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A history of the planning proposals, and objections
This is the first planning application for building on the
The original proposal
In early 2001, discussions took place between Norfolk Property Services Limited
(the property development arm of Norfolk County Council) and governors of the
The project as originally proposed was for five-a-side football pitches and a leisure centre. It was on this basis (i.e. purely leisure use) that consent was sought from the Department for Education of Skills and granted in August 2002. Some limited consultation took place with local people on the plans as first proposed in late 2001 and early 2002. The local SE Norwich Community Forum (since disbanded by the present City Council) was consulted and had reservations about the proposals.
The present consortium Subsequently the first developers pulled out from the project, and the present consortium comprising David Lloyd Leisure Sports and Fitness Club, Teddies Nursery (BUPA Homes) and Westminster Health Nursing Home was persuaded to take on a project that had been approved in principle. As first proposed by the new consortium of developers, plans envisaged a David Lloyd Leisure Club, a Teddies Day Nursery, and a mid-price small hotel. Plans for the hotel were turned down by Norwich City Council Planning Department in preliminary discussions and were not pursued.
Surprise changes Rather late in the day, proposals were made for the Westminster Health Nursing Home as part of the development. We have evidence that this “came as a surprise” to Norwich City Councillors, again as further discussed below. Nevertheless, consent was sought from the Department for Education and Skills in respect of the revised proposals as currently constituted, and in December 2003, it was confirmed that the consent granted in August 2002 stood, even though the facilities now to be provided are not exactly the same as those specified in the original application.
The Planning Committee On the basis that the plans apparently had public support, (which we do not believe) the proposals then went before Norwich City Council Planning Committee in September 2004. We attended this meeting, and feel that the conduct of the Planning Committee fell short of the standards expected of Councillors and was in breach of Norwich City Council’s own code for conduct. Objections were received at the consultation stage from interested parties, and in particular from Sport England, to the Planning Application (as discussed further below). Despite representations by members of the public attending the meeting, by 3 of the 5 Labour members of the Planning Committee, by the Norwich Green Party member of the Planning Committee, and by a Norwich Green Party Councillor speaking from the floor, the Planning Committee approved the Planning Application, subject to the matter being referred to “GO-East” (the Government Office for the East of England).
Residents' concerns When people became aware of this development, local residents were very greatly concerned at the planning implications. Numerous letters and submissions were sent to GO-East, by groups including n R.A.I.D
n
n Gardens for Wildlife Group n Norwich Over the Water Group n Five Norwich Green Party Councillors on Norwich City Council (who wrote en bloc, to place on record their committed objections to the Planning Application). The South Harford Pensioners’ Association are additionally against the proposal. The objections have received considerable local press coverage and coverage on local radio .
Public enquiry The proposals have been called-in for a public enquiry. A date has been set for the planning enquiry. It is Tuesday, 25 October 2005.
Planning application history link REP%20Planning%20Hewett%20School%202004-09-16.pdf
CONTACT US R.A.I.D. c/o Keith Farwell 7 Cecil Road Norwich NR1 2QL
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