Summary:

The Deal Ground and May Gurney sites are two of the four main sites that comprise the East Norwich Strategic Regeneration Area (ENSRA). It is over 10 years since the Outline Planning Application was submitted, and approved. Ten years on, IDP worked alongside a large multi-discipline design team and lead Architects, Stolon, to develop a Reserved Matters Application that seeks to add detail to the outline work and bring it up to date with current policy and expectations. The Deal Ground sites lie on the edge of Norwich City and Norfolk Broads and are bordered by the River Wensum and the River Yare. Immediately to the East of the site is Carrow Marsh, a County Wildlife Site.

IDP Landscape played a pivotal role in developing a landscape scheme and site masterplan that integrates diverse communities and promotes active and accessible neighbourhoods. The scheme prioritises Active Travel, whereby walking, wheeling and cycling is promoted through integrating the infrastructure within the masterplan. Shared gardens and equitable spaces have been introduced into the scheme in support of ‘Sociable Architecture’. This is where opportunities are created for social interaction between residents to enhance a sense of community and belonging and contribute to well being.

The environmental credentials of the proposed design are critical to the success of the project. A variety of habitats have been created and nature recovery networks included that help mould the key spaces whilst also providing biodiversity net gain. The integration of wetland meadows, pioneer woodland and river edge ecology have all provided a balanced experience whereby living within nature’s tapestry is truly achieved.