Planning in Broadland

Supporting communities

Health Appropriate and accessible health facilities and services will be provided across the area including through new or expanded primary health facilities serving the major growth locations. Health Impact Assessments will be required for large-scale housing proposals. Provision will be made for the expansion of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to meet the needs of growing communities. Healthier lifestyles will be promoted by maximising access by walking and cycling and providing opportunities for social interaction and greater access to green space and the countryside. An expansion of care home provision specialising in dementia care will be required with particular needs in Norwich, the north and west of Broadland NPA, Wymondham, Long Stratton and Loddon and/or Poringland. Additional care homes with nursing provision are mostly required in Norwich or its immediate environs, with some provision needed in Acle, Wymondham/Long Stratton/Loddon. Crime New police facilities will be provided to serve areas of major growth and areas which are deficient. Development will be well designed, to include safe and accessible spaces where crime and fear of crime are minimised. Education Provision will be made for sufficient, appropriate and accessible education opportunities for both residents and non-residents, including: • wider community use of schools, including through design • new primary and new or expanded secondary schools to serve the major growth locations • promoting the 'learning city' role of Norwich by facilitating the continuing enhancement of tertiary education facilities including the University of East Anglia, the Norwich University College of the Arts, City College and Easton College Community infrastructure and cohesion Provision will be made to ensure equitable access to new and improved community halls, including new provision on major developments. This will provide facilities for use by a wide range of groups, including faith communities. Expanded library provision will be made including through new or expanded facilities in major growth locations. Integration and cohesion within and between new and existing communities will be promoted including through support for community development workers and the early engagement of existing communities in the design process.

Culture, leisure and entertainment

Existing cultural assets and leisure facilities will be maintained and enhanced. The development of new or improved facilities including those supporting the arts, street events, concerts and the creative industries sector will be promoted. Cultural heritage will be enriched through use of innovative design and art in the public realm. Development will be expected to provide for local cultural and leisure activities, including new or improved built facilities, provide for a range of activities including performance space, and/or access to green space, including formal recreation, country parks and the wider countryside.

Major growth locations masterplanning and design requirements

Major growth in the Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath, Thorpe St Andrew growth triangle, and at Cringleford, Easton/Costessey, Hethersett, Long Stratton and Wymondham will be masterplanned as attractive, well serviced, integrated, mixed use development using a recognised design process giving local people an opportunity to shape development. Development will achieve the highest possible standards of design and aim to address current service and infrastructure deficiencies to benefit existing communities. In addition each major development location will: • deliver healthy, sustainable communities with locally distinctive design and high quality green infrastructure within the development and contributing to the surrounding network • provide for a wide range of housing need including giving serious consideration to the provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers • seek to achieve a high level of self containment through the provision of services to support the new development while integrating well with neighbouring communities • achieve a major shift away from car dependency and be designed around walking and cycling for local journeys and public transport for longer journeys • include Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), on site or nearby renewable energy generation, for example large-scale wind turbines/farms and biomass fuelled Combined Heat Power and Cooling (CHPC), and water saving technologies • include new or expanded education provision addressing the needs of the 0-19 age range, local retail and other services, community, police and recreational facilities, small-scale employment opportunities and primary healthcare facilities • ensure high quality telecommunications and adequate energy supply and sewerage infrastructure The developers of major Strategic Growth Locations will be required to ensure there is an ongoing commitment to support community development throughout the period until the development is completed.

Promoting good design

All development will be designed to the highest possible standards, creating a strong sense of place. In particular development proposals will respect local distinctiveness including as appropriate: the historic hierarchy of the city, towns and villages, maintaining important strategic gaps; the landscape setting of settlements including the urban/rural transition and the treatment of 'gateways'; the landscape character and historic environment, taking account of conservation area appraisals and including the wider countryside and the Broads area; townscape, including the city and the varied character of our market towns and villages; provision of landscaping and public art; the need to ensure cycling and walking friendly neighbourhoods by applying highway design principles that do not prioritise the movement function of streets at the expense of quality of place; the need to increase the use of public transport, including through 'public transport oriented design' for larger development; designing out crime; the use of sustainable and traditional materials; the need to design development to avoid harmful impacts on key environmental assets and, in particular SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites. This will be achieved by ensuring that: major development areas providing over 500 dwellings or 50,000m2 of non-residential floorspace, and areas of particular complexity will be masterplanned using an inclusive, recognised process demonstrating how the whole scheme will be provided and ensuring that it is well related to adjacent development and infrastructure; all residential development of 10 units or more will be evaluated against the Building for Life criteria published by CABE (or any successor to this standard), achieving at least 14 points (silver standard); Design and Access Statements for non residential development will show how the development will meet similar high standards

