Ingleton Wood’s Planning Team have secured planning permission (subject to completion of the s106 agreement) on behalf of Targetfollow Estates for the redevelopment of the former Eastern Electricity Headquarters in Norwich, to provide 154 residential units and commercial floorspace. The development involves the retention and conversion of the majority of the existing buildings on the site, together with rooftop extensions in order to maximise opportunities for development on the site. The proposal takes advantage of recent changes to planning legislation by converting the existing office buildings to residential under permitted development rights. In addition, the proposal includes the development of three new residential blocks on a part of the site that is currently vacant, resulting in a high density development that is appropriate to a sustainable City Centre location. The scheme will reinstall the UK’s first commercial water source heat pump, which along with photovoltaics, will result in approximately 75% of the development’s energy requirements coming from renewable sources. It also includes the provision of pontoons to promote the use of the adjacent River Wensum for recreational use. The development is a departure from the Development Plan, which allocates the site for office led development. In addition, as part of the application it was demonstrated through a Viability Assessment that the development could not support the provision of affordable housing. Extensive consultation was undertaken with Norwich City Council, the Broads Authority and other statutory parties, including a public consultation event in advance of the submission of the application. This was key to ensuring that the proposals secured support from Council Members. Ingleton Wood were responsible for co-ordinating the professional team, up to the determination of the planning application. Client: Targetfollow Estates
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