Plans for an ambitious �100m scheme to build almost 700 homes and a marina on brownfield land on the outskirts of Norwich have been lodged with the city council.

The proposals submitted by Norfolk-based developer Serruys Property Company would finally see the development of 45 acres of land between Trowse and Whitlingham known as the Deal Ground site.

The plans include a public square and a new marina along the river Wensum, 682 homes, 25,000 sq ft of commercial space, and would also create new habitats for wildlife.

Two new road, pedestrian and cycle bridges over the rivers Wensum and Yare would connect the site with the city centre.

The scheme has been developed over two years by a specialist design team led by the planning consultants Lanpro Services and including the Dutch master planners Atelier Pro Architekten and London-based BACA Architects as specialist flood resilient designers.

The site is the biggest area of undeveloped land in the city and speculation has raged for years as to what the future could hold for the site.

As reported, it was snapped up by scrap metal entrepreneur Andre Serruys who wants to develop it, along with the existing May Gurney site in Trowse.

The master plan has been developed in consultation with the general public, planners from three councils in the area, politicians and wider community groups including boating and conservation organisations.

Robert Barker, director of Baca Architects, said: 'This is an exciting project that will catalyse the regeneration of east Norwich.

'It is an integrated solution to a complex brownfield site that incorporates renewable power, sustainable transport, and a water square.

'It adopts many of the principles of the international award winning Life (Long-term Initiatives for Flood-risk Environments) project and will be a national exemplar of development that 'works with water' and manages flood-risk and adapts to climate change.

'The development when built will be a showcase of 21st century planning and will inform the new National Policy Framework in respect of what is achievable in the UK in terms of flood resilient and sensitive ecological urban development.'

Do you know of a major new development being considered for Norwich? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.