The economy

The local economy will be developed in a sustainable way to support jobs and economic growth both in urban and rural locations. This will: • provide for a rising population and develop its role as an engine of the wider economy • facilitate its job growth potential with a target of at least 27, 000 additional jobs in the period 2008-2026 • increase the proportion of higher value, knowledge economy jobs while ensuring that opportunities are available for the development of all types and levels of jobs in all sectors of the economy and for all the workforce Sufficient employment land will be allocated in accessible locations consistent with the 'Policies for places' in this strategy to meet identified need and provide for choice. In particular: • the needs of small, medium and start-up businesses will be addressed through the allocation of new smaller scale employment sites and the retention of, and the potential expansion of, a range of existing small and medium employment sites across the area and by requiring the provision of small-scale business opportunities in all significant residential and commercial developments. Flexible building design and innovative approaches will be sought in new and existing residential developments to encourage local working and business opportunities • larger scale needs will be addressed through the allocation of sufficient land to provide a choice and range of sites. Development Plan Documents and investment strategies will ensure that a readily available supply of land is maintained throughout the Joint Core Strategy period • investment strategies will focus on overcoming constraints to the release and development of key sites • land identified for employment uses on proposals maps will only be considered for other uses that are ancillary and supportive to its employment role. Employment land with potential for redevelopment for other uses will be identified in supporting DPDs or SPDs Opportunities for innovation, skills and training will be expanded through: • facilitating the expansion of, and access to, vocational, further and higher education provision • encouraging links between training/education provision and relevant business concentrations including co-location where appropriate • support for enterprise hubs at Norwich Research Park, the University of East Anglia, EPIC (East of England Production Innovation Centre), and Hethel, and at easily accessible locations in the area Tourism, leisure, environmental and cultural industries will be promoted. This will be assisted by: • the general emphasis of the Joint Core Strategy on achieving high quality design, resource efficiency, environmental enhancement and retention of local distinctiveness • implementation of the green infrastructure network • encouragement for appropriate development including sustainable tourism initiatives • encouragement for development that creates a supportive environment for cultural industries • promotion of the creative industries cluster • support for cultural initiatives including festivals The rural economy and diversification will also be supported by: • a preference for the re-use of appropriate redundant non-residential buildings for commercial uses, including holiday homes to support the tourism industry (affordable housing may be an acceptable alternative use) • promotion of farmers markets, farm shops and cottage industry, including e-commerce in villages • the development of a flagship food and farming hub serving the needs of Norfolk and supporting the agri-food sector in and around greater Norwich • promoting the development of appropriate new and expanded businesses, which provide either tourism or other local employment opportunities

Energy and water

Energy: Development in the area will, where possible, aim to minimise reliance on non-renewable high-carbon energy sources and maximise the use of decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy sources and sustainable construction technologies. To help achieve this: all development proposals of a minimum of 10 dwellings or 1,000m2 of non residential floorspace will be required (a) to include sources of 'decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy' (as defined in the glossary) providing at least 10% of the scheme's expected energy requirements and (b) to demonstrate through the Design and Access Statement for the scheme whether or not there is viable and practicable scope for exceeding that minimum percentage provision; in addition to the above requirement, detailed proposals for major developments (minimum of 500 dwellings or 50,000m2 of non residential floorspace) will be required to demonstrate through the Design and Access Statement that the scheme has seized opportunities to make the most of any available local economies of scale to maximise provision of energy from sources of 'decentralised and renewable or low carbon energy sources'; all development proposals of a minimum of 10 dwellings or 1,000m2 of non residential floorspace will be required to demonstrate, through the Design and Access Statement, that all viable and practicable steps have been taken to maximise opportunities for sustainable construction. Other Development Plan Documents will allocate land for renewable energy development. Provision will be made for strategic enhancement of the electricity and gas supply networks to support housing and employment growth. This will include major investment in existing electricity substations in central Norwich and to the east of Norwich. Water: The release of land for development will be dependent on there being sufficient water infrastructure to meet the additional requirements arising from the new development and to ensure that water quality is protected or improved, with no significant detriment to areas of environmental importance. This will be achieved by greater efficiency and by providing infrastructure, including strategic interceptor sewers, to address environmental and capacity constraints at the strategic wastewater treatment works at Whitlingham and at local works. This water infrastructure will be upgraded as required and be operational in time to meet the demands of any development. To ensure all housing is water efficient, new housing development must reach Code for Sustainable Homes level 4 for water on adoption of this document and developments of over 500 dwellings must reach code level 6 by 2015. All other development should also seek to maximise water efficiency.

