Object
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Representation ID: 23071
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Orbit Homes
Agent: David Lock Associates
We support the Delivery Statement and consider it a proactive and positive approach to securing
the growth required within Greater Norwich. As has been previously discussed above, however,
we do not consider that the priorities contained therein are achievable as the policy basis for them
is not evident within the plan. Crucially, we question how GNLP consider the Plan supports the
Tech Corridor to become an increasingly important axis to other significant growth corridors?
Furthermore, the Delivery Statement suggests the plan only allocates sites with a reasonable
prospect of delivery. Orbit has excellent local knowledge and experience of the market and do
not consider that the annual delivery rates that would be derived from the total commitments and
allocations, for instance in the ‘growth triangle’ (approximately 670 homes per annum) over 20
years is achievable in the context of what the market can deliver and support. We appreciate
that there are already substantial commitments in this location but question the logic of a plan
which seeks to allocate further homes and apply such annual delivery rates to an area which has
previously experienced slower than anticipated delivery rates? The delivery model of Orbit,
whereby Orbit themselves construct a significant proportion of the homes, would demonstrate
resilience against the delivery risks of other strategic sites that are controlled by multiple volume
housebuilders. Orbit’s availability of and access to finance also mean that delivery is not impeded
by significant upfront infrastructure costs.
For full representation, please refer to the attached documents.