Thank you for consulting Historic England on the Greater Norwich Local Plan Regulation 19 Draft including The Strategy and The Sites. As a statutory consultee, our role is to ensure that the conservation of the historic environment is fully integrated into planning policy and that any policy documents make provision for a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment.

Our comments below should be read with reference to our previous comments dated 1.2.17, 15.3.18, 4.12.1, 26.4.19 and 16.3.20. Please also see our detailed comments in the attached tables, Appendix A in relation to The Strategy and Appendix B regarding The Sites.

SUMMARY
The Greater Norwich Local Plan covers the Strategy and Site Allocations. While commenting on the plan as a whole, Historic England is particularly concerned, for its implications for Norwich itself. Norwich is one of England’s great historic cities, and its architectural and historic character, and the sense of place associated with that, make a profound and wholly beneficial contribution to the city’s well-being.

In line with paragraph 185 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) it is important that the Plan should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats.

Further to the recent publication of the Regulation 19 version of the emerging Greater Norwich Local Plan, I can confirm that my client Newall Properties Development as owners of the Friars Quay Car Park (formerly Wilsons Glassworks) on Colegate in Norwich supports the emerging allocation for the site reference GNLP2163 entitled Friars Quay Car Park, Colegate as currently worded. My client contends that a minimum of 25 no. dwelling units as outlined in the emerging Policy can easily be achieved on the site and as advised previously this site is immediately available and deliverable to meet future housing needs in the City. My client further considers that the emerging Policy as currently worded accords fully with all relevant Government guidance and importantly the tests of soundness contained in paragraph 35 of the National Planning Policy Framework.