7 January 2014
Ninety plots are to be set aside for people to build their own homes as part of the development of a large new community on a 500-acre site on the northern edge of Norwich.
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Outline planning permission has been granted to Beyond Green Developments, a company that is working with a consortium of landowners to deliver ‘North Sprowston and Old Catton’ – a large mixed-use scheme that aims to provide 3,520 new homes. The consortium has committed to allocate around 2.5 per cent of the plots (90 units) for self build.
Serviced plots will be available, and self builders will have to comply with a fairly strict Design Code. There could also be opportunities for ‘self finish’ homes, possibly in the form of a terrace or a block of apartments.
Neil Murphy, Beyond Green’s Director of Planning, Policy and Economics, said: “We’re very keen on some of the continental self build models where people work co-operatively to deliver terraces rather than individual plots. We’d be open to people who want to take that forward and can do so on a viable basis.”
Adam Banham, Senior Planning Officer for Broadland District Council, said: “Our planning committee was very complementary about what Beyond Green is proposing. We’re keen on self build and so are a good proportion of our councillors. We all recognise that it’s a productive way of providing a diverse housing supply.”
Full planning consent is expected later this year, and a Design Code will then be prepared in collaboration with local stakeholders. It is expected that preparatory work will start on site in late 2015, with the first homes being completed during 2016.
