Norwich Florida shoe factory housing development approved

An objector living along Romany Road in Norwich said they could seek a judicial review of the 48-home scheme in Dibden Road, Norwich.

Developer Flagship's plans to build affordable homes at the site of the former Florida shoe factory were approved unanimously by Norwich City Council this week.

Romany Road, Norwich (Image: Google)

But before the decision, neighbours expressed concerns that the council had not properly assessed the effect it will have on their homes along Romany Road.

Jenny Knight, a Green councillor, read out a statement on behalf of frustrated locals during the planning meeting, who said they were "fobbed off" by planning officers.

She said: "Residents are concerned the impact of development on our properties has not been properly assessed.

"Where is the concern for privacy here? This is at the expense of existing residents."

The residents suggested there could be grounds for a judicial review due to the perceived lack of assessment undertaken.

However, officers insisted they did study the overlooking and shadowing issues, finding the new building will not have a "significant" effect on people living along Rosary Road.

Speaking for Flagship, Kai Gibbons added that the development will provide "much-needed housing" which will "echo" design elements of the former shoe factory.

Ultimately, the scheme was approved unanimously.

Flagship aims to construct 48 affordable homes at the site, which are predominantly going to be single-bed homes.

The site in Dibden Road was once the location of the Florida and Van-Dal shoe factory, which was destroyed in a fire earlier this year.