Sunday, 10 August 2008
Friday, 11 July 2008
Evening news 10th July
Note From CRC: Article in EEN on the results for the Planning Committee meeting
for Thetford Building garden development ref: 08/00420/F and 08/00419/C
Error causes delay over college plans
KATE SCOTTER
10 July 2008 16:49
A decision on controversial plans for a new City College building has been deferred due to a council cock-up.
Norwich City Council's planning committee were due to decide whether to build a new eco-friendly teaching centre on the site of the college's former Thetford Building, on the corner of Ipswich and Cecil roads.
However, they deferred the decision for a month because there had had been an error on the council's website, leading people to believe they had until July 15 to submit their views when in fact the public consultation period ended last week.
Councillors also said the delay meant they would be able to conduct a site visit to investigate more closely the application.
Families living nearby, several of whom have objected to the new £1.6m building because it is in a conservation area and they claim it would be out of character, said they were relieved the decision had been delayed, saying it would give more people the chance to have their say.
Jeff Brown, who lives next to the proposed site on Cecil Road, said: “I'm pleased that residents are being given the opportunity to comment because I know a number of people who wanted to object but had not yet done so because of the July 15 date on the website.
“It's good that the councillors want to have a site visit and today has given us more faith in the planning process, although we will still have to wait and see what the outcome is.”
His wife Jenny added that they were not against the building itself but thought there were more suitable locations within the college campus for it to be housed.
The application had been recommended for approval by planning officers at City Hall.
Barrie Nunn, of College Redevelopment Concerns (CRC), said: “The decision is a victory for the confidence in the planning process and gives an opportunity for both the councillors and the committee to properly assess the whole impact of the proposed building at a site that is in need of some attention and is in a conservation area.
“No one's against the facilities, it's just not appropriate against residents' homes and next to the Thetford building which is quite an important building.”
The proposed building, due to be opened by Spring next year, is intended to be used for the Construction and the Built Environment Diploma and would feature sustainable energy saving devices.
Dick Palmer, college principal, said: “I am confident that when the councillors view the site they will share our view that what we are proposing is a building that will be an exemplar of the environmentally sustainable buildings that we will increasingly be building in the future.
“They will see how we have ensured that the new building has been designed to be sympathetic to its location on the edge of the campus, below the level of the surrounding houses.”
The proposals will now be discussed on July 31.
Are you fighting an application where you live? Contact Evening News reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.
for Thetford Building garden development ref: 08/00420/F and 08/00419/C
Error causes delay over college plans
KATE SCOTTER
10 July 2008 16:49
A decision on controversial plans for a new City College building has been deferred due to a council cock-up.
Norwich City Council's planning committee were due to decide whether to build a new eco-friendly teaching centre on the site of the college's former Thetford Building, on the corner of Ipswich and Cecil roads.
However, they deferred the decision for a month because there had had been an error on the council's website, leading people to believe they had until July 15 to submit their views when in fact the public consultation period ended last week.
Councillors also said the delay meant they would be able to conduct a site visit to investigate more closely the application.
Families living nearby, several of whom have objected to the new £1.6m building because it is in a conservation area and they claim it would be out of character, said they were relieved the decision had been delayed, saying it would give more people the chance to have their say.
Jeff Brown, who lives next to the proposed site on Cecil Road, said: “I'm pleased that residents are being given the opportunity to comment because I know a number of people who wanted to object but had not yet done so because of the July 15 date on the website.
“It's good that the councillors want to have a site visit and today has given us more faith in the planning process, although we will still have to wait and see what the outcome is.”
His wife Jenny added that they were not against the building itself but thought there were more suitable locations within the college campus for it to be housed.
The application had been recommended for approval by planning officers at City Hall.
Barrie Nunn, of College Redevelopment Concerns (CRC), said: “The decision is a victory for the confidence in the planning process and gives an opportunity for both the councillors and the committee to properly assess the whole impact of the proposed building at a site that is in need of some attention and is in a conservation area.
“No one's against the facilities, it's just not appropriate against residents' homes and next to the Thetford building which is quite an important building.”
