We are excited to be a step closer in providing dozens of much needed new homes in Rackheath.
We have been successful in purchasing the land at Green Lane East where a mixture of 130 affordable homes will be built, along with a new Independent Community Living scheme and a new Medical Centre.
The Independent Community Living scheme will have up to 92 one and two-bedroom homes for people over 55. There will be a number of facilities on site for residents, including a restaurant and hair salon, enabling them to keep their independence and remain active in the community.
A Reserved Matters Application detailing specific proposals for the new Medical Centre has been submitted by the NHS, with work on this predicted to start on site in Autumn 2023. Works are expected to start on the new homes in 2024.
Broadland District Councillor, Fran Whymark said: ‘’New housing is required but it is important that development brings benefits to our community. Local people know that over 4,000 houses will be built in Rackheath, with a great deal being built already. When the opportunity arose to deliver a Medical Centre and Extra Care Living for older residents the right thing to do was to grab it with both hands and therefore we worked to make sure this happened.’’
Broadland District Councillor Martin Murrell added: "Fran and I have always argued that a Medical Centre is absolutely essential for our residents. We will continue working together with the NHS, Norfolk County Council and developers to make sure the health and wellbeing of residents remains our focus."
Saffron’s Head of Land & Planning Joe Bootman said: ‘’We are delighted to be able to deliver a new site in Rackheath. We have been working with the original landowner and Broadland District Council for a number of years now to try and bring this site to the point where it can be delivered and, it is an important part of our delivery programme.
“We are grateful to Broadland District Council for their assistance in bringing forward this important site. The local Wroxham Ward members, Councillors Martin Murrell and Fran Whymark, have been instrumental in the success of this project having worked with the NHS and other partners over many years to ensure Rackheath gets the infrastructure it needs, now and in the future. We look forward to inviting them to cut the ribbon of the new facilities in the future as Saffron ensures they become a reality.’’
*The Reserved Matters Application can be found under the Planning section of Broadland District Council’s website by searching for planning application reference 20221051.