‘We’re going nowhere’

Wroxham Football Club’s ground has been resubmitted as a possible site for housing as part of the Greater Norwich plan.

The Trafford Park ground was first put forward for inclusion in 2016 when councils started identifying potential sites for new homes.

But it is unlikely that homes will ever be built there.

The site, which is almost eight hectares, has been put forward as having potential for up to 49 houses. But the listing is not a planning application, just a suggested option.

Wroxham FC chairman James Blower said any development affecting the ground would depend on the club finding a new home.

“If permission was granted, the only way the site could be developed would be for the club’s lease to be broken, and that could happen only if the club was relocated to a suitable alternative site,” he said.

Objections over access to the Skinners Lane site and the expense of building new access roads and relocating the club meant approval would be unlkely.

He said a new ground where all 20 teams could train and play on the one site would be good to have, but it was unlikely to happen.

“It’s not a very straightforward scenario,” he said. “We have an existing clubhouse, stands and facilities which we would need to have either relocated or replicated on an additional site.

“A lot of parties would need to agree
and be supportive for the club to be relocated.”

“Call for sites” entries allow landowners and promoters to suggest areas for possible future development. They do not grant planning permission or guarantee that a site will be allocated for homes.

Norwich City Council, Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council have to find sites which would provide almost 2,600 new homes a year between now and 2046.

Inclusion in the plan makes it more likely that future planning applications will be granted permission.

There are also potential sites in Coltishall, including in Station Road, Rectory Road and St John’s Close.