Norfolk 20 Infrastructure 16 Plan

www.norfolk.gov.uk Norfolk County Council is the local authority for Norfolk. We provide a wide range of services for people who live, work, do business or visit here. They include education, social services, highway maintenance, waste disposal, libraries, museums, fire and rescue, economic development and trading standards. For further details visit www.norfolk.gov.uk

Tom McCabe

Executive Director of Community and Environmental Services Norfolk County Council County Hall Martineau Lane Norwich Norfolk NR1 2DH

General Enquiries: 0344 800 8020 or [email protected]

Published: August 2016

If you need this document in large print, audio, Braille, alternative format or in a different language please contact (Laura Waters) on (01603638038) and we will do our best to help. This plan pulls together information on key infrastructure needed to deliver economic growth in Norfolk. It is a working document that will be regularly updated as information becomes available. The Plan will help us to co-ordinate implementation, prioritise activity and respond to any funding opportunities. Contents

1.0 Introduction pp.1-5 Key Infrastructure Initiatives Funding Housing Map Employment Map

2.0 Broadband pp. 6-7

3.0 Transport pp. 8-27 Road Rail Public Transport

4.0 Education pp.28-34

5.0 Utilities pp. 35-43 Power Water Flood Risk

6.0 Green Infrastructure pp. 44-47

7.0 Specific Locations pp. 48-51

1.0 Introduction

This plan pulls together information on key infrastructure needed to deliver economic growth in Norfolk. It is a working document that will be regularly updated as information becomes available. The Plan will help us to co-ordinate implementation, prioritise activity and respond to any funding opportunities.

Some projects are further forward than others so they have robust investment figures and implementation timelines, others are in the early stages of design and are less well known. In some cases the funding sources are clear, where Section 106 (S106) or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) collected from developers will provide a significant contribution. Additional details on costs and sources of funding, such as contributions from utility companies such as Anglian Water will be added as projects are firmed up.

Figures 2 and 3 indicate that Norfolk’s key growth locations are clustered at points along the main transport arteries. Therefore, these growth corridors provide the spatial context for the organisation of much of this plan (below) with projects being grouped by these key corridors:

Page 1 1.0 Introduction - Infrastructure Map

1.0 Introduction

Page 2

Page 2 1.0 Introduction - Initiatives/Funding

Key Infrastructure Initiatives

Working with partners, the County Council is seeking to progress a number of key infrastructure initiatives in 2016/17 and beyond. In summary, the initiatives are:

• NDR. To secure a Development Consent Order (DCO) and commence construction of the NDR • Transport for Norwich. To deliver key elements of the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy including the city centre measures. • A47. To work with Highways England (HE) to ensure expedient delivery of the improvements set out in the governments Roads Investment Strategy and lobby for further improvements. • Rail Improvements. To continue the high profile campaign to improve the Norwich-London route (Norwich in 90’), working with Network Rail and the franchise holder, Greater Anglia and seek improvements on the Great Yarmouth line. Also to push for improvements on Norwich- Cambridge and Cambridge-King’s Lynn services. • Broadband. By 31 March 2015, the ‘Better Broadband for Norfolk’ project seeks to achieve: -A minimum speed of 2 megabits per second (Mbps) for all premises -‘Superfast’ Broadband (24Mbps+) for as many premises as possible Funding

The funding required to pay for the strategic infrastructure projects to support delivery of growth is a key element of the individual Local Infrastructure Plans. Opportunities for funding include:

• Section 106 (S106); • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL); • Growing Places Fund; • City Deals; • Business rates pooling (current proposal between Norfolk County Council and Broadland District Council); • Growing Business Fund; • Enterprise Zone fund - which has recently granted £3 million for improvements at Beacon Park Enterprise zone; • Enterprise Zone business rates retention fund; and • New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP) growth fund.

In December 2013, Broadland, Norwich City, Norfolk County and South Norfolk councils signed a City Deal with central government. A core theme supports infrastructure delivery to promote accelerated delivery of planned growth for infrastructure in Greater Norwich. Page 4 The infrastructure priorities from the 2014 Norfolk Infrastructure Plan (NIP) helped to shape the NALEP Strategic Economic Plan (SEP). This plan then set out which new elements of infrastructure were required to support the identified growth locations. These priorities were then reflected in the Growth Deal announced in 2014 which, for example, identified almost £40m of funding for transport infrastructure in Norfolk for the period 2015/16 to 2020/21.

Page 3 1.0 Introduction - Housing Map

Page 4 1.0 Introduction - Employment Map

Page 5 2.0 Broadband

Improving broadband in Norfolk is considered key to the sustainable economic development of the County. It will bring benefits to the whole of Norfolk, not just the urban areas and the strategic areas of growth. It will allow people to access services remotely as well as run businesses and work from home, reducing overheads and the need to travel.

In December 2010, the Government launched its National Broadband Strategy: “Britain’s Superfast Broadband Future”: http://www.culture.gov.uk/publications/7829.aspx

The strategy sets out the Government’s vision for Broadband in the UK, which is to ensure the UK has the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015. The Government announced the availability of £530m during the life of this parliament, with a further £300m in the first two years of the next parliament.

NCC was one of the first to have its Local Broadband Plan accepted and the first to award a Contract to BT in December 2012. This contract will:

• Increase the properties that have access to Superfast broadband (24 Mbps+) from 43% included in commercial deployments to over 80% • Offer alternative technologies to those properties that do not have access to Basic broadband (2Mbps+), right across Norfolk, so that everyone who wants access to broadband can have it.

Investment has been made to achieve the maximum coverage possible for the available funding. Norfolk’s Enterprise Zone properties have access to Superfast broadband infrastructure. The first contract completed early, at the end September 2015, delivered more than it promised, over 80% of properties connected to Superfast speeds and more than 185,000 properties in the county with access to a fibre connection thanks to the roll out.

In addition £5.3m has been returned to the authority from BT as part of a ‘gainshare’ arrangement – if uptake of improved broadband exceeds the level set in the initial contract.

The www.betterbroadbandnorfolk.co.uk website, which is updated at least monthly, provides general broadband related information, links and descriptions of the areas where services are A postcode checker allows visitors to enter their postcode to see if they are covered by:

- Existing commercial rollouts http://store.virginmedia.com/big-bundles.html to check whether Virgin Media infrastructure is Page 5 available, this site works via postcode. Locations are primarily in Norwich and Great Yarmouth

https://www.btwholesale.com/pages/static/Community/Broadband_Community/Coverage/ ADSL_Availibility_Checker.html checks if BT Openreach infrastructure is available

- A phase in the current Better Broadband for Norfolk rollout

Page 6 2.0 Broadband - Mobile Phones

If no fibre is planned via the current rollout, the checker explains that details of coverage via the second Better Broadband for Norfolk contract will be available later this summer. The second contract has been let, a further £18 million to be applied across Norfolk to increase coverage to 90% of properties. This funding is drawn from BDUK £6 million, New Anglia LEP £5 million and £1 million from Norfolk County Council and £5.9 million from BT.

Roll out of the second contract began in January 2016 – and by the end of March 2016 another 10,000 properties had access to fibre connections. A further £3.59 million from the five of Norfolk’s more rural district councils has been matched by BDUK to double the available funding shown below to £7.18m. Along with the Gain-share rebate and an under spend from the first contract this funding will be used to extend coverage to 95% of properties.

Mobile Phones Government have also committed £150 million of capital expenditure to improve mobile coverage and quality. This commitment is part of a bigger investment project in which £780 million will be invested in the UK’s digital infrastructure. The ‘Mobile Infrastructure Project’ is designed to target areas with no mobile phone coverage and is expected to deliver coverage to an additional 60,000 UK homes and businesses.

As part of this project coverage will be improved along major roads, with an initial 10 priority roads identified, one of which being the A143 corridor between Great Yarmouth and Haverhill. A small number of Not Spot locations in Norfolk are also being addressed. Implementation has begun and is expected to be completed during 2017. Eleven communities have also been successful in bidding to become one of a hundred locations across the UK that will benefit from Vodafone’s Open Sure Signal initiative.

Page 7 3.0 Transport - Roads

Key Infrastructure Initiatives Working with partners, the County Council is seeking to progress a number of key infrastructure initiatives in 2015/16 and beyond. In summary, the initiatives are:

• Northern Norwich Distributor Road. Construction of this road has started on-site with an opening date of early 2018. • Transport for Norwich. To deliver key elements of the transport implementation plan in Norwich including the city centre measures. • A47. To work with Highways England (HE) to ensure successful delivery of the improvements set out in the government’s Roads Investment Strategy: Easton to Tuddenham dualling; Blofield to Burlingham dualling; Thickthorn (A11/A47, Norwich) Junction improvement; and Vauxhall, Gapton Hall, Harfreys and James Paget Junctions, Great Yarmouth. To lobby for further improvements for inclusion into the programme for 2020-2025; the priorities being Acle Straight and Tilney to East Winch dualling • Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing: To secure funds to allow delivery to start in the early 2020s • Rail Improvements. To secure improvements to the Norwich-London route (‘Norwich in 90’), and on Norwich-Cambridge and Cambridge-King’s Lynn services.

Strategic Road Network Norfolk is served by two trunk roads: the A11 from London and Cambridge, and the A47 from the west. The A47 continues as the A12 trunk road from Great Yarmouth to Lowestoft. The A11 is fully dual carriageway and the corridor will see some of the largest scale growth planned in the county (at Thetford, Attleborough, Wymondham, Hethersett and the Norwich fringe at Cringleford). The A47 is a mix of single and dual carriageway, both within and beyond Norfolk.

A number of improvement schemes have been included on the A47 in government’s trunk road programme from 2015 to 2021, although it is likely that delivery of the schemes will not start until 2021. Delivery of the measures is the responsibility of Highways England. The schemes are:

• Blofield to North Burlingham: Dualling of the A47 to fill a gap in the dual carriageway section between Norwich and the Acle Straight • Thickthorn interchange: Improvement of the interchange between A47 and A11, improving access into Norwich • A47 Easton to North Tuddenham: Dualling of the single carriageway section of the A47 between Norwich and Dereham, linking together two existing sections of dual carriageway • Acle Straight safety measures: Addressing safety concerns by making short-term and long-term improvements, potentially including installation of safety barriers, junction improvements, road widening and capacity improvements. These will be subject to appropriate environmental mitigation, working with Natural England and the National Park Authority at all stages.

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• Junction improvements Great Yarmouth: Reconstruction of the A47/A12 Vauxhall Roundabout and improvements to the following A12 junctions in Great Yarmouth: Gapton Hall roundabout; Harfreys roundabout; Bridge Road junction; and the James Paget Hospital junction.

