Vital infrastructure including a new surgery and school will be built before hundreds of new homes are finished near the NDR, a developer has promised.

Scott Properties, based in Colchester, applied in late 2021 to Broadland District Council for outline planning permission for 1,530 new homes on the edge of Thorpe Marriott, off Fir Covert Road and Reepham Road near Taverham Nursery Centre.

Norwich Evening News: How Marriott's Park could look if built on the edge of Taverham. Picture: Brown & CoHow Marriott's Park could look if built on the edge of Taverham. Picture: Brown & Co (Image: Brown & Co)

But councillors are yet to decide on the plans for the large 78-hectare Breck Farm development - which would be called Marriott's Way - after delays were brought in by Natural England's nutrient neutrality ruling.

The government adviser told Norfolk councils last year they must not grant permission for any projects involving overnight accommodation until developers can prove plans would not lead to more nutrients flowing into waterways.

Martin Scott, Scott Properties managing director, said: "It is harsh when the issue is put on the door of the developers but the real issue is overall water treatment."

He added the business was working hard with councillors to come up with a solution and hoped a decision could be made on the outline plans by Broadland's planning committee by August.

Norwich Evening News: The land at the NDR end of Fir Covert Road at Taverham, ear-marked for the Mariott's Park development of nearly 1600 homes. Picture: Denise BradleyThe land at the NDR end of Fir Covert Road at Taverham, ear-marked for the Mariott's Park development of nearly 1600 homes. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

If approved, it would include two roundabouts, an assisted living site for older people including 90 flats and 35 bungalows, a primary school, GP surgery and community hub.

Around 33pc of the homes would be affordable.

Norwich Evening News: The new Lidl in Fir Covert Road, Taverham. Picture: Denise BradleyThe new Lidl in Fir Covert Road, Taverham. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Scott, whose firm was behind the Lidl development in Fir Covert Road, added he understood the importance of getting infrastructure in early and listening to what people wanted.

If approved this summer, building could start in spring 2024 and could run for eight years.

Norwich Evening News: Kenneth Kelly, Conservative councillor for Taverham South ward on Broadland District Council. Picture: Kenneth KellyKenneth Kelly, Conservative councillor for Taverham South ward on Broadland District Council. Picture: Kenneth Kelly (Image: Kenneth Kelly)

Kenneth Kelly, Conservative district councillor for Taverham South, said: "People want it to happen. We didn't want it to happen without having amenities in place. It is going to be a nice development.

"Nutrient neutrality is stopping buildings getting done."