New Greater Norwich homes should only be built near to public transport, petition says

A petition calling for housing to only be built where it is easily accessible by foot or by public transport is to be launched today.

Simeon Jackson, Green city councillor. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2015

Council leaders are trying to find space for 7,200 new homes in the Greater Norwich area - Norwich, Broadland and South Norfolk, between now and 2036 and are consulting on where they could go.

Green Party councillor Simeon Jackson fears some options in the consultation would lead to rural areas being targeted for development, as well as a greater reliance on the car.

He is launching a petition asking leaders to 'only allocate new housing where services can be reached on foot or by frequent public transport'.

Mr Jackson, who represents Norwich's Mancroft ward said: 'It is very concerning that the consultation on the local plan includes options that would actually increase dependence on cars even further.

'That's why we are calling for any large new allocations of land for housing to be made only where shops, schools and employment areas can be reached on foot or by frequent public transport.'