Views wanted on planned affordable housing on former Norwich school site

Added: 05/11/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

Views on proposals to build affordable housing on a former school site in Norwich are being sought by Norfolk County Council.

Two drop-in sessions are being held this Thursday (6 November) at the Norman Centre on Bignold Road where members of the local community can view plans to build around 50 affordable homes on the former Dowson First and Mile Cross Middle Schools. The designers of the plans will also be present at the sessions to discuss the plans and answer questions.

Following the closure of the school buildings in July 2008, a consultation was held with local people on how the site should be reused. The responses showed that many felt there was a need for more affordable housing in the area. The plans that have been drawn up for the site by the county council together with Norwich City Council and Broadland Housing feature a mix of flats and two, three and four bedroom houses as well as single storey homes designed to be 'mobility friendly'.

Jo Ashford, Capital Programme Support Manager at Norfolk County Council, said: “The opinions of the local community are very important to the decision-making process at this site. I would urge as many people as possible to attend these drop-in sessions to find out more about the plans and make their views known. Don't worry if you can't make it though as there are a number of ways to get in touch and help shape the plans for the site.”

Norfolk County Council's Cabinet will discuss the plans and views received at a meeting on Monday, 1 December before making a final decision on whether to sell the site to Broadland Housing. If this course of action is agreed, it is likely that Broadland Housing would apply for planning permission by the end of the year.

The drop-in sessions will take place from 2.30 - 4.30pm in the Appleyard Room and from 5.30 - 7.30pm in the Manthorpe Room of the Norman Centre on Thursday. The proposed plans are also available to view at www.norfolk.gov.uk/schoolsitesreview and if you cannot attend the sessions nor have access to the internet, you can obtain a copy of the plans by ringing 0844 800 8001.

Views on the proposals can be submitted at the drop-in sessions, by email to schoolsitesreview@norfolk.gov.uk or by Freepost to: School Sites Review, Freepost, IH2076, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2BR. Views must be received by Friday, 21 November.

· Visitors to the drop-in sessions will also be invited to share their memories of Dowson First and Mile Cross Middle Schools which will be collected to produce a lasting memento for the community. People are encouraged to bring along any photos taken at the schools so that they can be copied and included alongside the memories.