The proposed building, due to be opened by Spring next year, is intended to be used for the Construction and the Built Environment Diploma and would feature sustainable energy saving devices.
Dick Palmer, college principal, said: “I am confident that when the councillors view the site they will share our view that what we are proposing is a building that will be an exemplar of the environmentally sustainable buildings that we will increasingly be building in the future.
“They will see how we have ensured that the new building has been designed to be sympathetic to its location on the edge of the campus, below the level of the surrounding houses.”
The proposals will now be discussed on July 31.
Are you fighting an application where you live? Contact Evening News reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.
Friday, 27 June 2008
Press release
A Past Governor of the College NUS Writes to the EDP
EDP 16 June 2008
Note From CRC - This letter was in response to the EDP report below:
EDP 12 June 2008
EDP 16 June 2008
Note From CRC - This letter was in response to the EDP report below:
EDP 12 June 2008
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Press release
FROM CRC COMMITTEE - We are pleased to post for everyones attention this evening's leader from the Norwich Evening News
Monday, 14 April 2008
Evening News 14 April 2008
CITY COLLEGE BIDS TO ALLAY REDEVELOPMENT WORRIES
TRACEY GRAY
14 April 2008 18:27
Bosses at Norwich City College have tried to allay fears the campus redevelopment will cause disruption and problems for people living nearby.
Norwich City College revealed £215m plans to demolish its current buildings and rebuild the entire Ipswich Road site in December last year.
However, some residents have voiced their concerns claiming there has not been enough public consultation and discussion about the plans, which they fear will have a negative effect on what they regard as a quiet residential area.
On Saturday more than 100 people attended a meeting, organised by the College Redevelopment Concerns
(CRC) group, to air their fears.
Concerns raised included the multi-storey car park planned for the back of the site which some residents claim will be right behind their houses, a ring road bringing traffic round the perimeter of the site and teaching blocks up to five-storeys high.
People said the car park and high-rise blocks will affect the afternoon and evening daylight getting to their homes and gardens and bring round-the-clock noise, light and exhaust pollution.
A spokesman for CRC said: "We wish to state like our neighbours and other local residents that we are college, education and student friendly. We acknowledge that the campus in some areas falls short of what is expected in 2008 and beyond for our local students.
"However, the sudden and unprepared impact brought about by the enormity and scale of the proposals have resulted in causing great concern, anxiety and stress to residents.
"We believe the mass and density of the proposed redevelopment should have had longer and more profound discussion with the residents of Town Close Ward at a much earlier stage in the scheme and design process."
He said the group, whose website address is http://CollegeRedevelopmentConcerns.blogspot.com/, was now aiming to reduce the scale of the proposals and was urging everyone to raise their objections about the principle of the development to Norwich City Council by the deadline of Wednesday, April 23.
However, Dick Palmer, college principal, said: "The college does understand that the size and scale of the redevelopment of the campus poses concerns for many residents. Having lived on Grove Walk I do know what living in proximity to the college is all about.
"We know that the images created by the 'block model' have caused anxieties among some residents. To be absolutely clear, this model does not represent how the college will be built in the future - it was simply created to show the maximum building that the site could support and how there could be greater coherence to the site layout. However, there is no question of covering the campus with large 'block' buildings and this will be clear when actual designs are available.
"We are currently working with our architects to decide upon more realistic designs for any proposed buildings to be built in phase one and this process will continue for the next few months."
A spokesman for the college said it was keeping residents informed with a monthly newsletter delivered to houses explaining what is happening at each stage with the redevelopment.
Ü Do you have an education story? If so contact Evening News reporter Tracey Gray on 01603 772418 or email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk
TRACEY GRAY
14 April 2008 18:27
Bosses at Norwich City College have tried to allay fears the campus redevelopment will cause disruption and problems for people living nearby.
Norwich City College revealed £215m plans to demolish its current buildings and rebuild the entire Ipswich Road site in December last year.
