The plans indicate a total of 141 new dwellings on the 7.5-hectare site, as well as a new sports hall for the high school and improvements to Broomhill Lane.
 
The site will comprise a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, together with public green space, associated infrastructure and an extension to the existing cemetery on Whitwell Road.
 
The development proposal includes 28 “affordable” homes – somewhat lower than Broadland District Council’s target of 30% affordable homes out of all housing completions.
 
Vehicle access will be via Broomhill Lane only and there will be provision for visitor parking.
 
Lovell is proposing a mix of three main styles of building defined as “parkland edge”, “tertiary street” and “urban”. The company said it uses sustainable products “wherever possible” in building homes.
 
If approved, the housing development could add around 320 residents to the town’s existing population of just over 2,700 – an increase of almost 12%.
 
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about increased traffic on Whitwell Road and School Road and at Townsend Corner, especially at school times and peak periods, and the existing overcapacity at the schools and doctors’ surgery, as well as the water treatment works.
 
The Broomhill Lane site was allocated for residential development of 120 homes in 2016 under Broadland District Council’s adopted development plan (policy REP1).
 
Speaking at a public exhibition held in Reepham Town Hall last week, Jason Barrett-Brown, development co-ordinator for property developer Lovell Homes, said the increase in the number of homes (+21) on the site was needed to fund building the sports facility, which is now proposed on land south of the sixth form college on part of the existing playing fields.
 
The multi-use sports hall, which could also be available for use by residents and other public visitors, will include four badminton courts, a reception area, changing and shower facilities, and amenity areas. Access to the sports hall will be via the existing school car park and parking facilities.
 
A planning application is expected to be made within the next few months. If approved, preparations could start as early as this summer, initially with the upgrading of Broomhill Lane, said Mr Barrett-Brown.
 
He added that preparatory building work could begin in September/October, with the completion of up to 50 properties a year, which equates to a three-year build programme.
 
See our earlier stories:

• Public exhibition for Broomhill Lane development
• Planning inspector gives green light for Broomhill Lane housing