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'Green' Housing Plan For Rundown Area

Posted: 01/01/2006

The unveiling of an upmarket “green” housing scheme provides the first glimpse of a planned multi-million pound transformation of one of Norfolk's most rundown communities. Yarmouth Borough Council has agreed outline plans for a £6m development at Saul's Wharf, Cobholm, which will include 25 energy-efficient flats, shops, a creche and a restaurant.

The project is likely to be the precursor to a massive marina project set to regenerate a neighbouring 22-acre site - together the schemes will transform the whole rundown area between Haven Bridge and Breydon Bridge. The first scheme has been prepared by architects Feilden and Mawson on behalf of the East of England Development Agency, but marina developer Bob Curry hopes negotiations will allow him to include it in his bigger project. He is working towards submitting a full planning application likely to include a 150-berth marina with around 400 flats and houses, shops, bars and restaurants by the spring.

“It makes sense for the whole area to be developed in one project,” said Mr Curry, whose Essex-based company Landfast Anglia is already changing the face of Cobholm with a development of townhouses. Philip Bodie, a partner at Feilden and Mawson, said their flats were designed to produce low emissions and have low energy needs. The scheme would take its heating from the ground and collect rainwater for washing and flushing toilets.

Roof-mounted panels would convert light into electricity to meet the electrical needs of the building - in addition hot water would be produced from solar panels. As a result, the design had achieved an Excellent rating in an independent Ecohomes Environmental Assessment. “We believe in regeneration through urban renaissance and believe the Yarmouth waterfront areas to be a fantastic opportunity for such developments,” said Mr Bodie.

Barry Stone, the borough council's cabinet member for the economy, said: “This is good news for the people of Cobholm as it will lift property prices and improve amenities. It is an area ideal for some kind of regeneration. “It fits in with other plans we have for the area including a possible new iconic building next to Haven Bridge House on North Quay.”

The rundown North Quay, facing Cobholm, is likely to be among the first areas tackled by the new Yarmouth and Lowestoft Urban Regeneration Company.

Stephen Pullinger  
 

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