However, some residents have voiced their concerns claiming there has not been enough public consultation and discussion about the plans, which they fear will have a negative effect on what they regard as a quiet residential area.
On Saturday more than 100 people attended a meeting, organised by the College Redevelopment Concerns
(CRC) group, to air their fears.
Concerns raised included the multi-storey car park planned for the back of the site which some residents claim will be right behind their houses, a ring road bringing traffic round the perimeter of the site and teaching blocks up to five-storeys high.
People said the car park and high-rise blocks will affect the afternoon and evening daylight getting to their homes and gardens and bring round-the-clock noise, light and exhaust pollution.
A spokesman for CRC said: "We wish to state like our neighbours and other local residents that we are college, education and student friendly. We acknowledge that the campus in some areas falls short of what is expected in 2008 and beyond for our local students.
"However, the sudden and unprepared impact brought about by the enormity and scale of the proposals have resulted in causing great concern, anxiety and stress to residents.
"We believe the mass and density of the proposed redevelopment should have had longer and more profound discussion with the residents of Town Close Ward at a much earlier stage in the scheme and design process."
He said the group, whose website address is http://CollegeRedevelopmentConcerns.blogspot.com/, was now aiming to reduce the scale of the proposals and was urging everyone to raise their objections about the principle of the development to Norwich City Council by the deadline of Wednesday, April 23.
However, Dick Palmer, college principal, said: "The college does understand that the size and scale of the redevelopment of the campus poses concerns for many residents. Having lived on Grove Walk I do know what living in proximity to the college is all about.
"We know that the images created by the 'block model' have caused anxieties among some residents. To be absolutely clear, this model does not represent how the college will be built in the future - it was simply created to show the maximum building that the site could support and how there could be greater coherence to the site layout. However, there is no question of covering the campus with large 'block' buildings and this will be clear when actual designs are available.
"We are currently working with our architects to decide upon more realistic designs for any proposed buildings to be built in phase one and this process will continue for the next few months."
A spokesman for the college said it was keeping residents informed with a monthly newsletter delivered to houses explaining what is happening at each stage with the redevelopment.
Ü Do you have an education story? If so contact Evening News reporter Tracey Gray on 01603 772418 or email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk
EDP 14/04/08
From CRC Committee - As a Committee we agree entirely with Mr Playfords comments as part of our remit is to save this iconic Norwich building.
We urge the public including current and former students, tutors and all others concerned about the future of this magnificent landmark building to make their comments and affection know to all through the press and our website.
We urge the public including current and former students, tutors and all others concerned about the future of this magnificent landmark building to make their comments and affection know to all through the press and our website.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Press release
Our Fears Over City College Expansion
Elaine, left, Mark with son Raphael and partner Kiria, right, who are holding a public meeting on Saturday. Photo: Simon Finlay
TRACEY GRAY - EVENING NEWS
09 April 2008 15:00
A group of neighbours living near Norwich City College who are worried about the potential effects of its new redevelopment are holding a meeting this week.
Norwich City College revealed £215m plans to demolish its current buildings and rebuild the entire Ipswich Road site in December last year - plans education bosses say are essential to produce the city's next generation of skilled workers.
But neighbours, many with homes backing onto the site, are worried about the redevelopment and how it might effect what they call a quiet residential area, have formed a group, College Redevelopment Concerns (CRC).
They are holding a meeting at St Albans Church Hall, opposite The Trafford Arms in Grove Road, Saturday 12 at 3pm.
A spokesman for the group, which has about 70 members, said they were concerned about the proposals to build five-storey high buildings at the bottom of their gardens and were questioning the need for a total re-build.
He said they were also worried about damage which might be done to mature trees by the planned two-storey car park for the campus and that the existing college building - first opened in 1953, would be pulled down.
Mark a member of the group who lives in Grove Road near the college, said: “We are certainly not against improvements at Norwich City College but we would like to be able to work with the college and city planners to ensure that our lives will not be too badly affected by the plans.”
Kiria, another group member, said: “We have yet to be convinced that this large-scale demolition and rebuilding - which will destroy wildlife and views, seriously limit our enjoyment of our homes, garden and neighbourhood and bring noise, dust and extra traffic, is even necessary.”