Addressing climate change and protecting environmental assets

To address climate change and promote sustainability, all development will be located and designed to use resources efficiently, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and be adapted to a changing climate and more extreme weather. Development will therefore: • be energy efficient • provide for recycling of materials • use locally sourced materials wherever possible • be located to minimise flood risk, mitigating any such risk through design and implementing sustainable drainage • minimise water use and protect groundwater sources • make the most efficient appropriate use of land, with the density of development varying according to the characteristics of the area, with the highest densities in centres and on public transport routes • minimise the need to travel and give priority to low impact modes of travel • be designed to mitigate and be adapted to the urban heat island effect in Norwich • improve the resilience of ecosystems to environmental change The environmental assets of the area will be protected, maintained, restored and enhanced and the benefits for residents and visitors improved. Development and investment will seek to expand and link valuable open space and areas of biodiversity importance to create green networks. Where there is no conflict with biodiversity objectives, the quiet enjoyment and use of the natural environment will be encouraged and all proposals should seek to increase public access to the countryside. All new developments will ensure that there will be no adverse impacts on European and Ramsar designated sites and no adverse impacts on European protected species in the area and beyond including by storm water runoff, water abstraction, or sewage discharge. They will provide for sufficient and appropriate local green infrastructure to minimise visitor pressures. Development likely to have any adverse affect on nationally designated sites and species will be assessed in accordance with national policy and legislation. In areas not protected through international or national designations, development will: • minimise fragmentation of habitats and seek to conserve and enhance existing environmental assets of acknowledged regional or local importance. Where harm is unavoidable, it will provide for appropriate mitigation or replacement with the objective of achieving a long-term maintenance or enhancement of the local biodiversity baseline • contribute to providing a multifunctional green infrastructure network, including provision of areas of open space, wildlife resources and links between them, both off site and as an integral part of the development • help to make provision for the long-term maintenance of the green infrastructure network • protect mineral and other natural resources identified through the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Development Framework The built environment, heritage assets, and the wider historic environment will be conserved and enhanced through the protection of buildings and structures which contribute to their surroundings, the protection of their settings, the encouragement of high-quality maintenance and repair and the enhancement of public spaces.

Smaller rural communities and the countryside

In the countryside (including villages not identified in one of the above categories), affordable housing for which a specific local need can be shown will be permitted in locations adjacent to villages as an exception to general policy. Farm diversification, home working, small-scale and medium-scale commercial enterprises where a rural location can be justified, including limited leisure and tourism facilities to maintain and enhance the rural economy, will also be acceptable. Other development, including the appropriate replacement of existing buildings, will be permitted in the countryside where it can clearly be demonstrated to further the objectives of this Joint Core Strategy.

The Broads

In areas in close proximity to the Broads Authority area particular regard will be applied to maintaining and enhancing the economy, environment, tranquility, setting, visual amenity, recreational value and navigational use of the Broads. Opportunities will be taken to make better use of the benefits of the Broads, and to support its protection and enhancement while ensuring no detrimental impact on the Broadland SPA, Broadland Ramsar and Broads SAC.

Locations for major new or expanded communities in the Norwich Policy Area

Each major development location will: • deliver healthy, sustainable communities with locally distinctive design and high quality green infrastructure within the development and contributing to the surrounding network • provide for a wide range of housing need including giving serious consideration to the provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers • seek to achieve a high level of self containment through the provision of services to support the new development while integrating well with neighbouring communities • achieve a major shift away from car dependency and be designed around walking and cycling for local journeys and public transport for longer journeys • include Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), on site or nearby renewable energy generation, for example large-scale wind turbines/farms and biomass fuelled Combined Heat Power and Cooling (CHPC), and water saving technologies • include new or expanded education provision addressing the needs of the 0-19 age range, local retail and other services, community, police and recreational facilities, small-scale employment opportunities and primary healthcare facilities • ensure high quality telecommunications and adequate energy supply and sewerage infrastructure The developers of major Strategic Growth Locations will be required to ensure there is an ongoing commitment to support community development throughout the period until the development is completed.

