A rapidly growing business has submitted preliminary plans for a massive new employment centre north of the city which would cover more than 170,000 square feet.

Zatu Games, currently based in Bowthorpe, is applying for permission to build a warehouse, offices and units just off the NDR in Taverham. 

The business currently employs 65 staff but plans to increase this to 315 in the next five years make the proposed development necessary for its intended growth. 

The site, just off the NDR, covers around five hectaresThe site, just off the NDR, covers around five hectares (Image: South Norfolk Council) Aspects of the plans are subject to change but the 58,000sqft warehouse will house the company's fulfilment centre. 

A 25,000 square metre office will be located to the east of this and there will also be 38,000 square metres of units for start-up businesses.

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The development would have spaces for around 310 cars and is designed to "provide a modern and attractive local employment opportunity".

The development would comprise a warehouse, offices and business unitsThe development would comprise a warehouse, offices and business units (Image: South Norfolk Council) The site sits adjacent to, and immediately north of, an existing development of commercial buildings surrounding Taverham Garden Centre.

To the east there is a small row of residential properties, beyond which is Marriott's Park which is already earmarked for around 1,500 houses, a new primary school, medical and community centres and shops.

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There is a high-pressure gas pipeline crossing the far side of the site but National Grid has been consulted and has no objections at present.

An outline application has been submitted ahead of a full proposalAn outline application has been submitted ahead of a full proposal (Image: South Norfolk Council) However, Alex Grimmer from South Norfolk Council's environmental quality team has objected to the application because of an outdated noise impact assessment and confusion over whether heat pumps will be used for the buildings. 

He said this needs to be clarified before any consent can be given. 

Zatu is an online retailer, selling both board games and computer games to customers based in the UK and to more than 70 other countries including the USA, France and Germany.

The firm has been contacted for comment.

It has been called a modern and attractive local employment opportunityIt has been called a modern and attractive local employment opportunity (Image: South Norfolk Council)