Controversial Anglia Square revamp to be called in for government inspection

An artist's impression of the proposed redevelopment of Anglia Square. Credit: Weston Homes
An image of the new plan for Anglia Square Credit: Weston Homes

The government's decided to have the final say on a controversial revamp of Norwich's Anglia Square.

The city's planning committee has backed the £270 million plans, despite concerns from Historic England over a 20 storey tower for the site.

Now the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is to re-examine the project.

Norwich City Council said it was disappointed by the news, which would delay the plans and put in jeopardy government funding for the project.

An independent inspector will now consider the application before advising the Secretary of State, who'll make the final decision.

Historic England strongly objects to the proposals for a 20 storey tower, even though developers made it shorter than planned, saying it would have a severe impact on views of some of Norwich's historic buildings, like the cathedrals, many Medieval churches, castle and City Hall.

It had warned it would ask the secretary of state to step in.