Shaun LowthorpeFar-reaching proposals to breathe new life in to the north of the city centre around Anglia Square moved a step forward today after getting the thumbs-up from the government's planning inspector.Shaun Lowthorpe

Far-reaching proposals to breathe new life in to the north of the city centre around Anglia Square moved a step forward today after getting the thumbs-up from the government's planning inspector.

Plans for the area include 200 homes, a new �3.3m one-way loop around St Augustines Street, more office jobs, better bus, walking and cycle links, and a flagship supermarket.

Now Norwich City Council is set to adopt proposals to regenerate the area after the inspector's report found them to be sound.

That means the council can begin the process of adopting the plan and using the policies when determining planning applications in the area.

Last week the Evening News revealed that developers were confident that a �100m scheme to redevelop Anglia Square could start this year as the recession eases - though they were pushing for a cut in the 200 homes earmarked for the area.

The area action plan, which looks ahead to 2016, sets out a strategy for the regeneration of the northern city centre, while work on the new St Augustine's one-way traffic system, started last month.

It is designed to attract investment and improve the economy, promote mixed-use regeneration, and create a distinctive identity based on culture, arts activities and heritage.

Brian Morrey, executive member for sustainable city development, said: 'I'm pleased to see this important document is one step closer to being adopted.

'It will shape the future of this area of the city for years to come and holds comprehensive plans for improving housing, jobs, transport and the economy as well as bringing out the character of this historic part of Norwich.'

The plan has been developed with contributions from interested parties including Norfolk County Council, which is providing the gyratory system. Residents, community representatives and businesses have helped to prepare it, and the council is currently working with them on delivering some of the planned projects.

The St Augustine's scheme will make St Augustine's Street one-way northbound with construction of a new link between Edward Street and Pitt Street providing a southbound route via Magpie Road for traffic heading towards the inner ring road and the city centre.

The work is set to last for 10 months and St Augustine's Street will be closed to traffic for around 15 weeks from June to mid-September.

Centenary Ashcroft, which is behind the �100m plan to revamp Anglia Square, said last week believes it can start work on the site this year, if Norwich City Council agrees to a revised scheme it has put forward.

Do you have a story about a redevelopment about to start in Norwich? Ring reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.