Specialist land promoter Landform Estates has sold its 42-acre (17 ha) Norwich site to Orbit Homes, with consent to build more than 280 new homes and new community facilities.
The new site, Green Lane Orchard, is to the east of the cathedral city between the new Northern Distributor Road and the Broadland Business Park, adjacent to Postwick Hub.
It is located within the North East Growth Triangle, one of the fastest growth areas of the city. The district is due to deliver 7,000 new homes by 2026 and Orbit’s project will be one of the first housing developments to be delivered.
Orbit Homes plan to build 272 new homes on the site as well as offering nine self-build plots for sale. The scheme will consist of a mixed tenure development, offering opportunities for people to purchase a new home, either through open market sale or shared ownership, as well as homes for social rent.
Nearly half the site area is being set aside by Orbit Homes for extensive open spaces and landscaping, including a tree lined corridor providing pedestrian and cycle links to the city. The scheme will also include the restoration of one of the original apple orchards, which dates to the early 20th century market garden and nurseries, which used to be based on the site.
Orbit Homes will be building a range of homes from two to five bedrooms, appealing to all parts of the market from first-time properties to large family homes. Planning consent on the site includes 5 acres (2ha) of land for a two-form entry new primary school, if taken up by the County Council, as well as other community facilities.
Green Lane Orchard is in a prime position in terms of access to the city. It is well connected to the new relief road and the A47 and the mainline station is a short drive away to the west, thus providing buyers easy access to the facilities of Norwich.
Landform’s managing director, Erik Pagano, said: “We are delighted that Orbit has purchased this site which will deliver much-needed high-quality and affordable homes close to the city. The site is the perfect position for such a mixed residential development and will, I am sure, be attractive not only to families but also first-time buyers.”
Andrew Doylend, regional managing director (East) at Orbit Homes, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring much needed new homes to the area, as well as wider support for local residents through the creation of a thriving community. We will be building a range of new homes for customers, whether they are looking to take their first steps on the property ladder or moving to a new family home.
“We aim to create all our communities with sustainability front of mind and to make a positive impact in the communities where we operate, with direct investment into local community projects to support the area’s long-term ambitions.”
This is the second project that Landform and Orbit have worked on together. Two years ago, Orbit acquired from Landform the 95-acre Mickle Well Park site near Daventry, Northamptonshire, on which it is building 450 new homes and a new school.