Key Service Centres

Land will be allocated for residential development of the scale indicated below (and subject to detailed assessment including impact on form and character and the resolution of any specific servicing constraints). Established retail and service areas will be protected and enhanced where appropriate, and local employment opportunities will be promoted. Future development plan documents will consider the adequacy of employment land provision. Acle: 100 to 200 dwellings Blofield*: approximately 50 dwellings Brundall*: approximately 50 dwellings Hethersett*: at least 1,000 dwellings Hingham: approximately 100 dwellings Loddon/Chedgrave: 100 to 200 dwellings Long Stratton*: at least 1,800 dwellings Poringland/Framingham Earl*: 100 to 200 dwellings Reepham: 100 to 200 dwellings Wraxham: 100 to 200 dwellings Settlements identified in this policy that are also within the Norwich Policy Area (marked *) may be considered for additional development, if necessary, to help deliver the 'smaller sites in the NPA' allowance (see Policy 9).

Service Villages

In each Service Village land will be allocated for small-scale housing development subject to form and character considerations. Small-scale employment or service development appropriate to the scale and needs of the village and its immediate surroundings will be encouraged. Existing local shops and services will be protected. The Service Villages are: Alburgh, Ashwellthorpe, Aslacton and Great Moulton, Barford, Barnham Broom, Bergh Apton, Blofield Heath*, Bramerton*, Brooke, Broome, Bunwell, Buxton, Cawston, Carleton Rode, Coltishall and Horstead, Dickleburgh, Ditchingham, Earsham, Foulsham, Freethorpe, Geldeston, Gillingham, Great Plumstead and Little Plumstead*, Hales (including part in Heckingham parish), Hempnall, Horsford*, Horsham St Faith and Newton St Faith*, Kirby Cane (including part in Ellingham parish), Lenwade, Lingwood, Little Melton*, Mulbarton and Bracon Ash*, Newton Flotman*, Norton Subcourse, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Reedham, Rockland St Mary, Roydon, Salhouse*, Saxlingham Nethergate, Scole, Seething, South Walsham, Spixworth*, Spooner Row*, Stoke Holy Cross*, Surlingham*, Swardeston*, Tacolneston and Forncett End, Tasburgh*, Thurlton, Thurton (including part in Ashby St Mary parish), Wicklewood, Woodton (including part in Bedingham parish), Wortwell, Wreningham, Yelverton (including part in Alpington parish). In addition to the settlements above, Easton and Rackheath have equivalent status to a Service Village while providing a location for significant housing growth. Settlements identified in this policy that are also within the Norwich Policy Area (marked *) may be considered for additional development, if necessary, to help deliver the 'smaller sites in the NPA' allowance (see Policy 9).

Other Villages

The Other Villages identified below will have defined development boundaries to accommodate infill or small groups of dwellings and small-scale business or services, subject to form and character considerations. Aldeby, Bawburgh*, Bressingham, Brockdish, Burgh St Peter (including part within Wheatacre parish and the adjacent developed area in Aldeby parish), Burston, Caistor St Edmund*, Cantley, Claxton, Colton*, Denton, Flordon*, Forncett St Peter, Forncett St Mary, Frettenham, Great Melton*, Haddiscoe, Hainford, Hardwick, Hedenham, Hevingham, Keswick*, Ketteringham*, Langley Street, Marlingford*, Marsham, Morley, Needham, Shelfanger, Shotesham, Starston, Strumpshaw, Swainsthorpe*, Tibenham, Tivetshall St Margaret, Tivetshall St Mary, Toft Monks, Topcroft Street, Winfarthing. Settlements identified in this policy that are also within the Norwich Policy Area (marked *) may be considered for additional development, if necessary, to help deliver the 'smaller sites in the NPA' allowance (see Policy 9).

