Pressure has been put on the developers of a large estate on the edge of Norwich to release recreational spaces to those living in the immediate area.

Sprowston Town Council is urging the developers of the White House Farm land to give the open spaces and play areas a greater priority and make them accessible to the people of Sprowston as quickly as possible. 

The site off Salhouse Road - built by a consortium of developers formed of Hopkins Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes as part of the Greater Norwich Development Plan - will be comprised of 1,233 houses, with 150 homes being built every year since 2014.

Norwich Evening News:

The current phase is due for completion by August 2023.

Bill Couzens, chairman of Sprowston Town Council, explained how the likes of parks and playing fields are still yet to be levelled and made safe, and that there's a delay to a skate park due to be installed.

"We need amenities that will draw kids from the estate to the facilities, rather than them playing in places they're not supposed to be - like parts of the building site that are not yet finished," he explained.

Norwich Evening News:

"But the community bits haven't come to fruition.

"This is just typical of developers. But while they've got the heavy plant equipment there from building the houses, what they should be doing is sorting the parks at the same time.

"They do need to get this moving as we want these elements up and running by next year."

Martin Booth, who represents the Sprowston North East ward where the development is, added: "The developers have been dragging their feet.

Norwich Evening News:

"There's a lot to get sorted and there's no urgency to provide the people of Sprowston with what they were promised and what they need."

Speaking on behalf of the consortium of developers, a spokeswoman from Persimmon said: "As lead Consortium developer, Persimmon Homes have been working closely with the town council to establish their needs.

"The Consortium comprising of Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Hopkins Homes remain committed to delivering the requested play facilities upon resolution of the planning requirements."

Mr Booth is asking those living in Sprowston with concerns about the development to voice them directly with him.