On these particular schemes the focus of the council will now be working with Highways England to help expedite their delivery, and to make sure that the needs of the county are accommodated by the proposals. The council will also continue to seek further improvements towards the ambition of full dualling of the A47 route.

No major improvement schemes on the A11 are in the trunk road improvement programme to 2020. There might be a requirement to improve junctions at Thetford as part of the build-out of the Thetford urban extension, see below.

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Great Yarmouth

Third River Crossing The provision of a third crossing of the River Yare forms a key part of the transport and economic strategy for the Great Yarmouth area. It seeks to provide the capacity to accommodate growth, and an infrastructure network which will operate with reduced congestion, better transport reliability, shorter journey times and a reduction in traffic within the historic areas.

Norfolk County Council has submitted a bid to government for funding that would enable further development of the Third River Crossing scheme. Subject to a successful funding bid, further approvals of funding from government, and completion of the statutory processes this could lead to delivery of the crossing starting in 2022. Current estimates of the crossing suggest it will cost in the order of £140m at 2015 prices, although this estimate will be reviewed during 2016/17 as part of the work which is the subject of the government funding bid.

Trunk Road Junctions As reported in the Strategic Road Network section of this document, successful lobbying has resulted in a number of improvements on the A47 corridor being included in the trunk road programme from 2015. Within Great Yarmouth the programme includes reconstruction of the A47/A12 Vauxhall Roundabout and improvements to the remaining junctions throughout Great Yarmouth: Gapton Hall roundabout; Harfreys roundabout; Bridge Road junction; and James Paget Hospital junction.

Delivery of these measures is the responsibility of Highways England. Delivery is not expected to start until 2021, although there will be consultation on options in early 2017. Highways England has also agreed to renumber the A12 as the A47 to better reflect the route’s nature as a continuous corridor.

Local roads As part of the Highways England scheme to improve the A47/A12 trunk road Vauxhall Roundabout, Highways England will also improve the local road junction of the A149 Fullers Hill with ASDA and the rail station. The scheme will provide a new right-turn facility from the supermarket and rail station onto Fullers Hill. This will enable traffic to turn towards the town and the south without having to use the congested Vauxhall roundabout.

The government’s Growth Deal for NALEP, announced in 2014, included over £10m for a number of schemes within the town. This funding will be put towards, amongst other things: • £2m for improvements to link Great Yarmouth railway station with the market place, including improvements to the station forecourt • Congestion-busting schemes at a number of locations within the town. Assessment and appraisal work is ongoing to determine the precise nature of these improvements.

The A12/A143 link road to serve growth in the south of the Borough opened at the end of 2015.

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Infrastructure Third River Crossing Vauxhall Roundabout Gapton Hall Roundabout Harfreys Roundabout improvement improvement improvement Location Great Yarmouth Great Yarmouth Great Yarmouth Great Yarmouth Delivers Mott MacDonald estimates that almost 3,900 jobs would not be created in Great Yarmouth without the Third River Crossing or improvements at Vauxhall roundabout; 2,200 directly relating to the Enterprise Zone; 1,100 relating to the Enterprise Zone supply chain and 550 in the tourism sector. In terms of investment, estimates suggest that the improvements made to the A47 at Great Yarmouth would help to facilitate £247 million of private investment (including 200 homes) between 2012 and 2032 and an additional £146 million per annum in GVA by 2032. Lead Authority Norfolk County Council Highways Agency (Highways Highways Agency (Highways Highways Agency (Highways England) England) England) Key Dates for Design and development work Work to commence before 2021 Work to commence before 2021 Work to commence before 2021 Delivery completed 2016/17-20/21 to allow delivery post 2021, subject to funding availability Total Cost £140 million (2015 prices) £20-30 million Estimated £20-30 million tbd Unfunded Cost £112 million - - - CIL Contribution No – GY not developing CIL on viability No – GY not developing CIL on No – GY not developing CIL on No – GY not developing CIL on grounds viability grounds viability grounds viability grounds Funding Government local major transport Highways England Highways England Highways England Opportunities funding. Spin off benefits? Reduced town centre congestion Reduced congestion of the Acle Maximise opportunity of Third Maximise opportunity of Third Straight River Crossing and Vauxhall River Crossing and Vauxhall roundabout roundabout Status Preferred scheme and alignment Highways England developing Highways England developing Highways England developing adopted by Council in December scheme for delivery circa 2021 scheme for delivery circa 2021 scheme for delivery circa 2021 2009. Bid for government funding (for scheme development) submitted May 2016

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A47 Dualling – Acle Straight and Blofield to North Burlingham The long term objective of the County Council and other partners is for complete dualling of the A47 and A12 along the full length of the trunk road from the A1 to Lowestoft. However, it is recognised that this may need to be achieved through a phased approach to improvements.

As reported in the A47 section of this document the government’s Roads Investment Strategy (RIS) includes: • Blofield to North Burlingham: Dualling of the A47 to fill a gap in the dual carriageway section between Norwich and the Acle Straight. Highways England is working to develop the scheme for delivery circa 2021 • Acle Straight safety measures: Addressing safety concerns by making short-term and long- term improvements, potentially including installation of safety barriers, junction improvements, road widening and capacity improvements. These will be subject to appropriate environmental mitigation, working with Natural England and the National Park Authority at all stages.

On the Acle Straight, Highways England is currently working with various stakeholders on a trial to relocate a species of snail from habitats in the dykes adjacent to the road. If the trials are successful it will enable road improvements to be brought forward (subject to funding). Currently, it is not possible for improvements to be implemented due to their likely impacts on the snail species in the dykes.

Postwick Hub Postwick junction provides access between east Norwich and the A47. A major improvements was completed at the end of 2015. This overcomes capacity problems at the junction that prevented the development of existing housing and employment commitments including 600 dwellings and land for around 5,000 jobs. A new access to the Park and Ride site, including a further roundabout at the junction of A1042 & Oaks Lane, was completed as part of the scheme. This will enable a separate planning permission for a 500 space expansion of the existing Park and Ride site, virtually doubling capacity, to be implemented.

Northern Distributor Road The Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR) will run from the A47 at Postwick via the A140 at Norwich Airport to the A1067 Fakenham Road. The NDR including Postwick Hub was allocated £86.5m by government for construction of the eastern section from the A47 to the A140. The county council has committed to delivering the whole of the road including the western section from the A140 to the A1067 Fakenham Road. Construction started in 2016 and the road is due to open in early 2018.

The NDR will bring much needed traffic relief for communities to the north and east of Norwich and the city centre, and deliver rapid and sustained economic benefits for Norwich and a large part of north Norfolk. For existing business, the benefits of easy and reliable access to the national trunk road network and the airport are considerable. The road also unlocks the potential for new businesses and jobs. The NDR is key to the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy, allowing the development of a modern, sustainable transport system for Norwich, including Bus Rapid Transit and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

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While the NDR’s primary purpose is to reduce traffic on unsuitable roads and allow progress on the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy, the new road will help the area to the north and east of Norwich cope with unavoidable growth pressures. It will ensure that new areas of housing can be served by sustainable transport while avoiding congestion and “rat-running” for residents. The NDR is a key requirement for the delivery of the Joint Core Strategy for Greater Norwich.

Norfolk County Council is currently reviewing the potential to connect the NDR from the A1067 to the A47 in the west.

Infrastructure Postwick Junction improvement Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR) Location Broadland Broadland Delivers Land for 5,000 jobs and 1,600 A further 55 ha of employment land homes and a possible 10,000+ homes Lead Authority Norfolk County Council Norfolk County Council Key date for delivery Completed Under construction. Due to open early 2018 Total Cost £19 million £122.5 million Unfunded Cost £0 million £53.33 million (dual carriageway) CIL contribution? N/A Yes Funding Opportunities N/A DfT partially funded Spin off benefits? Implementation of the Norwich Implementation of the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy Area Transportation Strategy, including expansion of Postwick enhanced access to north Norfolk Park and Ride and relieved congestion in Norwich City Centre Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme Programme http://www.gndp.org.uk/our-work/ http://www.gndp.org.uk/our-work/ cil/cil-background-documents/ cil/cil-background-documents/

Status Completed. Opened to traffic end Under construction 2015

Harford junction A sustainable transport corridor is required along the A140 south of Norwich to serve growth at Long Stratton. This improvement will be of bus priority standard rather than BRT standard. Work is ongoing to identify the full scope of implementation, but an improvement at the A140/A47 Harford Junction has been identified as being required.

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Infrastructure Harford sustainable transport corridor Location South Norfolk Delivers 1,800 dwellings Lead Authority Norfolk County Council Key date for delivery 2017/8 Total Cost £2 million Unfunded Cost £2 million CIL contribution? Yes Funding Opportunities Developer contribution, Local Growth Fund Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org. uk/our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Feasibility work is underway

Thickthorn Junction Thickthorn junction where the A11 meets the A47 to the southwest of Norwich is one of the busiest junctions in the county. In order to accommodate growth in and around Norwich significant capacity improvements are required. In addition to improvements to the junction, improvements to the park and ride and bus priority are also required. As reported in the A47 section of this document, successful lobbying has meant that the government’s Roads Investment Strategy (RIS) now includes an improvement of the interchange itself. This will overcome congestion at the junction and facilitate the implementation of the planned growth as set out in the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) for the Norwich area. Delivery is expected to commence circa 2021.

Infrastructure Thickthorn junction improvement Location South Norfolk Delivers 4,400 dwellings plus other growth on A11, NRP Lead Authority Highways England Key date for delivery 2016/17 Total Cost Circa £30 million Unfunded Cost £0 CIL contribution? - Funding Opportunities Highways England Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org. uk/our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Scheme is now being taken forward by the Highways England for delivery commencing circa 2021

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Longwater and Easton Costessey is situated west of Norwich and includes three main residential areas: Old Costessey, New Costessey and Queens Hills. Longwater Employment Area is located south of Queens Hills either side of the A47 at its junction with the A1074. Old and New Costessey have a range of local services and facilities. All areas have access to the Longwater Employment Area and the adjacent Norfolk Retail Park which provides a range of large scale food and non-food retailing.

Easton has a limited range of local services but is located close to the Longwater Retail Park and other services in New Costessey on the opposite side of the adjacent A47 Norwich southern bypass. The village has good links via the A47 and Park and Ride site, and is home to the Royal Norfolk Showground and Easton College. Easton/Costessey has an allocation for 1,000 new dwellings.

