Vision for East of England unveiled

The Government launches a new blueprint for the future of the East of England today, pledging more homes and more jobs as part of a massive investment programme.

The 20-year “vision” was unveiled by communities minister Parmjit Dhanda.

It confirms Norwich and Thetford as so-called “growth points” in the region, meaning millions will be poured into the infrastructure of the area.

King's Lynn is also - for the first time - revealed as a “growth point”.

The overall plan envisages 508,000 new homes in the eastern region by 2021, and 452,000 extra jobs.

Almost £150m will be invested in the next three years including £12m in Norwich and £6m in Thetford.

Other key development areas are planned as Cambridge, Peterborough, Stevenage and Watford.

“The East of England needs a long term vision for delivering much needed sustainable growth that tackles climate change, address its housing shortages and strengthens the region's economy,” said the minister.

“Beyond the short term squeeze of the credit crunch, our population is still ageing and more people chose to live alone, meaning new households are growing faster than new homes.

“If more homes are not built now, the housing ladder will get even further out of reach leaving the next generation with nowhere to live.”

The 508,000 houses envisaged in the plan is an increase on the 478,000 planned in earlier forecasts to reach revised housing need projections. Job growth targets are also increased from 440,000 to 452,000.

Development is planned to focus on brownfield sites and four possible new eco-towns are being shortlisted for consideration.

The plan identifies water management as a major issue and pledges funds for sewage work and river quality investment.

It also sets targets for the first time for waste recycling and pledges to eliminate landfill of untreated waste by 2021.

The full plan can be viewed at www.goeast.gov.uk

Courtesy of EDP

12 May 2008