2.295
The site was allocated in the previous Local Plan but has not yet been developed. The principle of development on the site has already been accepted, and it is expected that development will take place within the new local plan time-period up to 2038. The site is re-allocated for residential development. As an existing allocation it has been considered in the calculation of the housing requirement.
2.296
The site is likely to accommodate a minimum of 40 homes. More may be accommodated, subject to an acceptable design and layout etc. being achieved.
2.297
The site is located on the south-west side of Mousehold Lane (the A1042) between Sprowston Road and Moorland Close. Mousehold Lane forms part of the Norwich outer ring road and is on a principal distributor route serving the northern and eastern suburbs and major employment areas around the airport and Sprowston. The site extends to 0.87 hectares and slopes down from north-east to south-west. It is currently cleared and vacant, having previously been a shoe factory.
2.298
The surrounding area is predominantly residential with low and medium density housing areas adjoining the site on three sides. Further housing on the opposite frontage to Mousehold Lane on its north-east side is within Sprowston in Broadland district. Immediately adjoining the site to the north-west is a former 1930s pub, the Duke of Norfolk, now converted to a restaurant.
2.299
The south-eastern boundary of the site is steeply banked up to the rear gardens of properties in Moorland Close. Additionally, there is a reserved strip of land for an easement and right of way for services alongside the south-western boundary adjoining residential properties in Templemere.
2.300
A medium density housing development is appropriate on this brownfield site close to local services. The site has unconstrained capacity for approximately 60 dwellings. In practical terms the constraints imposed by site levels and easements, the need to respect the suburban character of the surrounding area and minimise overlooking to Templemere will reduce the achievable maximum number of dwellings to around 40. Development should include a mix of dwelling sizes and types with a maximum of three storey building height.
2.301
The existing belt of woodland and scrub runs along the length of the south-west and south-east boundaries and this should be retained and opportunities taken to enhance landscaping and green infrastructure through the site. This belt forks to the south-east and south-west thereby linking to Mousehold Heath and towards the Sprowston Road allotments. There is the potential for this belt to function as a biodiversity corridor as part of the proposal to extend Mousehold Heath to the north-east. In terms of visual amenity it represents a significant landscape feature which should be retained and enhanced.
2.302
A pedestrian link to Templemere is desirable to provide a more convenient and direct link to the district retail centre. Vehicular access should be taken from Mousehold Lane with appropriate junction improvements to enable a right turn for eastbound traffic using Mousehold Lane and a pedestrian crossing point.
2.303
Investigation has shown evidence of some contamination from previous industrial uses which will require remediation prior to commencement of development. Traffic noise and possibly noise from the adjacent restaurant use could be an issue on the Mousehold Lane frontage and appropriate sound insulation measures and suitable layout of development will be required to overcome any amenity impacts.
2.304
The site lies within a Critical Drainage Catchment. Therefore development proposals involving new buildings, extensions and additional areas of hard surfacing should ensure that adequate and appropriate consideration has been given to mitigating surface water flooding. If developed for older persons housing, affordable housing contributions should be in accordance with the requirements set out in Norwich City Council’s Affordable Housing SPD
Policy R18
Site of former Start Rite Factory, 28 Mousehold Lane, Norwich (approx. 0.86ha) is allocated for residential development which may be provided either as general needs housing or care home. This will accommodate a minimum of 40 homes.
The development will achieve the following site-specific requirements:
- Achievement of a high quality, locally distinctive design which responds to its prominent location on the outer ring road.
- The design must address the topography of the site and surface water drainage issues.
- A pedestrian/cycle link to Templemere should be provided
- Retain existing belt of woodland and scrub on south-west and south-east boundaries and enhance landscaping and green infrastructure through the site.
- Vehicular access should be taken from Mousehold Lane. Development should provide for all necessary highway and junction improvements to enable a right turn into the site and the integration and enhancement of the existing pedestrian crossing point
- Consideration should be given to rationalising access/servicing arrangements to enable a single shared access to adjoining commercial premises at 26 Mousehold Lane and remove the need for a separate access.
Policy Map