Improvements are required in the Longwater/Easton area to resolve existing issues on the transportation network and accommodate additional traffic arising from planned growth as set out in the adopted Joint Core Strategy (JCS) for the Norwich area. Norfolk County Council has carried out a feasibility study to consider possible measures and strategies for addressing these issues and development pressures. This work has been informed by a Developer and Stakeholder Forum convened by South Norfolk District Council and carried out with input from local parish, district and county councillors.

The final report of this work, which recommends two alternative strategies, can be viewed via the following link: http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC149913. Additional work is now underway to investigate delivery of the preferred measure, a new link from the A1074 Dereham Road to the Longwater area. This new link road, to the east of Longwater Junction, would connect to the roundabout junction at William Frost Way / Alex Moorhouse Way. The alternative strategy comprises a new additional road bridge over the A47 and a signalised gyratory at Longwater Junction itself.

The following two improvements have recently been completed as part of development mitigation works (Next and Lodge Farm 2):

• Free flow left turn slip road from William Frost Way to Dereham Road towards Norwich • Widening Dereham Road to two lanes in each direction between the dumbbell roundabout at Longwater Junction and the new signalised access serving Lodge Farm 2

The Lodge Farm 2 development will also provide a new traffic signal junction to the housing development, and at a later date will also fund the partial signalisation of the roundabout next to the showground.

Other strategy elements that will be progressed after these are completed are shown below, together with sources of funding where these have been identified:

• Longwater Lane signals improvement (S106 funding) • Part signalisation of the Longwater southern dumbbell roundabout (developer funding)

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• Dereham Road widening to two lanes in each direction (mid/east section) (S106 and Growth Deal- funded) • Easton Village public transport corridor (currently unfunded) • Cycle and pedestrian bridge over the A47 (currently unfunded) • A47 eastbound off slip road improvement (currently unfunded) • Easton roundabout improvement (currently unfunded, although this might be affected by the proposals for A47 Easton to Tuddenham dualling).

A delivery programme for these other measures is currently being devised.

Infrastructure Longwater and Easton junctions improvement strategy Location South Norfolk Delivers 1,000 dwellings plus growth from the west of the County Lead Authority Norfolk County Council Key date for delivery Small scale measures by 2016 and full strategy implemented by 2026 Total Cost £20-30million excluding land and potential remediation costs Unfunded Cost tbd CIL contribution? Yes Funding Opportunities Developer contribution, Highways England, Local Growth Fund Spin off benefits? Possible improved egress from Queens Hills housing depending upon the nature of the main intervention in the overall strategy which is yet to be determined Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org.uk/ our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Some measures are being implemented and further feasibility is underway

A47 Dualling – Easton to North Tuddenham Dualling the A47 between Easton and North Tuddenham has been included in Highways England’s trunk road programme and is being developed for delivery in circa 2021. At present Highways England is assessing a number of potential options for dualling and it is not yet known what these might comprise (other than dualling the remaining single carriageway section of the A47 between Norwich and Dereham). In particular, proposals for the junction strategy are not known. At this time it is not known whether the proposals will include a major improvement to either – or both – Easton and Longwater Junctions.

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Hardwick Junction Hardwick Junction is the major gateway into King’s Lynn from the south and east. It is an important route into town providing access to King’s Lynn’s main retail and employment areas. It is also an important hub for tourists travelling to the north Norfolk coast. Previous improvements to the junction included the addition of a flyover allowing through traffic on the A47 to bypass the junction altogether.

The growth set out in the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Core Strategy will place an additional burden on the highway network and further measures at the Hardwick junction will be required to ensure it operates without undue congestion and delay. This is essential to support the local economy and facilitate economic development. Planned growth in the immediate vicinity of the junction amounts to a total of 1,600 new houses to 2026 at South East King’s Lynn and some 37 ha of employment land at the Hardwick Estate Extension. This scale of growth will require improvements to the junction to increase capacity and allow for a new public transport corridor into town.

Norfolk County Council has undertaken a feasibility study to determine an improvement strategy for the junction and surrounding roads. The possible strategies take account of the proposed West Winch relief road (A10 to A47) and look toward the next plan period beyond 2026. They all include local improvements to the existing signalised roundabout and the possible options are to retain or remove the small A47 roundabout to the east of the main roundabout. Beyond 2026 the options are to begin to dual the A149 or provide a new A47 to A149 link to the northeast of the junction.

This work was completed with the help of a Stakeholder and Developer Forum convened by the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, and with input from parish, district and county councillors. The outcomes have been endorsed by the local development interests, and the viability and funding aspects are being considered as part of the Borough Council’s Local Plan process.

A number of improvements to the transportation network in the Hardwick area of King’s Lynn have been made to mitigate the impact of two new superstores opened in 2012 and 2013. These have included measures at the Hardwick junction itself, along Hardwick Road and at the A149 roundabout with Gayton Road adjacent to the hospital. In addition a new roundabout has been installed on the A149 with a link road that connects it to Scania Way and thus provides a connection back onto Hardwick Road.

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Infrastructure Hardwick junction improvement Location King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Delivers 400 dwellings, 750 jobs, £15 million private investment, £19 million per annum GVA and a total of 3,500 dwellings could take place on the site beyond 2026 Lead Authority Highways Agency/Norfolk County Council Key date for delivery 2019/20 Total Cost £20million to 2026 or £40million to 2035 Unfunded Cost £40million CIL contribution? Possibly – King’s Lynn and West Norfolk may introduce CIL Spin off benefits? Opens up land in south east quadrant for development post 2026. Status Feasibility work completed. Viability and funding aspects are being considered as part of the Borough Council’s Local Plan process.

King’s Lynn to Cambridge and London The A10 corridor links King’s Lynn with Downham Market and beyond to Ely, Cambridge and London. King’s Lynn has a population of around 44,000 and is the third largest settlement in Norfolk after Norwich and Great Yarmouth while Downham Market has a population of around 9,000 and is one of the county’s larger market towns. The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is planning for 7,500 dwellings and 3,000 jobs in and around King’s Lynn and at least 2,710 new dwellings in Downham Market in the period between 2001 and 2026.

King’s Lynn South East Expansion Area In the current plan period (2001-2026) the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is planning 1,600 new dwellings in the south-east quadrant of the town, in the area between the A47 and the A10. Over the longer term this area has been identified as a possible location for further growth up to a total of between 3,000 and 3,500 dwellings and as such will require potentially significant infrastructure improvements.

Infrastructure A47/A10 link road/West Winch relief road Location King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Delivers 1,600 houses (longer term up to 3,000-3,500) Lead Authority Norfolk County Council Key date for delivery 2019/20-2020/21 Total Cost £14.2m (or £17.3m including essential dualling of a short section of the A47 CIL contribution? Possibly – King’s Lynn and West Norfolk may introduce CIL Funding Opportunities Majority of funding from developers Spin off benefits? Opens up land in south east quadrant for development post 2026 and could alleviate congestion at Hardwick junction Status BCKL&WN currently undertaking viability work and preparing an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP)

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A47/A10 link road/West Winch relief road To facilitate this growth a link is required between the A47 and A10 to enable distribution of trips from this development and to alleviate congestion on the A10 through West Winch and at the Hardwick junction. In order to protect the existing A10 from increased traffic, a new route through or around the new development in this quadrant is proposed in the Borough Council’s Core Strategy and Local Plan. This would effectively provide a West Winch relief road. Wisbech bypass congestion There are significant congestion issues on the A47 Wisbech bypass especially at the pinchpoint junctions of the B198 (east and west) and A1101, and safety concerns at Broadend Road. Improvements to these junctions could be brought forward as part of Highways England’s trunk road programme post-2020 and /or development within the town.

Norwich to Cambridge and London The A11 is the main strategic trunk road link out of the county to Cambridge and London. The A11 corridor also links Norwich and the market towns of Wymondham, Attleborough and Thetford and is home to almost half of all Norfolk’s planned new housing over the coming decades. There is significant growth planned at Cringleford (1,200), Hethersett (1,000), Wymondham (2,200), Attleborough (4,000) and Thetford (5,000).

Following completion of the A11 Barton Mills to Thetford dualling scheme at the end of 2014 the A11 is now fully dual carriageway standard along its whole length. This scheme followed extensive campaigning for many years by Norfolk County Council and other stakeholders.

Wymondham, Hethersett and Cringleford Development at Wymondham, Hethersett and Cringleford also requires the provision of an incremental set of bus improvements leading to a Bus Rapid Transit route via the B1172 to NRP and Norwich city centre, plus improvements to the A47 southern bypass Thickthorn junction to include bus priority and Park and Ride provision. These are critical to provide high standard sustainable transport links in accordance with the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy (NATS), while ensuring that the capacity of the A47 Norwich southern bypass Thickthorn junction does not become a constraint on proposed growth.

Attleborough town centre transport improvements Work is ongoing to look at measures to improve traffic conditions in the town centre including the gyratory system. This is supported by a further study looking at Smarter Choices measures to reduce the reliance on the car and encourage modal shift.

Page 19 3.0 Transport - Roads

Infrastructure Attleborough Town centre improvements Location Breckland Delivers 4,000 homes and >2,000 jobs Key date for delivery 2015-2019 Total Cost £2.5 million Funding Opportunities Some £4.6m is available from the LEP Growth fund for these measures and as yet to be defined other sustainable transport measures Spin off benefits? Better town centre environment to support the local economy Link to other information Attleborough and Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan (2010) and the Growth Infrastructure Study (2007) available at: http://www.breckland. gov.uk/content/planning-policy-local-development-framework- publications Status Outline measures have ben devised.

Attleborough link road A key transport priority for Attleborough, given its planned strategic growth, is a link road between the B1077 near Bunns Bank to the A11 which will distribute new and existing traffic around the town. Several options were consulted on within the Attleborough and Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan in 2010 which looked at both east and west options. Further work has determined a preferred route from the B1077 Buckenham Road to the London Road in the vicinity of the Breckland Lodge roundabout. A feasibility study has been carried out, commissioned by Breckland.

Discussions are ongoing with the development interests to understand how best to bring the road forward. It is unlikely that the full link road will be in place before any of the planned growth takes place. In view of this it should be noted that only a small amount of growth can take place if the development commences at the north-eastern end of the route. However, it is likely that a higher level of growth would be acceptable at the southwestern end before the route is complete. This is because growth at the southwestern end is likely to have a lesser impact on the level crossing and town centre

Page 20 3.0 Transport - Roads

Infrastructure Attleborough link road Location Breckland Delivers 4,000 homes and >2,000 jobs Key date for delivery 2016/17/18/19 Total Cost £9.6 - 16.4 million (cost reflects potential route options) Funding Opportunities No funding has been made available from the LEP Growth Fund Link to other information Attleborough and Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan 2010 available at http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/planning-policy-local- development-framework-publications Status Attleborough Link Road report from May 2013 identified three potential alignment options.

