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
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