Netherwood Green homeless flats in Norwich under way

The garage blocks and an electricity substation in Netherwood Green, near County Hall in Lakenham are due to be completely cleared by March 2025 with 12 new flats being completed by November of the same year.

The new properties will be self-contained one-bed flats in a collection of two-storey buildings.

The homes will be used by people in a “vulnerable situation” and will be built by St Martins Housing Trust, which works to prevent homelessness in the city.

The two-storey blocks will house a total of 12 flats when completed (Image: Norwich City Council)

However, the scheme proved contentious with people living nearby when they first emerged in 2023, who feared that it might bring anti-social behaviour to the area.

Local Peter Bursey said at the time: "The majority of people are concerned.

"Similar housing was put in Lakenfields, near here, and it brought nothing but trouble.

"People living in the area still believe that St Martins are putting the wrong people in the wrong area."

Several garages will be demolished imminently (Image: Norwich City Council) Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive officer of St Martins, said: "It’s not until our projects are operational that local people can see how hard we work to be the best neighbour we can be and what a difference our projects make to lives in the city."

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Concerns were also raised to City Hall over the design of the buildings, with neighbours concerned that their homes would be overlooked.

One objection submitted to the authority said: "The structure overlooks our home causing a loss of privacy - with views from windows into the living spaces of our property - inside and out.

Dr Jan Sheldon is CEO of St Martins Housing Trust (Image: St Martins)

"Also the garages are our garden walls, so losing them will lose our back garden walls.”

Revised plans will see roof lights fitted into the properties to help with privacy.

Norwich City Councillors unanimously approved the application.