Action to ensure the delivery of housing land in the Broadland part of the Norwich Policy Area

In addition to the JCS review "trigger" set out in paragraph 7.18, if any Monitoring Report (MR) produced after two full years from the adoption of this part-JCS Local Plan demonstrates that there is a significant shortfall (as defined below) in the 5-year supply of housing land (plus the "additional buffer" required in current national policy) affecting the Broadland part of the Norwich Policy Area (NPA), then the Councils will take the course of action specified below to address the identified shortfall. The Councils will consider that a significant shortfall has arisen if the MR (produced annually) shows there to be less than 90% of the required deliverable housing land (as defined in current national policy). In the event of an identified shortfall, the Councils will produce a short, focussed Local Plan which will have the objective of identifying and allocating additional locations within the whole NPA area for immediately deliverable housing land to remedy that shortfall, in accordance with the settlement hierarchy set out in paragraph 6.2 of the JCS. The Local Plan will cover such a time period as may reasonably be considered necessary for the delivery delay or shortfall (however caused) to be resolved.

Housing delivery

Allocations will be made to ensure at least 36,820 new homes can be delivered between 2008 and 2026, of which approximately 33,000 will be within the Norwich Policy Area (NPA – defined in Appendix 4), distributed in accordance with the Policies for places. Housing mix Proposals for housing will be required to contribute to the mix of housing required to provide balanced communities and meet the needs of the area, as set out in the most up to date study of housing need and/or Housing Market Assessment. Affordable Housing A proportion of affordable housing, including an appropriate tenure mix, will be sought on all sites for 5 or more dwellings (or 0.2 hectares or more). The proportion of affordable housing, and mix of tenure sought will be based on the most up to date needs assessment for the plan area. At the adoption of this strategy the target proportion to meet the demonstrated housing need is: • on sites for 5-9 dwellings (or 0.2 – 0.4 ha), 20% with tenure to be agreed on a site by site basis (numbers rounded, upwards from 0.5) • on sites for 10-15 dwellings (or 0.4 – 0.6 ha), 30% with tenure to be agreed on a site by site basis (numbers rounded, upwards from 0.5) • on sites for 16 dwellings or more (or over 0.6 ha) 33% with approximate 85% social rented and 15% intermediate tenures (numbers rounded, upwards from 0.5) The proportion of affordable housing sought may be reduced and the balance of tenures amended where it can be demonstrated that site characteristics, including infrastructure provision, together with the requirement for affordable housing would render the site unviable in prevailing market conditions, taking account of the availability of public subsidy to support affordable housing. At appropriate settlements, sites that would not normally be released for housing will be considered for schemes that specifically meet an identified local need for affordable homes. Such schemes must ensure that the properties are made available in perpetuity for this purpose. Housing with care Mixed tenure housing with care will be required as part of overall provision in highly accessible locations. In particular provision will be required in Norwich, and the major growth locations of Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath and Thorpe St Andrew growth triangle, Cringleford, Hethersett, Wymondham and Long Stratton, and at Aylsham, Acle and Wroxham. Gypsies and Travellers Provision will be made for a minimum of 58 permanent residential pitches for Gypsies and Travellers between 2006 and 2011 to ensure full conformity with Regional Spatial Strategy Policy H3. These will be provided on the following basis: Broadland 15, Norwich 15, and South Norfolk 28. Between 2012 and 2026, an additional minimum 78 permanent residential pitches will be provided to ensure full conformity with Regional Spatial Strategy Policy H3. These will be distributed on the following basis: Broadland 20, Norwich 20, and South Norfolk 38. These will be provided on a number of sites. Generally sites will not have more than 10 to 12 pitches, but may be varied to suit the circumstances of a particular site. The sites will be provided in locations which have good access to services and in locations where local research demonstrates they would meet the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller communities. Some of the allowance to be provided after 2011 is expected to be provided in association with large-scale strategic housing growth. In addition, 17 transit pitches will be provided, with the expectation that these will be provided by 2011. These will generally be in locations providing good access to the main routes used by Gypsies and Travellers, such as the A11, A47, A140 and A 143/A1066. Again, sites would not normally be expected to accommodate more than 10 to 12 pitches. Research also shows the need for additional plots for Travelling Show People. The expectation is that 15 additional plots will be provided by 2011 and a further 12 between 2012 and 2026. These will be located on sites within the Norwich urban area, or if sites within the urban area cannot be identified, with easy access to it. The Government has signalled its intention to revoke the Regional Spatial Strategy. When this is enacted new targets for permanent residential and transit pitches for the period after 2011 will be set, based on local evidence.