A11 junction improvements at Thetford Evidence has shown that even without the proposed growth at Thetford, the junctions surrounding the A11 are forecast to operate over their theoretical capacity by 2026, with the Mundford Road (A134) junction experiencing the worst congestion. The issues are exacerbated by the proposed growth of Thetford. As a result, the five junctions on the A11 bypass around Thetford will need to be upgraded during the Plan period. A Masterplan for the urban extension has been developed and improvements will be made to an appropriate standard agreed with Highways England.

Beyond to Cambridge The A11 continues south towards Cambridge and for many years there was a stretch of single carriageway between Mildenhall (Fiveways Roundabout) and Thetford. An improvement scheme was completed on 12 December 2014 and the A11 route is now dual carriageway from Norwich to the M11 at Cambridge.

Page 21 3.0 Transport - Roads

Infrastructure A11 Junction improvements - Thetford Location Breckland Delivers 5,000 homes and 5,000 jobs in Thetford Lead Authority Highways England, Norfolk County Council, Landowners, Breckland District Council Key date for delivery 2012-2016 Total Cost £5 million Unfunded Cost £5m Funding Opportunities Private sector, Local Growth Fund Link to other information Thetford Area Action Plan adopted (2012) & the Thetford Transport Study (2010) available at: http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/planning- policy-local-development-framework-publications Status Improvements will be phased with the delivery of the housing growth. None yet are programmed.

Long Stratton Long Stratton is located approximately 10 miles south of Norwich on the A140 Ipswich Road. There is planned growth in Long Stratton of at least 1,800 dwellings in the period 2008-2026 but this growth is highly dependent on the provision of water supply, sewerage, improved electricity supply and a new bypass. The need for a bypass has long been a priority and is considered to be a prerequisite to provide for the needs of the proposed growth. South Norfolk District Council are progressing an Area Action Plan (AAP) for Long Stratton.

Infrastructure Long Stratton Bypass Location South Norfolk Delivers 1,800 dwellings Lead Authority Norfolk County Council Key date for delivery 2016-2019 Total Cost £20 million Unfunded Cost £20 million to be funded by development, with any shortfall to be met from other sources CIL contribution? Yes Funding Opportunities Developer contributions, Local Growth Fund, direct funding from housing developers Spin off benefits? Improved air quality Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org.uk/ our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status A planning application for the bypass as part of the housing growth is expected in 2016 and this is likely to include an improvement to the Hempnall crossroads.

Page 22 3.0 Transport - Rail

Norwich via Diss to London (Great Eastern Main Line) Existing services are operated by Abellio Greater Anglia as part of the Greater Anglia franchise (although this is due to be renewed in October 2016, with the winning bidder announced at the end of June or in early July). Services operate every ½ hour (more in peak times) with a journey time of around 1 hour 50 minutes.

Previous study work has demonstrated the economic case for improving the line, and the potential infrastructure interventions needed to deliver this (principally The Economic Case for Investment on the Great Eastern Main Line, Atkins May 2010). In recognition of the strength of the study work and lobbying by a range of partners, including local authorities and local enterprise partnerships, government formed a Great Eastern Main Line Task Force to define how the ambition for a faster, more reliable, better quality service with more capacity could be delivered to serve the needs of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. The Task Force’s report was submitted to government in November 2014 outlining the economic and business case for investment. The report called for:

• Investment of £476m to improve infrastructure • New rolling stock to be included in the new franchise tender • Achieving London to Chelmsford in 25 minutes, Colchester in 40 minutes, Ipswich in 60 minutes, Norwich in 90 minutes.

In return the investment will deliver:

• £4.5bn economic benefit • £1.3bn of capital investment along the line • Journey time savings of £9m annually • 48,000 jobs along the line and over 3000 full-time construction jobs • £9 return for every £1 invested.

Government accepted the key recommendations of the Task Force report. It is expected that government will require the rail industry to make the investments through the renewal of the East Anglia franchise and the subsequent investment cycle of Network Rail (the five year period post 2019; investment to 2019 already being committed).

Page 23 3.0 Transport - Rail

King’s Lynn via Cambridge to London King’s Cross (Fenline Services) GoVia as part of the much larger Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise, run these services. Currently services from King’s Lynn operate every hour to London King’s Cross, though they are ½ hourly at peak times. (NB: Some peak-time services are operated by Abellio Greater Anglia. These run to London Liverpool Street.) The franchise commitment for GoVia is to run ½ hourly services throughout the whole day from spring 2017, except that, on a maximum of two occasions each day, services can run hourly to allow for freight train usage of the line.

Achieving half hourly services, except for when there are freight trains, is dependent on infrastructure upgrades at Ely North Junction. These were included in the current spending programme of Network Rail, which runs until 2019, but were put back to the subsequent five yearly programme following the Hendy Review of Network Rail spending programmes. An Ely Task Force has been established to identify and work through delivery of necessary improvements at Ely.

Half hourly services from King’s Lynn throughout the day also rely on further upgrades comprising track- doubling between Littleport and Downham Market, or between Watlington and King’s Lynn.

It is anticipated that that longer trains, to serve capacity needs, could be run in two-three years. This requires closing the barrow level crossing at Littleport.

Protection of rail lines: King’s Lynn There are a number of currently disused old rail lines in King’s Lynn, generally comprising spurs from the existing line. To allow for potential future usage as transport corridors, a number of these are protected against development in the adopted development plans of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. There is an existing freight use of the King’s Lynn to Middleton line for transporting sand.

Rail: Norwich to Cambridge Existing services are operated by Abellio Greater Anglia as part of the Greater Anglia franchise. Currently services operate every hour and have proved to be very successful, boosted recently by the introduction of longer trains and increased passenger demand.

Overall, the service would benefit from faster journey times, a regular ½ hourly service, and in the long- term electrification and an extension to Stansted Airport. A half hourly service would require works at Ely including level crossing closures and – potentially – doubling Trowse Swing Bridge on the approach in to Norwich. Stansted Airport services are considered below.

Protection of rail lines: Norwich to Cambridge line Need to maintain the potential of the currently disused rail spur at Snetterton.

Page 24 3.0 Transport - Rail

Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft (Wherry Lines) Existing services are operated by Abellio Greater Anglia as part of the Greater Anglia franchise. Currently services operate every hour, with ½ hourly services to Yarmouth at peak times.

The franchise is in the process of being renewed; a new franchise – called the East Anglia franchise – will start in October 2016. Capacity improvements and better rolling stock are required on both lines. Key priorities are:

• New or fully refurbished rolling stock • Good connections at Norwich • Service frequency: a year round minimum service level requirement of not less than hourly • Improvements to Great Yarmouth rail station.

It is possible that the new franchise specification set by government could require the train operator to provide these improvements.

An increase in service frequency to ½ hourly on either service will require an additional platform at Norwich. Half hourly services to Yarmouth will also require further doubling of the line between Great Yarmouth and Brundall Junction. These infrastructure measures are not included in Network Rail’s spending programme 2014-19, and would need to be considered for including in to future spending rounds.

Norwich to Sheringham (Bittern Line) Existing services are operated by Abellio Greater Anglia as part of the Greater Anglia franchise. Currently services operate every hour.

The franchise is in the process of being renewed; a new franchise – called the East Anglia franchise – will start in October 2016. Capacity improvements and better rolling stock are required. Key priorities are:

• New or fully refurbished rolling stock • Longer trains to cope with peak period flows • Half hourly service frequency, potentially to N Walsham initially.

It is possible that the new franchise specification set by government could require the train operator to provide these improvements.

An increase in service frequency to ½ hourly on either service will require an additional platform at Norwich and track doubling at either Cromer, or between North Walsham and Gunton. Longer trains would require platform extensions or selective door opening. These infrastructure measures are not included in Network Rail’s spending programme 2014-19, and would need to be considered for including in to future spending rounds

Page 25 3.0 Transport - Rails

Norwich to Liverpool Existing services are operated by East Midlands Trains as part of the East Midlands franchise. Currently services operate every hour.

On a number of occasions government has canvassed views on splitting the service, which would mean that passengers from Norfolk would have to change train – probably at Nottingham – to get to Liverpool, Manchester or Sheffield. Through trains are valued highly by stakeholders and the county council has strongly supported their retention, together with a review of the whole line to identify what would be required to improve the service in terms of making journey times shorter.

East West Rail Link The complete East West Rail scheme comprises a strategic rail route that will link Ipswich, Norwich and Cambridge with Letchworth, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Bicester and Oxford, allowing connections to Swindon, the Thames Valley, South West England and South Wales, together with a spur to Aylesbury. The route will connect the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich with the Great Eastern, East Coast, Midland, West Coast and Great Western main lines without the need to travel on congested tracks around North London. It also provides an extra route for north-south intermodal traffic from the port of Southampton.

The route links the strategic growth areas in Norfolk to Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Bedford, as well as Oxford, and provides a connection across the important Oxford 2 Cambridge “high tech arc”. East West Rail is supported by Norfolk County Council. For more information please see http://www.eastwestrail. org.uk/route/

Electrification of line Although this is not programmed or costed electrification of the line between Norwich and Cambridge is a medium-term ambition. The county council is pushing for this to be competed at the same time that the freight line through to Felixstowe is electrified. Electrification will overcome rolling stock issues by allowing the use of electrically powered – rather than diesel – trains. Shortages of diesel trains prevents the full range of frequency improvements being achieved.

Page 26 3.0 Transport - Public Transport

City Centre Several public transport improvement schemes have been identified as priority projects by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership and its delivery focussed successor the Greater Norwich Growth Board. These include an incremental set of bus improvements leading to Bus Rapid Transit Routes (BRT) along six arterial routes into the city, bus priority lanes and overall city centre bus improvements. These BRT routes are being planned along the following corridors:

• Newmarket Road/B1172 • Dereham Road • Fakenham Road • Cromer Road (with a possible relocation and expansion of Norwich Airport Park and Ride) • Salhouse Road and Gurney Road • Yarmouth Road (with expanded facilities at Postwick Park and Ride).

The planned BRT programme comprises some £26m of improvements to 2021, which will be brought forward in tandem with housing growth along the corridors. City centre bus improvements totalling £15.6 million are also required over the period 2011-2026.

In addition to public transport, pedestrian and cycling improvements are required to serve the Greater Norwich area.

For more information please see the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy (NATS) and the Greater Norwich Infrastructure Plan (GNIP).

