with Department for Transport and Local Planning Authority requirements.