An application to demolish industrial sheds dating from the 1970s and 1980s on the former Colman’s mustard factory in Norwich has been submitted.
In addition to the demolition works, submitted by the Homes and Communities Agency trading as Homes England, the application covers early site preparation works at the former Carrow Works site – but does not include an application for homes.
The site has been earmarked for the construction of up to 300 new homes in the first proposed development on the former factory site.
READ MORE: First glimpse of proposed new homes on former mustard factory site
Jayshree Patel, Head of Planning and Enabling at Homes England said: “The demolition work shows how our partnership with Norwich City Council is helping to unlock this important brownfield site, which has stood empty for eight years, and reflects the pace at which we are working to deliver the first homes by 2029.”
The application for demolition comes after a number of engagement events earlier this month, outlining proposals for the first phase of the wider development of Carrow Sites, which incorporates Carrow Works and Carrow House.
Councillor Lucy Galvin, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “This is a necessary step to take in our journey to build new homes for local people on the former Colman’s factory site and, in our long-term vision to regenerate East Norwich and make it an exemplar of waterside living.
“The works will safely clear and prepare the first part of the former Carrow Works site for future homes, with environmental safeguards in place to protect local residents, neighbouring properties, wildlife, the river, heritage and traffic.”
The Carrow Sites project is part of Norwich City Council and Homes England’s wider plans to regenerate the east of the city.
The proposals include securing deals on plots of land needed to build 3,500 homes, including the former depot and offices in Trowse of engineering firm May Gurney and the Deal Ground plot, a large area of industrial land and buildings.
However, this has seen a recent setback after negotiations between Serruys Property Company and Homes England over the sale of the former May Gurney and Deal Ground sites fell through.
A spokesperson for Homes England confirmed the May Gurney and Deal Ground site issue is separate to the Carrow Site which Homes England and Norwich City Council are bringing forward.
He added: “However, they remain part of the regeneration ambition of the East Norwich Strategic Regeneration Area in the Greater Norwich Local Plan.”
