Object

Representation ID: 23069

Received: 16/03/2020

Respondent: Orbit Homes

Agent: David Lock Associates

Our concerns with regard to the Spatial Profile are closely related to the introductory comments
above and focus on the lack of alignment with the policy direction of the Plan. We make the
following observations:
• Wymondham is the largest settlement outside of the Norwich Urban Area. Whilst it has
been subject to a number of development site allocations/consents in recent years, the
location of Wymondham and its services and amenities make it an ideal location for
strategic growth. This is not realised in the Plan. Some minimal additional growth is
allocated in two locations on the edge of the town, but it is not of a scale which can secure
significant investment in infrastructure and thus will put pressure on existing services and
facilities. Examining the potential for the reasonable alternative of a new settlement in
this location – which would deliver a more sustainable pattern of growth than that
currently proposed for allocation – is not considered in the plan.
• There is need to re-balance growth in the Greater Norwich area which has focused on
Norwich itself and the north east triangle in particular. This growth is not aligned with the wider growth and economic strategies which underpin the plan. As the next largest
settlement in the plan area, as well as being located in the Cambridge-Norwich Tech
Corridor and with a close relationship to the world class facilities at Norwich Research Park
, Wymondham should be identified as the priority location for accommodating strategic
development.
• Paragraph 67 states that the A11 corridor is a major focus for growth. We do not consider
this to be the case in the GNLP as no strategic sites with immediate/direct access to this
route have been allocated. SGV is positioned squarely within the A11 corridor with direct
access to it, and therefore it is not clear why this location has been overlooked for
allocation to realise the Plan’s stated growth objectives.
• In addition - and contrary to the statement that the A11 is a major focus for growth - the
Plan highlights the growth opportunities arising from other priority road investment
schemes. These improvements have not yet been undertaken, and some still need to
secure approval and funding, yet growth is more closely associated with these ‘uncertain’
future improvements than it is with the newly dualled A11. We cannot understand how
this approach can be presented as robust or sustainable, given it fails to maximise
infrastructure investments already completed.
• The context of the Transforming Cities funding bids is welcomed as the projects identified
are important in promoting the modal shift away from the private car. However, as noted
above such investments should inform and lead the approach to allocating growth to
ensure that sustainable transport connections can be planned in from the outset and that
the benefits of funding and investment can be maximised. This is the case for the
Wymondham Mobility Hub which will significantly improve Wymondham’s public transport
offer and as such should influence and facilitate growth. If modal shift is to be achieved,
particularly in new developments, it is essential that they are well positioned and have
direct access to the improved public transport network, but also that they are of a scale
which does not simply perpetuate current mobility patterns to access necessary services
elsewhere.