Strategy for growth in the Norwich Policy Area

The Norwich Policy Area (NPA) is the focus for major growth and development. Housing need will be addressed by the identification of new allocations to deliver a minimum of 21,000 dwellings distributed across the following locations: • Norwich City Council area: 3,000 dwellings • Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath and Thorpe St Andrew growth triangle: 7,000 dwellings by 2026 continuing to grow to around 10,000 dwellings eventually • Easton/Costessey: 1,000 dwellings • Cringleford: 1,200 dwellings • Hethersett: 1,000 dwellings • Long Stratton: 1,800 dwellings • Wymondham: 2,200 dwellings • Broadland smaller sites in the NPA: 2,000 dwellings • South Norfolk smaller sites in the NPA and possible additions to named growth locations: 1,800 dwellings Allocations to deliver the smaller sites in Broadland and South Norfolk will be made in accordance with the settlement hierarchy and local environmental and servicing considerations. All the numbers above show the minimum number of dwellings to be delivered in each location. Transport infrastructure required to implement NATS, deliver growth and support the local economy will include: • construction of the NDR to provide strategic access, significantly improve quality of life and environmental conditions in the northern suburbs and nearby villages, and provide capacity for comprehensive improvements for buses, cycling and walking as well as facilitating economic development • significant improvement to the bus, cycling and walking network, including Bus Rapid Transit on key routes in the Norwich area linking major growth locations, strategic employment areas and the city centre • enhancing the Norwich Park & Ride system • new rail halts at Broadland Business Park and Rackheath (innovative new services will be investigated on the Wymondham – Norwich – Wroxham axis) • junction improvements on the A47 Norwich Southern Bypass • a Long Stratton Bypass • parking restraint in areas with good standards of public transport accessibility especially in and around the city centre Opportunities will be sought to enhance green infrastructure throughout the area, with particular emphasis on priority areas. Employment development at strategic locations will include: • significant expansion of office, retail and leisure provision in the city centre. Land will be identified to deliver a net increase at least 100,000m2 of new office floorspace • significant expansion of health, higher education and, in particular, science park activity at the University of East Anglia/Norwich Research Park. A first phase of around 55ha will provide for uses limited to those appropriate for a science park (principally use class B1(b)) with further phases dependent on the achievement of this vision. In view of the specific nature of the employment sought in this location, including the need to dovetail with the aims of significant and diverse existing institutions, detailed proposals will be developed through the preparation of development plan documents. • a new business park of around 30ha associated with the Airport and focussed on uses benefiting from an airport location • an extension to Broadland Business Park of around 25ha for general employment uses • consolidation of activity at Longwater through intensification and completion of the existing allocation • new general employment opportunities at Wymondham including a new allocation of around 15ha • expansion of activity at Hethel including a technology park of around 20ha managed to focus on advanced engineering and the growth of technology capabilities • new employment development to serve local needs of major growth locations including around 25ha of new employment land at Rackheath

Implementation

A coordinated approach will be taken to the timely provision and ongoing maintenance of infrastructure, services and facilities to support development. Provision will be achieved through: • contributions towards strategic infrastructure from all residential and commercial development, made through the introduction of an areawide Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) plus appropriate Section 106 contributions for site specific needs. Until such time as a local CIL is introduced all contributions will be made through Section 106 in line with current legislation and national policy, including the pooling of contributions • maximising mainstream government funding sources including the Homes and Communities Agency, Local Transport Plan, Growth Point Funding, Regional Funding Allocation and Community Infrastructure Funding and other new funding streams, including European funding sources • coordination with the investment programmes of other public bodies e.g. National Health Service • capital investment by utilities companies through their asset management plans to their regulator which identify the capital investment required • innovative approaches to capital investment based on forecast future revenue • consideration of other potential funding mechanisms Local Planning Authorities and the County Council will make use, where necessary, of their legal powers to bring about strategically significant development, including compulsory purchase. Future maintenance of the infrastructure provided will be achieved either through adoption by a public body with maintenance payments, where appropriate, or other secure arrangements such as the establishment of a local infrastructure management body. Infrastructure that is essential to secure sustainable development will include: • appropriate transport infrastructure including the implementation of NATS and the construction of the NDR and improved public transport • affordable or supported housing • social infrastructure, including education, healthcare, police and emergency services and community facilities • local and renewable energy generation • water conservation measures • sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) • strategic sewers • open space and green infrastructure, including habitat creation, pedestrian and cycle links, allotments, recreation facilities, parks, trees, hedgerows, woodland and landscaping • utilities, including waste management/recycling/composting facilities • street furniture • public art The developers of strategic growth areas will be required to enter into an ongoing commitment to support community development to bring about a genuinely sustainable community including fostering the growth of community and voluntary organisations.