Wymondham Development at Wymondham, Hethersett and Cringleford also requires the provision of an incremental set of bus improvements leading to a Bus Rapid Transit route via the B1172 to NRP and Norwich city centre, plus improvements to the A47 southern bypass Thickthorn junction to include bus priority and Park and Ride provisions. These are critical to provide high standard sustainable transport links in accordance with the Norwich Area Transportation Strategy (NATS), while ensuring that the capacity of the A47 Norwich southern bypass Thickthorn junction does not become a constraint on proposed growth.

Page 27 4.0 Education - Strategic Approach

Norfolk’s school population will grow considerably in the next 10-15 years. The secondary sector is currently experiencing a decline in numbers but numbers in the early primary years are now rising as a result of an increase in the birth rate. As the long-term housing plans of the seven Norfolk district councils are implemented, there will be a significant impact on the demand for pupil places in a number of localities. Planning for this impact is taking place in a significantly reshaped educational context, with the County Council working with an increasing range of partners, including direct providers. The complex range of influences at work in the current climate simply did not exist when local authorities last planned for significant pupil number growth. This work is intended as a baseline assessment for the next ten years, to be formally revised annually. It will form the basis of dialogue with schools, dioceses, academy sponsors, district councils and other stakeholders on possible responses to pupil number growth. It will be subject to a continuing process of review as responses to emerging need are developed. The assessment of local need will be set alongside sources of finance as these become available to implement specific local actions. This baseline assessment deals in detail only with school places and does not cover at this stage the strategy to ensure a sufficiency of early year’s places.

Strategic Education Approach Recent education legislation and funding/policy changes are leading to a changed role for local authorities in relation to education. Whilst LAs no longer have the role of provider of new school places and are losing their role as provider of some existing schools as these become academies, they retain a strong role as a commissioner. With a key role to act as a champion for children and families, local authorities are also charged to fulfil major functions which maintain a coherent, high quality education system across their area:

• Ensuring a sufficient supply of school places • Tackling underperformance in schools and ensuring high standards • Supporting vulnerable children

Responsibility for school improvement sits firmly within the responsibility of individual institutions. This challenge of ‘self-improvement’ combined with the new autonomy also results in a strong need for school to school collaboration. This ranges from informal collaboration to federations and academy chains. Where local authorities choose to continue to provide services, they do so within a market of other providers, including some schools and academy chains. In Norfolk, the local authority has promoted a system of local accountability through clusters and carefully brokered federation and academy sponsorship arrangements. The local authority has a long history of working in partnership with the three Dioceses and has extended this partnership working to other stakeholders such as academy sponsor organisations and FE Colleges. The County Council will assume the resultant leadership role in establishing and maintaining a coherent education system with local accountability because it believes that is what is wanted locally. Whilst some national policies are based on increased competition within the education system, collaboration and partnership working are most likely to bring about successful and sustainable local solutions.

Page 28 4.0 Education - Category 1

Assessing Growth A hierarchy of planning areas, determined by the likely response required to pressure on school places, has been drawn up, as follows:

Category 1: Major strategic locations requiring a multiple new-school solution Category 2: Development locations where a new school is anticipated

Sprowston / Old Catton/Rackheath (7,000 dwellings – likely to continue growing to 10,000 dwellings)

• In the short term, pressure continues to the north of Norwich and in Sprowston for reception places. Forecasts indicate that in September 2016 more places will be required. A new Free School (The Charles Darwin Primary) of 420 places will be opening in September 2016, the indicative location being ‘centrally’ in Norwich. Depending on the location, this should help with current pressures. • Children’s Services have begun discussion with Persimmon Homes regarding the handover of the site for a new Primary school at White House Farm in Sprowston. Housebuilding has started and initial stages of planning the new school have begun. The majority of the cost of this new school will be developer funded. NCC will be taking a decision on commissioning in the coming year. Sparhawk Infant has been expanded to 2FE which will flow to Falcon Junior but the area is otherwise at capacity. • Beyond Green has outline planning permission for 3,520 dwellings for which NCC are negotiating sites to build 2 x 2FE Primary phase schools. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding will be sought. It is likely that construction of the Northern Distributor Route (NDR) will lead to more housing applications coming forward and this will be closely monitored with Broadland District Council. • NPS has completed site investigation options for a new secondary school in the ‘north- east triangle’ in response to the planned 10,000 houses in the area. Four possible sites have been identified and basic investigations on the suitability of each site have been completed. In the next year, Children’s Services will commission further work to bring this new secondary school forward.

Thetford (5,000 dwellings)

• Demographic pressure at reception age has increased over the past few years but forecasts indicate that this will now stabilise. Plans to enlarge Drake Infant School to a 2FE Primary are being implemented, following the acquisition of additional land. In September 2016 year 3 will stay on at the school. • Raleigh Infant School expanded to a full 3FE from September 2015 with a modular build to accommodate one further classroom and once Drake becomes an all-through Primary will be the only feeder school for Admirals (3FE). Planning is under way for long-term build solutions for the shared Admirals/Raleigh campus. These improvements at Primary stage in Thetford will give the full 12FE capacity the Town currently needs.

Page 29 4.0 Education - Category 1

• The major housing development for the new 5,000 dwellings will be undertaken in phases. An outline planning application has been approved by Breckland Council for the first phase of housing and this is expected to begin on site shortly. Negotiations have taken place to secure sites and contributions for up to 3 x 420 place Primary Schools within the development boundary. The County Council has been asked to underwrite the initial costs of the first new primary school prior to Section 106 contributions becoming available. This forward funding has been agreed by Capital Priorities Group and will be a first call on the 2017/18 basic need funding.

Attleborough (4,000 dwellings)

• Governors of the three existing schools support proposed reorganisation which will see junior school extended on current site to become 2FE all-through primary, and the infant school relocated and expanded to provide 3 FE all -through primary. Consultation on school reorganisation has been completed. • Two sites identified in the south of the town for the new site and a preferred site identified; purchase decision pending. • Feasibility work commissioned for extension of the junior school • Masterplan complete for the High School to expand using premises vacated by infant school and further expansion on their existing site. • Some ad hoc housing developments are coming forward which are now being considered as part of the 4,000 new homes for Attleborough. Indicative locations for the 4,000 new homes are available but development relies on a link road from east to west of the town to allow traffic from Diss to the A11. NCC Children’s Services are working closely with Breckland District Council and the Town Area Action Group to ensure consultation on all aspects of the housing growth.

Page 30 4.0 Education - Category 1 Map

Fig 4 - Category 1 education locations Sprowston / Old Catton/ Rackheath Sparhawk Infant School has been Thetford explanded to a 2FE. Discussions Plans to enlarge Drake Infant have begun regarding the handover School to a 2FE primary are of the site for a new primary school being implemented. Raleigh under a S106 agreement for the Infant School expanded to a full Whitehouse Farm development. 3FE from September 2015. The Housebuilding has started and major housing development initial stages of planning the new permitted for 5000 dwellings school have begun. The construction will be undertaken in phases. costs of the new school will largely Negotiations have taken place be covered by the developer. NCC to secure sites and contributions are negotiating sites to build two for up to 3 x 420 place Primary 2FE primary schools as part of the Schools within the development Beyond Green development and will boundary. seek CIL funding. Site options are being considered for the location of a new secondary school in North Norwich. Attleborough Junior school extended on current site to become 2FE all-through primary, and the infant school relocated and expanded to provide a 3FE all -through primary. Two sites identified in the town for relocation of infant school. Feasability work commisioned for extension of Junior School. Masterplan complete for the High School to expand using premises vacated by infant school and further expansion on their existing site.

Page 31 4.0 Education - Category 2

Norwich Central (3,000 dwellings– other than the Deal Ground (circa 600 dwellings and Threescore, Bowthorpe (circa 1000 dwellings), most allocations are smaller brownfield sites in the City, but including the central regeneration area – St Anne’s Wharf of 430+ homes) There is continued pressure on places in Norwich but more in the north than in the central area at present. A project to increase the capacity of Bignold Primary to 630 places is under active consideration. A site for a new Primary phase school at Garden Street, off Rouen Road, has been safeguarded by Norwich City Council and NCC have been given up to the end of 2016 to provide clear evidence that a new school will be required. A new Norwich primary free school will open in September 2016 – The Charles Darwin Primary.

Wymondham (Minimum 2,200 dwellings) The reorganisation of the three infant/junior schools in Wymondham was implemented in September 2015 for them to grow to 3 x Primary phase schools in the town to accommodate existing children in 6 forms of entry. Several housing developments in Wymondham are now on site and the build rate is fairly rapid. The large housing developments (730 and 500 new homes) at Silfield which will give Children’s Services a new Primary school site is now moving forward with both sites sold to housing developers and full planning applications being progressed to committee. Talks with the land promoter are taking place to ensure the timing of the transfer of the new school site is appropriate for place planning. It is likely that temporary places may be required prior to the new school being opened. The commissioned masterplan for Wymondham High Academy identified the maximum size the school could expand to on its current site as 2050 places (an indicative mix could be 1650 11-16 plus 400 6th form). The plan showed phased development of the site and one phase has already been completed with the second phase under way. Monitoring of the need for additional in-area places will initiate further phases of expansion at this school. Children’s Services will continue to raise serious concerns with South Norfolk on any further housing coming forward in Wymondham outside of the Local Plan allocations due to the

Long Stratton (1,800) NCC continue discussion with South Norfolk District Council regarding proposed 1800 new homes in Long Stratton. A new primary phase school will be sought. Secondary numbers will be accommodated in existing high school, with extensions. There is no indication of pressure for places at either of the local primary phase schools for the next few years until housing development commences. Discussions will need to be had when the time comes on how the first children from any new housing can be accommodated prior to the new school being built. When the new primary school is being considered, NCC will also need to discuss with local primary phase schools the option for school organisation to move to all-through primary.

King’s Lynn Central (1,610) The Borough Council has confirmed site allocations for the central part of the town. These will impact on a number of schools which are already at capacity. Current NCC capital proposals: Requirement for two/three additional forms of entry in 2014 is under review. Future proposals to be managed: NCC will progress with a view to a possible new primary school in the Marsh Lane/Lynnsport area.

Page 32 4.0 Education - Category 2

West Winch/North Runcton (1,600 allocated up to 2026 - potential for 3,000 new homes) Developers have submitted a planning application for 1,100 homes and Children’s Services have been consulted on a pre application on a further 2400 homes. NCC, as consultees, have indicated the need for initially a 2FE Primary phase school in response to the application with a contribution towards expansion of West Winch Primary plus another 2FE primary in response to the pre application enquiry.

