Rackheath Eco-town

[10] The proposal to develop the Rackheath site as an eco-community was presented by Building Partnerships, who represent the land owners, and Barratt Homes.

However it seems that these plans are, as at Feb 2021, now in doubt as two of the original consortium partners have withdrawn due to the delay caused by the successful high court challenge preventing over development on the Norfolk Broads https://www.richardbuxton.co.uk/transcripts/heard-v-broadland-district-council.

[14] The site is also within a mile of The Broads National Park,[3] where many forms of wildlife can be found, including the Norfolk hawker dragonfly, the swallowtail butterfly.

[16] A new rail station is proposed for the development, on the Bittern Line[17] with an aim of offering a 15-minute service to central Norwich during peak times.

Someone told the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG): “Why don’t you propose greenfield sites in the middle of nowhere and call them eco-towns.

It will be a great way of beating the system and getting over regional planning guidance”.’[23] Another said, "We know this area is designated for housing and would urge all concerned to ensure that the development is low carbon and acts as an exemplar."

[24] Many campaigners and local residents have simply replied stating that they live in this area because of the peace, tranquillity and rural setting and building a development, however energy efficient, will decrease their quality of life.

The campaigners also say that building a large housing estate on a greenfields site, even if it is energy efficient, will harm the environment more than if it was left as farmland.

The Town and Country Planning Association has come under scrutiny, after it lobbied strongly for the eco-towns and also happens to include in its subscribed membership, many of the developers who are bidding for the scheme.

The transport page of the official Rackheath eco-town website highlights the new railway station, the proposed cycle routes and the bus gates and other initiatives to reduce car dependency.

The official website created by the sponsors of the project makes no mention of the Norwich Northern Distributor Road by name on their site.

[34] By contrast, Sandra Eastaugh, manager of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP) said they were delighted with the decision and would bid for a share of the £60m local infrastructure fund to support the construction of the Norwich Northern Distributor Road which she said had an important part to play in improving the local public transport network and reducing dependence on private cars.

The only reference to it on the main website is in the employment section where it mentions that improved bus links will be provided to the expanding industrial area at the airport[35] The current rail service does not allow room for an extra station to be added to the line, due to the length of single track along the line and the current signalling network.