Historic England Calls New Development at Anglia Square 'Missed Opportunity for Norwich'
Historic England has objected to a new Anglia Square development in Norwich, arguing it would harm the city’s exceptional character.
Historic England considers that the scale, mass and character of the proposed development would be at odds with the character of the historic city of Norwich.
One of England's finest historic cities
Norwich is one of England’s finest historic cities, with over 1,000 years of history and a wealth of historic buildings. It is of exceptional archaeological, architectural, artistic and historic significance.
The existing failed and incomplete Anglia Square development detracts significantly from the historic city.
A redevelopment of Anglia Square offers an extraordinary opportunity to repair the historic character of the area and to undo the damage caused by the development of the 1960s, which has continued to blight Norwich ever since. The scale, mass and architectural character in the present proposals would be fundamentally at odds with the historic city of Norwich. This would not represent the best development possible for the people of Norwich or the place they love. We want to see a development at Anglia Square that is worthy of the city of Norwich and which complements its historic character. We believe it is possible to create a development that gives local people the facilities they need, and which also fits with the historic character of the city.
A different approach
Historic England has advised Weston Homes to reduce the scale of the proposed development to fit with the historic setting which makes Norwich such a special place for local people and visitors.
The redevelopment of Anglia Square could be achieved in a way which removes the present blighted structure, provides much-needed housing and other facilities and responds fully to Norwich’s exceptional historic character.
This scheme goes before Norwich’s planning committee in September. Historic England urges a significant reduction in the scale and mass of the proposed development. Should Norwich City Council broadly accept the case for the proposal, there remain significant improvements that could be made through further amendments of the scheme.