The remainder of the Norwich urban area, including the fringe parishes

The existing Norwich urban area includes the built-up parts of the urban fringe parishes of Colney, Costessey, Cringleford, Trowse, Thorpe St Andrew, Sprowston, Old Catton, Hellesdon, Drayton and Taverham. It will be expanded through significant growth in the Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath, Thorpe St Andrew growth triangle, and smaller urban extensions at Cringleford, and Easton/Costessey (Policy 10). Throughout the suburban area and fringe parishes opportunities will be sought: • to identify land to contribute towards the smaller sites allowance set out in Policy 9 • to identify and regenerate tired suburbs and promote neighbourhood based renewal • to improve townscape and retain the best of local character • to improve the gateways to Norwich by seeking coordinated environmental and townscape improvements on all major routes from the urban edge to the city centre • for small-scale and medium-scale developments to increase densities, where a design and access statement demonstrates that an improvement to townscape will result, and particularly around district centres and on public transport routes • to retain and improve local jobs, including through the retention of existing employment allocations and identified sites and by ensuring that small-scale opportunities are genuinely available to all levels of the market • to retain and improve local services, and protect and enhance local and district centres Green infrastructure and links between currently fragmented habitats and to the rural fringe will be protected, maintained and enhanced. This will include: • the protection of the landscape setting of the urban area • the re-establishment of heathland habitats in the north and north east to link through to Mousehold • the completion of riverside and river valley walks extending out into the surrounding countryside • a new water-based country park at Bawburgh/Colney and improved links from the city centre and areas north of the River Yare to the existing country park at Whitlingham • the establishment of a comprehensive cycle and walking network • tree planting to enhance amenity and habitat, and to ameliorate the impact of the 'urban heat island' effect Construction of the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) will reduce the impact of traffic on residential areas and allow significant enhancement of public transport, cycling and walking through: • adoption of a hierarchy of routes as set out in Norwich Area Transportation Strategy • establishment of homezones where appropriate • area wide traffic restraint, including restrictions on through traffic and reduced speeds • development of comprehensive walking and cycling links • implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit network on selected routes linking the city centre and railway station to the strategic employment and growth locations • improvements to infrastructure on other key routes of the public transport network Norwich will be promoted as a 'learning city' and the expansion of existing further and higher education opportunities will be encouraged. The following areas are identified as priorities for regeneration requiring area-wide co-ordination and community based approaches that will be taken forward through local development documents: • Northern wedge (North city centre to Mile Cross and New Catton) – physical and social regeneration • Western Norwich – emphasis on social regeneration • East Norwich (city centre to Deal Ground/Utilities) – major physical regeneration opportunities for mixed use development and enhanced green linkages from the city centre to the Broads

Main Towns

Subject to resolution of servicing constraints, these towns will accommodate additional housing (numbers indicate a minimum number of dwellings), town centre uses, employment and services: Housing Allocations | Town centre uses | Employment Aylsham: 300 dwellings (subject to overcoming existing sewage disposal constraints) | Limited expansion in or adjacent to the town centre | Expansion based on existing employment areas Diss: 300 dwellings | Significant expansion in or adjacent to the town centre | Employment growth to meet the needs of town and large rural catchment Harleston: 200-300 dwellings | Limited expansion in or adjacent to the town centre | Expansion based on existing employment areas Wymondham: See Policy 10

Implementation of proposals in the Broadland part of the Norwich Policy Area

When considering development proposals in their part of the Norwich Policy Area Broadland District Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: • Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or • Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Norwich City Centre

