We broadly agree with the settlement hierarchy, however we do not agree with the distribution of growth. Whilst it is agreed that the majority of growth should be within the Strategic Growth Area and well related to jobs and services, it is not considered that continuing to ‘bolt-on’ development to existing large settlements provides this, or constitutes sustainable development. Rather, such housing estates often result in higher densities and lower quality, with little in the way of placemaking and identikit housing, and urban sprawl which reduces ‘walkability’.
It is considered that a new settlement is a suitable option now. Traditional strategic development in Greater Norwich has placed pressure on existing infrastructure and communities, resulting in the need for significant investment in upgrades in order to provide power, waste water treatment and other social infrastructure. The programme of works required to facilitate a number of strategic and non-strategic proposed and existing allocations is significant, requires significant investment and will, and already has, detrimentally impacted upon the timely delivery of development.
Provision of a new settlement provides the opportunity to deliver an infrastructure-led community, properly planned to meet the needs of future residents. Clarion have the ability and experience to deliver a new settlement at Honingham Thorpe which would overcome the issues and challenges of traditional housing development. As such, the proposed development could come forward quickly and achieve a significant delivery rate throughout, with a realistic prospect that the entire community could be delivered within the Plan period.