CgMs planning advisors on the proposed eco town at Rackheath, Norwich.
Housing Minister, John Healey, announced on 16 July 2009 that Rackheath, to the north east of Norwich, is now one of the four eco town sites which have passed the Government's tough standards to go through to the next planning phase, full public consultation and local planning approval.
CgMs Consulting are delighted by this announcement because we have provided planning advice to this eco town project, securing its inclusion in the draft Core Strategy for Greater Norwich, and working closely with the professional team and the developers on the preparation of the masterplan and supporting documentation.
In response to the Housing Minister's statement, Planning Director Richard Atkinson said:
"This exciting project is in the vanguard of a new era of development. It will be designed to exacting standards, to deliver a low carbon future for its inhabitants, and will act as a benchmark for other new developments across the country. We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious project."
The Rackheath project covers a site of 293ha, four miles to the north east of Norwich city centre. The Masterplan includes :
- 4145 new dwellings, which together with the existing community will accommodate around 11,600 residents;
- an energy centre powered by biomass;
- 23ha of employment land;
- a new railway station and public transport hub;
- a local centre, incorporating retail units and a community trust building, housing local management functions;
- two primary schools, one of which could be extended to form an education campus to cater also for secondary education;
- extensive areas of green space and wildlife habitat;
- a compact layout based on walking and cycling;
- careful integration with the existing community.
For further information please contact Richard Atkinson.
