Decision due on Norwich's May Gurney and Deal Ground plans

Serruys Property Company, based in Lenwade, received outline planning permission for up to 670 homes on the Deal Ground and May Gurney site in Trowse, from South Norfolk Council and Norwich City Council in 2013.

The empty May Gurney site in Trowse which could become a new housing plot as part of the East Norwich Masterplan. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The firm has until July 12 to lodge more detailed reserved matters plans to both councils.

And after years of the former industrial sites remaining empty, Serruys plans to put forward its final plans to both councils by early summer and hopes to start building work next year, a company spokesman said.

The four areas on the edge of Norwich which are part if the East Norwich Masterplan, including the Deal Ground and May Gurney area in red, where thousands of new homes are earmarked for development. (Image: Stolon Studio)

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As details plans are prepared, Serruys has unveiled its vision for the site through new designs, which will inform the reserved matters planning application that will be submitted to the councils.

As well as the homes, the site would include a public square, a riverside dining quarter, moorings, new habitat areas and a bridge over the River Yare to Whitlingham.

The potential for some buildings to be on stilts to combat flood risks has previously been raised but now the developer intends for land to be re-contoured.

Andre Serruys, director of Serruys Property Company (Image: Serruys Property Company)

Andre Serruys, director of the firm, said: "We know that the transformation of these two sites has been a long time coming but we’re determined to get the job done and kickstart the regeneration of east Norwich.

"We want to create a vibrant community that has a real sense of place. That’s why we’re making sustainability a top priority."

Lisa Neal, Conservative district councillor for Trowse (right), who said housing plans for the former May Gurney and Deal Ground site should be sympathetic to the local area. (Image: Newsquest)

The Deal Ground and May Gurney plots are a key part of the East Norwich Masterplan which would see approximately 4,000 homes built in four key areas, including Carrow Works and the Utilities site between Thorpe Hamlet and Whitlingham.

Lisa Neal, Conservative district councillor for Trowse, said of the designs: "It would be good to see that site tidied up but Serruys needs to be sympathetic to the surrounding area of Trowse and Whitlingham Country Park."