People will be given their say over plans for 12 gypsy and traveller sites across Norwich and the surrounding area. 

Ten favoured sites as well as two backup areas have been put forward for the greater Norwich area, which will now go out to consultation. 

But while agreeing to send the plans out to the public, City Hall leader Alan Waters criticised his South Norfolk counterpart for removing a backup site at Costessey from consideration.  

The sites that go out to consultation are meant to be agreed by the three councils involved in the Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) – Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk. 

At least 53 travellers' pitches are needed as part of the GNLP - a blueprint for housing development in the city and its outskirts over the next 15 years. 

Eastern Daily Press: John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk CouncilJohn Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council (Image: © Rose Sapey)

Last week, South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller decided to remove the Bawburgh Lane, Costessey site - which could have space for 18 families - from consideration without discussing it with the other authorities involved.  

Speaking at Norwich City Council’s cabinet meeting on Monday, Mr Waters led criticism of the decision. 

Eastern Daily Press: Alan Waters, leader of the Labour group at Norwich City Council. Pic: Jeff Taylor.

He said: “I felt particularly exercised by the fact that South Norfolk came back for another bite at this when it should have been a concluded issue. I felt that broached a new line.

“We have to have a sound policy because we need to meet the needs of one of the most deprived communities in this country.

"It's right that everyone, however they chose to live their lives, has access to the services and support they need.”

Executive council director Graham Nelson said he “did not fully understand” removing the site now rather than waiting to hear the public’s views first.

The proposed sites are:

  • Buxton Road, Cawston – four pitches  
  • Wymondham Recycling Centre, Strayground Lane – two pitches  
  • Hockering Lane, Bawburgh – six pitches  
  • A47 North Burlingham Junction – 15 pitches  
  • Land north of Shortthorn Road, Stratton Strawless – four pitches  
  • Romany Meadow, The Turnpike, Carleton Rode – six pitches   
  • Old Produce Should, Holt Road, Horsford – six pitches  
  • The Oaks, south-east of Letter Box Cottage, Reepham Road, Foulsham – 10 pitches  
  • Land off Strayground Lane, Wymondham – 10  
  • Upgate Street, Carleton Rode – four pitches 

Public consultation for the sites is expected to take place between January 30 and March 13.