Object

Representation ID: 22710

Received: 03/04/2020

Respondent: CODE Development Planners Ltd

The landowners object to the allocation of 11.08hectares for recreational open space.
Firstly, we understand that the key to the relevant plan mistakenly includes reference to Burial Ground in addition to open space. We understand this will be corrected.
In any event, the landowners are unclear about the Partnership's evidence to support the draft allocation for the 11.08 hectares of recreational open space. The site Assessment booklet for Hellesdon explains simply:

"The site is the same as existing a/location HEL4 from the Broad/and Local Plan. HEL4 is allocated for recreational open space. Site GNLP1019 seeks to maintain this allocation in the new local plan to 2038".

The Local Plan evidence base includes the Greater Norwich Local Plan Infrastructure Needs Report (updated and author un-named). In the body of the report there is reference to the Greater Norwich Sports Facility Strategy 2015 which sets out demand increases for sports halls and swimming pools. There is no reference to recreational requirements for either formal or informal open space. The chapter headed 'Open Space and Green Infrastructure' contains only a plan showing the Greater Norwich green infrastructure corridors, a network which, as explained elsewhere in the accompanying Position Statement, could be given a major boost by encouraging development on sites GNLP0332R and GNLP0334R.
In our view, unless and until appropriate evidence is prepared, the draft allocation for recreational open space on 11. 08 hectares of land at Reepham Road should be deleted. The landowners continue to encourage dialogue with all relevant parties, including the parish councils in order to identify the most appropriate provision of recreational open space to meet the requirements of various forms of outdoor recreation.
Reference to accompanying Position Statement for further detail.