Cringleford (1,200 dwellings – could be increased to 1,450) Two further housing developments are at planning stage in Cringleford for up to an additional 1,450 new homes. One development includes provision for a new school site of up to 2ha which will be given free of charge and discussions have taken place with land promoters regarding the location of the new school. Contributions to build the new school will be sought through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Expansion to Hethersett High Academy may also be required in response to this housing.

Hethersett (1,200 dwellings) Site in major development reserved by developer for new 2FE primary school, Discussions have been had with the infant school and junior school in the village as to options for the future organisation of education provision but this will be subject to further discussion and local consultation. It is likely that housing pressures can be accommodated in the existing schools until the larger scale growth is on site which is anticipated to be mid 2016 at the earliest. Additional land has been safeguarded at Hethersett High Academy to be able to expand the school to up to 9FE if required. This expansion is necessary not only from the Hethersett growth but also from housing growth in Cringleford. A development Masterplan for the Hethersett High Academy site has been drawn up.

Hellesdon – (up to 1200 on existing golf club and (later) hospital site) Planning permission has been sought on the first 500 new homes on the East site of the Royal Norwich Golf Club along with an outline application on a further 500 homes on the west site. The Golf Club have plans to move to a new site in Weston Longville in 3 years’ time when their existing site will be vacated for housing. There is a further allocation for around 300 new homes on the Hellesdon Hospital site adjacent to the west site of the Golf Club. Children’s Services have been offered a new primary school site for a 2FE school on the west golf club site and site investigations are being done as to the suitability of this site. Other suitable school sites are being investigated within the boundary of the golf club. Persimmon Homes are the developers for the east site and they have advised us that they expect to be on site Spring/Summer 2016 with a build out rate of initially 50 dwellings per annum for the first 2 years increasing to 100-125 dwellings per annum from 2018, expected completion of 1000 homes by 2026. Some discussions have taken place with existing schools but further discussions are now required to ensure children from the first phase of development have access to school places before the new school is built. Opportunities for re-organisation of existing schools are also being considered and discussed.

Bradwell (1,000 dwellings) Outline planning application for 1,000 houses has been approved. First phase of infrastructure (link road) is complete and the first phase of housing is underway. Negotiations with Persimmon Homes resulted in a 1.5ha new school site free of charge plus contributions towards a new school although this is not fully funded by this housing development.

Page 33 4.0 Education - Category 2

Fakenham (800- 900 dwellings, possibly rising to 1,100 later in next Local Plan period) NCC have been consulted by North Norfolk District Council on the proposed 800-900 new dwellings at Rudham Stile Lane. NCC have asked for land for a new Primary phase school to be safeguarded. No sign of immediate development of the whole site although a small part of the site (78 dwellings) is proposed in the short term. Consideration of the need for a new school, together with a review of the opportunities for wider structural changes in primary phase education in the area will begin mid-2016. NCC and TEN Group (a multi-academy trust) are working together on options to rationalise Fakenham Academy on one site, linking with NNDC Local Plan review. This is not Basic Need and represents a significant financial challenge to both parties.

Trowse (250 dwellings) and Deal Ground (circa 600 dwellings) There are two allocated sites in Trowse with both sites having planning permission for a total of 174 (91 and 75) new homes. There is 1ha safeguarded on one site with a further 0.4ha safeguarded adjacent on the other site for a new school. Discussions are taking place with the owners, Norfolk Homes and the Arminghall Estate, as the first reserved matters planning permission in favour of the fomer’s site is expected shortly with anticipated start on site around the middle of 2016.

Costessey (550 dwellings final allocation) Development has commenced on this final allocation at Lodge Farm where a 1ha school site has been safeguarded, although only 0.5ha will be given free of charge, with the remainder to be purchased at residential value. Costessey Infant is under pressure for places and took its full intake of 90 children in Sept 2015. A bulge year is coming forward for September 2016 which will need to be accommodated, options are being discussed with the school. This could lead to a single site school in due course, whether at 420 or 630, depending on the decision about a new school at Lodge Farm. Costessey is likely to have a sustainable 5FE in the future, a formal appraisal is thus required during 2016 to explore possible options for future primary phase education in Costessey.

For further detail on category 3 and 4 please see: Children’s Services’ Growth and Investment Plan.

Page 34 5.0 Utilities - Power

Northern / Eastern Fringe This area is presently fed via 4 existing substations (Sprowston, George Hill, Horsford and Boundary park), which are all meeting capacity. When this capacity is exhausted, it is intended to establish a new substation near the airport. Overloading in the central area of Norwich has increased which has brought both the Thorpe grid and Trowse grid close to capacity. The Thorpe grid will need to be enhanced before any new substation could be established.

Infrastructure Hurricane Way sub Airport North sub Sprowston and station station Rackheath sub station Location Norwich Broadland Broadland Delivers Airport business park A possible 10,000 A possible 10,000 extension dwellings and dwellings Broadland Business Park Lead Authority UK Power Networks UK Power Networks UK Power Networks Delivery Short term Medium term Long term Total Cost TBC TBC TBC CIL contribution? Yes Yes Yes Funding Private sector Private sector Private sector Opportunities Link to other GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme - http://www.gndp.org.uk/ information our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Baseline requirement

King’s Lynn Electricity Network Reinforcement The main development areas are presently expected to be in the vicinity of Kings Lynn and Wisbech. The local authorities have proposals for developments in these areas, but in the main these take the form of relatively small disparate sites rather than large areas. It is therefore anticipated that supplies to these sites will be provided by the existing primary substations.

Infrastructure King’s Lynn electricity network reinforcement Location King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Lead Authority UK Power Networks Total Cost Tbd Unfunded Cost Tbd CIL contribution? Possibly – King’s Lynn and West Norfolk may introduce CIL Status Baseline requirement

Page 35 5.0 Utilities - Power

Rural Network No overloading issues have been idenitifed at present, although this will need to be monitored over time. Analysis of other power networks have shown rural areas can be vulnerable to power outages. While such events do not occur frequently they have occurred within the UK Power Networks area in recent years, and therefore need to be considered in the future.

Infrastructure Wymondham – electricity transformers Location South Norfolk Lead Authority UK Power Networks Key date for delivery Long Term Total Cost TBC CIL contribution? Yes Funding Opportunities Private sector Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org. uk/our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Baseline requirement

Snetterton An employment zone already exists around Snetterton racing circuit, which is fed by the Kenninghall substation. Breckland District Council have designated the area for further employment expansion, but the scale of development is not certain. An intial enquiry for the site required a new substation on site fed from Diss. The cost of such supply has therefore stalled any serious enquiries. There has been a proposal for a generator on the Snetterton site, recently approved by Breckland District Council, this would be of sufficient size to warrant a connection to the Diss grid and make the employment area more viable by sharing connection costs.

Infrastructure Snetterton Energy Supply Location Breckland Delivers 4,000 homes and 2,000 jobs in Snetterton Heath Employment area Lead Authority UK Power Networks, Breckland District Council, Developers/Landowners Key date for delivery Short term Total Cost TBC Funding Opportunities Private sector Link to other Attleborough and Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan Attleborough and information Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/planning-policy-local- development-framework-publications

Status Baseline requirement

Page 36 5.0 Utilities - Power

Thetford area It is proposed that a new primary “Thetford North” substation be constructed to cater for the 5,000 new dwellings to the north of the town.

Infrastructure New substation in urban extension Location Breckland Delivers 5,000 homes and 5,000 jobs in Thetford Lead Authority UK Power Networks, Breckland District Council, Developers/Landowners

Key date for delivery 2013 Commencement Total Cost TBC Funding Opportunities UK Power Networks Link to other information Thetford Area Action Plan adopted (2012) & A11 Energy Study (2010) available at: http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/planning-policy- local-development-framework-publications Status Baseline requirement

Hapton The condition of the Hapton substation has shown the probability of failure due to degradation will become unacceptable, therefore it is recommended that it is replaced.

Infrastructure Replacement transformers at Hapton sub station Location South Norfolk Delivers 1,800 dwellings Lead Authority UK Power Networks Key date for delivery 2021/22 Total Cost £760,000 Unfunded Cost £760,000 CIL contribution? Yes Funding Opportunities Private sector Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org.uk/ our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Baseline requirement

Page 37 PagePage 37 37 5.0 Utilities - Water

North East trunk sewer There is no significant capacity constraint from the existing works at Whitlingham or Belaugh, but there is in the existing sewerage network. An existing trunk main connecting from Sprowston to Whitlingham has a limited amount of capacity. After capacity within this main is used, new infrastructure would be required to give a connection of adequate capacity to the Whitlingham Water Recycling Centre (WRC).

Infrastructure North East trunk sewer Location Broadland Delivers A possible 10,000 dwellings Lead Anglian Water Key date for delivery 2011-2026 Total Cost Tbd Unfunded Cost Tbd CIL contribution? Yes Funding Opportunities Private sector Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org.uk/our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Baseline requirement

Easton/Costessey, Hethersett and Cringleford sewerage upgrade Existing sewerage infrastructure serving Easton/Costessey is at full capacity and new infrastructure will be required. The Greater Norwich Development Partnership Stage 2b Water Cycle Study identified the need for growth to be served by upgrades to the existing Yare Valley Trunk Sewer discharging to the Trowse Pumping Station and then on to the Whitlingham WRC which has sufficient spare capacity.

Infrastructure Sewerage upgrades Location South Norfolk Delivers 3,200 dwellings Lead Anglian Water Key date for delivery 2016-2026 Total Cost Tbd Unfunded Cost Tbd CIL contribution? Developer funded Funding Opportunities Private sector Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org.uk/our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Baseline requirement

Page 38 Page 38 5.0 Utilities - Water

Sewerage improvements in King’s Lynn To help facilitate growth in King’s Lynn, sewerage improvements may be required.

Infrastructure Upgraded waste water flow Major sewerage capacity in King’s Lynn improvements at King’s Lynn Location King’s Lynn and West Norfolk King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Lead Anglian Water Anglian Water Total Cost Circa £500,000 £1-1.2 million Unfunded Cost Circa £500,000 £1-1.2 million CIL contribution? Possibly – King’s Lynn and West Possibly – King’s Lynn and Norfolk may introduce CIL West Norfolk may introduce CIL Status Baseline requirement Baseline requirement

Increased surface water storage in East Lynn Increased surface water storage is required in East King’s Lynn (east of the A149 between the Pierpoint and Middleton Stop Drains) to enable the development of some 37 ha of employment land at Hardwick.