The regional centre role will be enhanced through an integrated approach to economic, social, physical and cultural regeneration to enable greater use of the city centre, including redevelopment of brownfield sites. It will be the main focus in the subregion for retail, leisure and office development. Housing and educational development will also reinforce the vibrancy of the city centre. Its role will be promoted by: • enhancing the historic city, including its built, archaeological and environmental assets and its distinctive character as identified in Conservation Area appraisals, through innovative, sustainable design • strengthening the city's role as a cultural centre and visitor destination of international importance, with additional tourist facilities, including promotion of conference and concert facilities • expanding the use of the city centre to all, in particular the early evening economy and extending leisure and hospitality uses across the city centre, with late night activities focussed in identified areas • enhancing its retail function, providing for a substantial expansion of comparison retail floorspace of varied types and size of unit to provide a range of premises. This will be achieved through intensification of uses in the primary retail area and if necessary through its expansion; other shopping areas within the centre will be strengthened to provide for retail diversity, with a particular focus on enhancing the character of specialist retailing areas and markets • expanding its function as an employment centre, including provision of high quality office premises and a diversity of uses across the area, including media, creative, financial, business and professional services and information communication industries Housing development densities will generally be high, but family housing will also be provided to achieve a social mix. Housing will be provided as part of mixed use developments wherever possible. To support these roles, improvements will be made to: • the public realm • open spaces, green linkages and connections between open spaces, linking to the river corridor and the open countryside • walking and cycling provision • sustainable transport access to and within the city centre in accordance with the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy, in particular to strengthen its role as a gateway and hub of an enhanced public transport system Areas of the city centre will be comprehensively regenerated: • the Northern City Centre will be developed in accordance with its Area Action Plan to achieve physical and social regeneration, facilitate public transport corridor enhancements, and utilise significant redevelopment opportunities • the St Stephens area will be developed for mixed uses in accordance with its masterplan, to promote retailing, offices and housing and to create an improved pedestrian environment • the Rose Lane area will be a major focus for commercial development

The hierarchy of centres

The development of new retailing, services, offices and other town centre uses as defined by government guidance will be encouraged at a scale appropriate to the form and functions of the following hierarchy of defined centres: 1. Norwich city centre. 2. The town and large district centres of: Aylsham, Diss, Harleston and Wymondham, and within the Norwich urban area, at Anglia Square/Magdalen Street and Riverside. 3. The large village and district centres of: Acle, Coltishall, Hethersett, Hingham, Loddon, Long Stratton, Poringland and Reepham, and within the Norwich urban area at Aylsham Road, Drayton Road, Bowthorpe, Dereham Road, Eaton centre, Earlham House, Larkman centre, Plumstead Road, Old Catton and Dussindale (Thorpe St Andrew). New district centres/high streets to be established within the Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath, Thorpe St Andrew growth triangle, at Blue Boar Lane, Sprowston and Hall Road, Norwich. The Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath, Thorpe St Andrew Growth Triangle will be served by a district centre. This may be provided by building on the proposed district centre at Blue Boar Lane or the creation of a second district centre elsewhere in the Triangle as determined through the Area Action Plan for the Growth Triangle. 4. Local centres, including new and enhanced local centres serving major growth locations in the Norwich Policy Area. Policies will be introduced in DPDs for all categories of centre as well as more dispersed services in villages to enhance the environment and economy of the centre or village and to protect its function by controlling proposals which would result in the loss of commercial premises or local services.

Access and transportation

The transportation system will be enhanced to develop the role of Norwich as a Regional Transport Node, particularly through the implementation of the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy, and will improve access to rural areas. This will be achieved by: • implementation of the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy (NATS) including construction of the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) • significant improvement to the bus, cycling and walking network, including Bus Rapid Transit on key routes in the Norwich area • enhancing the Norwich Park & Ride system • promoting enhancement of rail services, including improved journey time and reliability to London and Cambridge, and innovative use of the local rail network • provision of an A140 Long Stratton Bypass • promoting improvements to the A11 and A47 • supporting the growth and regional significance of Norwich International Airport for both leisure and business travel to destinations across the UK and beyond • concentration of development close to essential services and facilities to encourage walking and cycling as the primary means of travel with public transport for wider access • provision of IT links, telecommunications and promotion of home working • protection of the function of strategic transport routes (corridors of movement) • continued investigation of and support for rail freight opportunities • continuing to improve public transport accessibility to and between Main Towns and Key Service Centres • promoting local service delivery • continuing to recognise that in the most rural areas the private car will remain an important means of travel Fast broadband connections will be promoted throughout the area. All new development must demonstrate how it contributes to this objective.