A spokesman for Norwich City College, said: “City College is absolutely committed to working with the local community throughout the redevelopment of the campus and we will ensure they are involved and fully informed every step of the way throughout the project.
“This redevelopment is vital to provide future generations of Norfolk's youngsters with the world-class skills that will be needed in the future.
“We want to create a world-class campus, one that inspires and motivates our students, one that the local community can look on with pride - a flagship for Norwich and Norfolk.”
Are you fighting a planning application where you live? Call Evening News reporter Tracey Gray on 01603 772418 or email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk
Elaine, left, Mark with son Raphael and partner Kiria, right, who are holding a public meeting on Saturday. Photo: Simon FinlayTRACEY GRAY - EVENING NEWS
09 April 2008 15:00
A group of neighbours living near Norwich City College who are worried about the potential effects of its new redevelopment are holding a meeting this week.
Norwich City College revealed £215m plans to demolish its current buildings and rebuild the entire Ipswich Road site in December last year - plans education bosses say are essential to produce the city's next generation of skilled workers.
But neighbours, many with homes backing onto the site, are worried about the redevelopment and how it might effect what they call a quiet residential area, have formed a group, College Redevelopment Concerns (CRC).
They are holding a meeting at St Albans Church Hall, opposite The Trafford Arms in Grove Road, Saturday 12 at 3pm.
A spokesman for the group, which has about 70 members, said they were concerned about the proposals to build five-storey high buildings at the bottom of their gardens and were questioning the need for a total re-build.
He said they were also worried about damage which might be done to mature trees by the planned two-storey car park for the campus and that the existing college building - first opened in 1953, would be pulled down.
Mark a member of the group who lives in Grove Road near the college, said: “We are certainly not against improvements at Norwich City College but we would like to be able to work with the college and city planners to ensure that our lives will not be too badly affected by the plans.”
Kiria, another group member, said: “We have yet to be convinced that this large-scale demolition and rebuilding - which will destroy wildlife and views, seriously limit our enjoyment of our homes, garden and neighbourhood and bring noise, dust and extra traffic, is even necessary.”
A spokesman for Norwich City College, said: “City College is absolutely committed to working with the local community throughout the redevelopment of the campus and we will ensure they are involved and fully informed every step of the way throughout the project.
“This redevelopment is vital to provide future generations of Norfolk's youngsters with the world-class skills that will be needed in the future.
“We want to create a world-class campus, one that inspires and motivates our students, one that the local community can look on with pride - a flagship for Norwich and Norfolk.”
Are you fighting a planning application where you live? Call Evening News reporter Tracey Gray on 01603 772418 or email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk
Sunday, 30 March 2008
CRC - Press Releases And Letters
Copy of letter sent to E.E.N. and E.D.P. 28th March 2008
Norwich City College have recently unveiled £215 million plans to raze its current buildings to the ground, including the landmark Norwich building (designed by Norwich City Architect L. G. Hannaford F.R.I.B.A.) and rebuild the entire Ipswich Road site. As a result of a public meeting which attracted more than 70 people concerned about the plans, a Committee called College Redevelopment Concerns was formed to find out more about the redevelopment and co-ordinate a response from local residents.
Any one interested or wanting more information can access our website on
http://collegeredevelopmentconcerns.blogspot.com/ or telephone 07964721475
College Re-development Concerns Committee
Norwich City College have recently unveiled £215 million plans to raze its current buildings to the ground, including the landmark Norwich building (designed by Norwich City Architect L. G. Hannaford F.R.I.B.A.) and rebuild the entire Ipswich Road site. As a result of a public meeting which attracted more than 70 people concerned about the plans, a Committee called College Redevelopment Concerns was formed to find out more about the redevelopment and co-ordinate a response from local residents.
Any one interested or wanting more information can access our website on
http://collegeredevelopmentconcerns.blogspot.com/ or telephone 07964721475
College Re-development Concerns Committee
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