Infrastructure Surface water storage in East King’s Lynn Location King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Delivers 37 ha employment land in strategic site Lead Authority King’s Lynn IDB Key date for delivery 2012-13 Total Cost £1-1.25 million Unfunded Cost £1-1.25 million Funding Opportunities IDB Spin off benefits? Opens up land in Hardwick for employment development Status Funded for construction in 2012/13 by IDB subject to planning permission

Page 39 Page 39 5.0 Utilities - Water

Increased surface water capacity North Lynn In addition, increased surface water capacity is required in North Lynn (through the North Lynn link scheme linking the Black Drain with the Bawsey Drain and providing a second pump at North Lynn Pumping Station) to enable the development of the strategic housing allocation at South Wootton and other housing land in North Lynn.

Infrastructure Surface water storage in North Lynn Location King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Delivers Up to 800 dwellings at South Wootton and some 700 dwellings in North Lynn Lead Authority King’s Lynn IDB CIL contribution? Possibly – King’s Lynn and West Norfolk may introduce CIL Funding Opportunities IDB/private sector Spin off benefits? Enables housing development in South Wootton/North Lynn

Wisbech drainage improvements Depending on the location of developments around Wisbech there may be a requirement for a major improvement scheme such as a flood storage area to ensure that the developments can be efficiently drained and that flood risk in the area will not be increased. The construction of a flood storage pond alone is estimated by the King’s Lynn IDB to cost some £500,000. In the next few years the Board is also proposing to replace its Islington Pumping Station whose catchment includes the eastern side of Wisbech, with a current indicative cost of nearly £6m. While there are a number of funding avenues such as existing reserves, drainage rates payable in the next few years and loans or grant aid at least part of the cost will need to be met by the developments that benefit from it.

Wisbech sewerage upgrades The Water Recycling Centre (WRC) has sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposed growth without the need for upgrades. The foul sewerage system may require upgrades, dependent upon size and location of individual development sites and these will be assessed when we are approached by the developer of the site(s).

Page 40 Page 40 5.0 Utilities - Water

Wymondham water supply connections Water resource is available in principal for the 4,400 dwellings planned for Wymondham. However, network improvements will be required before connection can take place.

Infrastructure Wymondham water supply Location South Norfolk Delivers 4,400 dwellings Lead Authority Anglian Water Total Cost £22.4 million CIL contribution? Yes Funding Opportunities Private sector Link to other information GNDP Local Investment Plan and Programme http://www.gndp.org. uk/our-work/cil/cil-background-documents/ Status Baseline requirement

Attleborough used water treatment Upgrades to Attleborough WRC are required to accommodate the full proposed growth. Using the proposed growth profile these upgrades will not be required before 2021. Whilst the existing site could be developed and expanded further, the critical issue is the environmental capacity of the Attleborough Stream to accommodate additional volumes of treated water. Localised sewerage network upgrades will be required for proposed development site in Attleborough. Some impact assessment have already been made and solutions and costs provided to the respective developers. Others are currently being carried out.

Infrastructure Wastewater Used water treatment capacity and outflow – Attleborough Location Breckland Delivers 4,000 homes and >2,000 jobs Lead Authority Anglian Water, Environment Agency, Developers/Landowners Key date for delivery 2016/17 Unfunded Cost £0 CIL contribution? N/A Spin off benefits? Link to other information Attleborough and Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan Issues and Options (2011) and The Water Cycle Study (2009) & (2010) all available at: http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/planning-policy- local-development-framework-publications Status Baseline requirement

Page 41 5.0 Utilities - Water

Downham Market sewerage upgrades Downham Market is King’s Lynn and West Norfolk’s second town and is planning for at least 2,710 new dwellings in the period between 2001 and 2026. In order to support this growth, localised sewerage upgrades may be required depending upon location of development. Although the WRC does not have sufficient capacity to accommodate the all the growth planned, it is able to accommodate a good proportion of it. There is no investment planned in Asset Management Plan 2015-2020 for upgrades to the WRC. The foul sewerage system may require upgrades, dependent upon size and location of individual development sites and these will be assessed when we are approached by the developer of the site(s).

Infrastructure Sewerage upgrades Location King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Lead Authority Anglian Water Total Cost Tbd Unfunded Cost Tbd CIL contribution? Possibly – King’s Lynn and West Norfolk may introduce CIL Status Baseline requirement

Long Stratton water supply A sufficient supply of water is available to support the levels of growth planned in Long Stratton but is dependent on the improvement of local water supply network that will be needed before connections take place.

Long Stratton sewerage upgrade Localised sewerage network upgrades will be required for proposed development sites.

Long Stratton used water treatment Water Recycling Centre (WRC) has spare capacity for approximately 1,200 of the proposed 1,800 new homes, but the balance will require “innovative solutions” for its used water treatment to be investigated on a site specific basis.

Page 42 5.0 Utilities - Flood Risk

Great Yarmouth Flood Defences - Epoch 2 - 2016-2021 This project forms the second part (Epoch 2) of plans to ensure the continued protection for Great Yarmouth. Taking a strategic view, the project will review and update the previous options appraisal and seek financial approval to deliver the next phase of flood defence repair or replacement works.

Infrastructure Flood Defences, Piling and supporting infrastructure. Location Great Yarmouth Delivers The extent and nature of works is still to be determined through the options appraisal. The previous appraisal envisaged quay piling and flood defence replacement in Epoch 2 along a 2.6km frontage but the required external funding for such extensive works would be challenging. The Full Business Case for Epoch 2 is scheduled for approval at the end of 2017 with construction works to follow. Lead Authority Environment Agency Total Cost TBC – the current assumption is £24 million. Unfunded Cost TBC – the current assumption is around £8 million Funding Opportunities LEP, Local authorities and Local businesses Spin off benefits Land enabled for economic growth and regeneration, appropriate resilient development, in line with local development strategies and supporting policies

Eccles to Winterton Coastal Management Stage 2 This project derives from the Shoreline Management Plan signed off in 2013.

Infrastructure Sea Wall and Coastal Management Location Eccles on Sea to Winterton on Sea Delivers The primary sea defence along the 14km EA-maintained Eccles to Winterton frontage is a concrete sea wall. The beaches fronting this wall are very volatile, and there is a long-standing problem of low beach levels threatening the stability of the sea wall. If the sea wall were to fail, there would be extensive damage to property and to internationally-designated environmental sites within the Broads. Works are ongoing. Lead Authority Environment Agency Total Cost £33,000,000 Unfunded Cost £33,000,000 Funding Opportunities Local authorities and Local businesses Spin off benefits Land enabled for economic growth and appropriate resilient development, in line with any local development strategies and policies. Biodiversity/ habitat enhancements and protection of internationally designated sites, with potential opportunities to support tourism.

Page 43 6.0 Green Infrastructure

The protection and development of strategic Green Infrastructure (GI) is necessary to meet needs arising from existing and emerging growth pressures. GI is a strategically planned and delivered network comprising the broadest range of high quality green spaces and other natural environmental features. It should be designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering those ecological services and quality of life benefits required by the communities it serves and to underpin sustainability.

The need for a county-wide approach to Green Infrastructure: A county-wide GI strategy is currently under development which will highlight broad corridors across the county based on ecological networks. There are a number of existing Green Infrastructure Strategies and delivery documents that cover certain geographical areas.

The Green Infrastructure strategies listed on pages 46 have their own objectives, priorities and implementation plans to meet needs arising from emerging growth pressures within their areas. However, the strategies only cover a small geographical part of the county. For Green Infrastructure to be effective in meeting the needs arising from emerging growth pressures, it should form a connected and joined up network. Consequently it needs to be delivered at all spatial scales from sub-regional to local neighbourhood levels, accommodating both accessible natural green spaces within local communities and much larger sites in the wider countryside. Therefore the development of a high level county-wide Green Infrastructure strategy that maps GI primary, secondary and local corridors will be an important asset for the County which will take into consideration existing District strategies and help inform future ones, providing a contextual framework. The map over the page shows woodland cover, watercourse corridors and designated sites for conservation in Norfolk.

Page 44 6.0 Green Infrastructure

Fig 4 - Norfolk GI Strategy showing key GI areas and corridors

This map is derived from a variety of information sources, including Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service Econet maps and existing district GI studies. It can be seen that Norfolk has a variety of significant interlinking GI features which contribute to not only natural aesthetic, but also influence tourism and the economy. Key areas are the North Norfolk Coast, Brecks and the Broads.

Page 45

Page 45 6.0 Green Infrastructure

GNGB: Greater Norwich Green Infrastructure Strategy (GNDP/Chris Blandford Associates; November 2007); Greater Norwich Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan (GNDP/The Landscape partnership; August 2009); this focused on the growth areas of South West and North East Norwich; Based on the GNGB GI Strategy and Delivery Plan, a number of area-specific plans with strategy GI policies have been developed including:

• Broadland, South Norfolk and City Councils; Greater Norwich Playing Pitch Strategies and Action Plans

• Broadland District Council – The Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath and Thorpe St. Andrew Growth Triangle Area Action Plan (Adopted 2016); GI will be important in the growth triangle to mitigate recreational impact on the designated sites of the Broads.

• South Norfolk Council: The Wymondham Area Action Plan and the emerging Long Stratton Area Action Plan.

• Norwich City Council: Open Space Sport and Recreation Topic Paper (2013)

King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council: Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Green Infrastructure Study: Stage One (Entec, September 2009);

Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Green Infrastructure Study: Stage Two: Final Report (Entec, May 2010); the reports mapped green foci and green corridors and included GI projects focused on Kings Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton.

Breckland District Council: Thetford Green Infrastructure Strategy (September 2007); this informed the adopted Thetford Area Action Plan DPD (August 2011) which contains a number of GI policies and specific projects;

Dereham Green Infrastructure Study and Implementation Strategy (ELP, September 2008; on behalf of Dereham Town Council, Breckland District Council and Norfolk County Council);

Neighbourhood Development Plans A number of parishes have developed, or are in the process of producing, Neighbourhood Development Plans. Most of these will contain GI policies.

Page 46 6.0 Green Infrastructure

GI and the Habitat Regulations Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended), all local plans have to be subjected to a Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA). It has been recognised that the proposed cumulative growth in the county has the potential to result in an increase in recreation disturbance pressures on internationally designated sites (Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and RAMSAR sites) of which there are many in Norfolk. The creation of new and enhanced GI - sometimes referred to in this context as Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space or SANGS - has a role to play in mitigating this impact. Several emerging local plans already stipulate that the GI network should be enhanced and improved as mitigation, in an approach formally agreed with Natural England.

