The building of the first of 1,000 homes on the edge of Norwich is about to move a huge step nearer, with a key decision set to kick-start one of the most long-awaited developments in the city.

City councillors will meet next week to agree a concept plan for the scheme at the Three Score site in Bowthorpe, the last remaining piece of land not yet developed under a blueprint forged for the area in the 1970s.

As well as approving consultation on the possible mix of homes at the first part of the 79-acre site to be developed, the Labour-controlled cabinet at Norwich City Council will also consider whether to create a community trust to look after the green space and community facilities at the site.

The Three Score site is the last remaining piece of land in Bowthorpe not yet developed under a plan forged for the area in the 1970s.

As well as the 1,000 homes and community facilities, the site will also include a care home. Outline planning permission was secured in June last year and work has started on site for the £19m, 172 unit, housing with care and dementia care scheme being provided by Norsecare.

But the next step will be the building of the homes themselves, with council officers unveiling concept plans for the first 176 homes, which the city council will build at a cost of £13.2m.

The council says their analysis is that there is a strong demand for flats and also a need for larger homes, so the proposals are for: 26 one-bedroom flats; 16 two-bedroom flats; 60 two-bedroom houses; 47 three-bedroom houses; 21 four-bedroom houses and six five-bedroom houses.

The concept designs see the homes designed along a network of streets, with green corridors and open space. Some of the homes have private gardens, with parking on street.

The homes would be a mix of private homes for sale and rent, plus social housing.

Brenda Arthur, leader of Norwich City Council, said: 'These plans coming to cabinet is an exciting moment in the development at Three Score.

'The aim has always been to create a robust and sustainable means of delivering and funding homes for Norwich well into the future.

'At the meeting committee members will consider the report and its recommendations in the context of optimising benefits for the city.'

The cabinet will be asked to approve the concept plans so they can form part of public consultation, with letters to be sent to about 250 properties nearby.

Following responses, a planning application is due to be submitted in January next year.

The cabinet will also be asked to consider whether a community trust could be created to manage the open spaces and other communal facilities on the entire site.

The report states: 'The way this might operate in practice would be for the council to gift property to the trust. This could involved a house which is available for private rent. The rental income would therefore be used to pay for the ongoing maintenance of the public open space and other facilities.'

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