Current Studies In 2015-16 all district authorities contributed to a project to gather information through standardised and systematic visitor surveys to better understand visitor patterns across the internationally designated sites throughout Norfolk. The project was co-ordinated by the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership (NBP) and Norfolk County Council’s Natural Environment Team (NET) and used the country’s leading environmental consultancy specialising in this work. The methodology links recreational activity (or potential activity) between a particular housing area and a particular designated site. The report found that there is likely to be an impact, even when these are at some distance from each other, and identified where there may be cumulative effects relating to a number of development and/or ‘receiving’ sites. This data produced from the report will inform the development of local plans and the Habitat Regulations Assessments that each local planning authority is required to undertake, and will help to identify where new or enhanced GI will be necessary.

Page 47 7.0 Specific Locations

Location Transport Utilities Green Infrastructure Education NE Quadrant Construction of the NDR including the New primary sub station (Norwich Airport Based on the GNGB GI Strategy and Sparhawk Infant School has been expanded to a 2FE. - Sprowston, recently completed postwick junction north) required for growth at airport Delivery Plan, a number of area- Discussions have begun regarding the handover Old Catton, improvements to provide strategic employment allocation and housing growth specific plans with strategy GI policies of the new primary school site under the S106 Rackheath access, significantly improve quality of in NE quadrant. New sub-station on existing have been developed including: The agreement for the Whitehouse Farm development. life and environmental conditions in sites (Norwich East) to serve growth in NE Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath and NCC are negotiating sites to build two 2FE primary the northern and eastern suburbs and quadrant. Anglian Water propose a north Thorpe St. Andrew Growth Triangle schools as part of the Beyond Green development nearby villages. east trunk sewer to manage growth in the Area Action Plan. and will seek CIL funding. Site options are being north east. considered for the location of a new secondary school in North Norwich. Norwich Significant improvement to the bus, New primary sub station (Norwich Airport Based on the GNGB GI Strategy and There is continued pressure on places in Norwich cycling and walking network, including north) required for growth at airport Delivery Plan, a number of area- but more in the north than in the central area at Bus Rapid employment allocation. specific plans with strategy GI policies present. A project to increase the capacity of Bignold Transit on key routes in the Norwich area Anglian water indicates new infrastructure have been developed. Primary to 630 places is under active consideration. linking major growth locations, strategic will be required when the Sprowston to A site for a new Primary phase school at Garden employment areas and the city centre. Whitlingham sewer connection hits capacity. Street, off Rouen Road, has been safeguarded by Improvements to the Norwich to London Due to the geography and historic nature of Norwich City Council and NCC have been given up rail line. Norwich, a number of properties are at risk to the end of 2016 to provide clear evidence that a from the river (fluvial flooding) and proposals new school will be required. A new Norwich primary are being worked on to deal with this risk. free school will open in September 2016 – The Charles Darwin Primary SW Quadrant The Government’s Roads Investment Sewerage upgrade – Cringleford solutions Based on the GNGB GI Strategy and Two further housing developments are at planning Strategy (RIS) now includes an subject to ongoing discussions with Anglian Delivery Plan, a number of area- stage in Cringleford for up to an additional 1,450 improvement of Thickthorn Water. Replacement of transformers and specific plans with strategy GI policies new homes. One development includes provision interchange. Improvements are switchgear in existing site (wymondham). have been developed. for a new school site of up to 2ha which will be given required in the Longwater/Easton area free of charge and discussions have taken place with of Norwich to resolve existing issues land promoters regarding the location of the new on the transportation network and school. Contributions to build the new school will be accommodate additional traffic arising sought through the Community Infrastructure Levy from planned growth. (CIL). Expansion to Hethersett High Academy may also be required in response to this housing

Page 48 7.0 Specific Locations

Location Transport Utilities Green Infrastructure Education Wymondham The Government’s Roads Investment Anglian Water propose Wymondham Based on the GNGB GI Strategy and Process to create three all through primary schools Strategy (RIS) now includes an upgrade to support west growth locations. Delivery Plan, a number of area- complete. The large housing developments (730 and improvement of Thickthorn interchange. Replacement of transformers and switchgear specific plans with strategy GI policies 500 new homes) at Silfield which will give Children’s Development at Wymondham, in existing site (wymondham). have been developed including the Services a new Primary school site is now moving Hethersett and Cringleford also requires Wymondham Area Action Plan. forward with both sites sold to housing developers bus improvements leading to a Bus and full planning applications being progressed Rapid Transit route via the B1172 to NRP to committee. Wymondham High Academy will and Norwich city centre. be expanded but cannot go beyond 2050 places. The masterplan for the school showed phased development of the site and one phase has already been completed with the second phase under way. Long Stratton The need for a bypass has long been Sewerage upgrade – Long Stratton solutions Based on the GNGB GI Strategy and NCC continue discussion with South Norfolk District a priority and a planning application subject to ongoing discussions with Anglian Delivery Plan, a number of area- Council regarding proposed 1800 new homes in for the bypass as part of the housing Water. specific plans with strategy GI policies Long Stratton. A new primary phase school will be growth is expected in 2016 and this is Replacement of transformers and switchgear have been developed including the sought. Secondary numbers will be accommodated likely to include an improvement to the in existing site (Hapton). emerging Long Stratton Area Action in existing high school, with extensions. Hempnall crossroads. Plan.

Great The Third River Crossing, Gapton Hall There is a need to increase the sewage There is a need to improve green Outline planning application for 1,000 houses has Yarmouth and Vauxhall roundabout improvements network capacity and for new electricity infrastructure but there are no specific been approved. First phase of infrastructure (link are also required in order to help substations but there are no specific schemes. road) is complete and the first phase of housing is alleviate congestion and to aid access to schemes. underway. Negotiations with Persimmon Homes the A47. Great Yarmouth Flood Defences 2011-2016. resulted in a 1.5ha new school site free of charge Capacity improvements and better This project forms the initial part of plans to plus contributions towards a new school although rolling stock are required on the rail ensure the continued protection for Great this is not fully funded by this housing development line to Norwich and Great Yarmouth Yarmouth. Taking a strategic view, the plan including improvements to the train extends to 2031 with a proposed rolling five station and the ASDA/train station year programme of works. junction.

Page 49 7.0 Specific Locations

Location Transport Utilities Green Infrastructure Education

Fakenham Construction of the NDR including the None currently identified. None currently identified. NCC have been consulted by North Norfolk District recently completed postwick junction Council on the proposed 800-900 new dwellings improvements will improve and deliver at Rudham Stile Lane. NCC have asked for land for rapid and sustained economic benefits a new Primary phase school to be safeguarded. Consideration of the need for a new school, together for a large part of north Norfolk. with a review of the opportunities for wider structural changes in primary phase education in the area will begin mid-2016. NCC and TEN Group (a multi-academy trust) are working together on options to rationalise Fakenham Academy on one site, linking with NNDC Local Plan review. Attleborough A key transport priority is a link road Upgrades to Attleborough WRC are required None currently identified. Three Junior schools extended on current sites to between the B1077 near Bunns Bank to to accommodate the full proposed growth. become all-through primarys, and the infant school the A11 which will distribute new and Localised sewerage network upgrades will be relocated and expanded to provide a all -through existing traffic around the town. required for proposed development site in primary, consultation on school reorganisation has A feasibility study has been Attleborough. Some impact assessment have been completed. Two sites identified in the south commissioned to determine a detailed already been made and solutions and costs of the town for the new site and a preferred site scheme for this link road. provided to the respective developers. identified; purchase decision pending. Feasibility The five junctions on the A11 bypass work commissioned for extension of the junior around Thetford will be upgraded during school. Masterplan complete for the High School to the Plan period. A Masterplan for the expand using premises vacated by infant school and urban extension will be developed further expansion on their existing site. and improvements will be made to Thetford an appropriate standard agreed with It is proposed that a new Primary substation Thetford Green Infrastructure Strategy To cover existing demographic pressures, there are the Highways Agency. Thetford will “Thetford North” be constructed. This (September 2007); informed the plans to increase the size of Drake Infant. The major also benefit from a new planned bus would cater for the new development plus adopted Thetford Area Action Plan housing development for the new 5000 dwellings station. Both locations will benefit associated community facilities and local DPD (August 2011) which contains has now been approved and will be undertaken from improvements to the Thickthorn employment. a number of GI policies and specific in phases with negotiations have taken place to junction. projects. secure sites and contributions for up to 3 x 420 place Primary Schools.

Page 50 7.0 Specific Locations

Location Transport Utilities Green Infrastructure Education

King’s Lynn Improvements to the Hardwick Supplies to sites in King’s Lynn will Borough Council of King’s The Borough Council has confirmed site allocations junction are required in order to be provided by the existing primary Lynn and West Norfolk Green for the central part of the town. These will impact on increase capacity and allow for a substations. To help facilitate growth in Infrastructure Study: Stage One a number of schools which are already at capacity. new public transport corridor into King’s Lynn, sewerage improvements (Entec, September 2009) and Current NCC capital proposals: Requirement for two/three additional forms of entry in 2014 is under town. The possible strategies take may be required. Increased surface Green Infrastructure Study: Stage review. Future proposals to be managed: NCC will account of the proposed West Winch water storage is required in East King’s Two: Final Report (Entec, May progress with a view to a possible new primary relief road and look toward the next Lynn (east of the A149 between the 2010); mapped green foci and school in the Marsh Lane/Lynnsport area. plan period beyond 2026. They all Pierpoint and Middleton Stop Drains) green corridors and included include local improvements to the to enable the development of some 37 GI projects focused on Kings existing signalised roundabout and ha of employment land at Hardwick. Lynn, Downham Market and the possible options are to retain or In addition, increased surface water Hunstanton. remove the small A47 roundabout to capacity is required in North Lynn. the east of the main roundabout. Improvements to the Fenline rail services will enhance the link from King’s Lynn to London. Downham To facilitate growth a link is required Downham Market is King’s Lynn and None currently identified in category 1 o2 of Market between the A47 and A10 to West Norfolk’s second town and is Local Growth and Investment Plan. enable distribution of trips from planning for at least 2,710 new dwellings this development and to alleviate in the period between 2001 and 2026. In congestion on the A10 through West order to support this growth it is thought Winch and at the Hardwick junction. that sewerage upgrades will be required. Improvements to the Fenline rail services will enhance the link to London.

Page 51 If you would like any further information on any aspect of this study, please contact:

Laura Waters (Planner)

Infrastructure and Economic Growth Economic Development and Strategy Norfolk County Council County Hall Martineau Lane Norwich Norfolk NR1 2DH

Email: [email protected]

Published: August 2016.

This document contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [2016]