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Heritage Consultancy
New Dwelling in Norwich City Centre Conservation Area
Project Summary
HCUK Group provided heritage consultancy for a new dwelling at The Wilderness, Carrow Hill, Norwich. As part of our role, we prepared a Heritage Impact Assessment to support the full planning application.
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The sensitive site lies within Norwich City Centre Conservation Area, in the grounds of a Grade II listed building and close to Norwich’s historic city wall. Full planning permission was granted in November 2024.
Project Overview
Project: New dwelling at The Wilderness, Carrow Hill
Location: Norwich​
Client: IIex Homes
Architect: PiP Architecture
Planning Consultant: Waller Planning
HCUK services: Heritage consultancy and Heritage Impact Assessment
Outcome: Full planning permission granted in November 2024
The Heritage Context
The proposals involved the construction of a new dwelling on a constrained, sloping site adjoining an area known as The Wilderness.
The site’s sensitive heritage setting required careful consideration of:
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the character and appearance of Norwich City Centre Conservation Area
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the setting and significance of Carrow Hill House, a Grade II listed building
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the nearby section of Norwich’s historic city wall, which is a scheduled monument
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the site’s topography, mature landscape and relationship with the adjoining woodland
The Challenge
Designing a contemporary home within such a sensitive historic environment required a careful balance between creating a high-quality new dwelling and avoiding unacceptable harm to the significance of the surrounding heritage assets.
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The proposals needed to respond positively to the setting of the Grade II listed building, preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and respect the relationship with the historic city wall, while making effective use of the site's changing levels and natural landscape.
HCUK’s Approach
Our role was to provide heritage planning advice throughout the design and planning process, working closely with the architect and planning consultant as the proposals evolved.
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We assessed the significance of the surrounding heritage assets, considered the potential effects of the proposed development and prepared a Heritage Impact Assessment to support the planning application.
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Regular dialogue with Norwich City Council's planning and conservation officers helped the project team address heritage considerations as the scheme progressed.
The Design Response
The approved design adopts a split-level form that responds to the site's natural topography while integrating sensitively within its surroundings.
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The scale, massing and material palette were informed by the character of the surrounding buildings and woodland, helping the new dwelling sit comfortably within its heritage setting helping the new dwelling sit comfortably within its heritage setting and respond appropriately to nearby designated assets.
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This considered design response allowed the development to introduce a contemporary addition while contributing positively to the architectural character of Norwich city centre.
Planning Outcome
Full planning permission was granted in November 2024.
The supporting heritage work showed how the proposals responded to the site’s historic context and helped provide a clear basis for considering the scheme within Norwich City Centre Conservation Area.
HCUK’s Experience in Norwich
HCUK Group has supported a range of significant projects across Norwich city centre, including schemes at Westlegate Tower, St Stephen’s Towers, Westwick Street, Deal Ground, Trowse Depot, King Street and several riverside locations.
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This local experience gives our team an informed understanding of the city’s historic environment and the heritage considerations that can influence successful planning applications.
Related Heritage Services
Planning a development within a conservation area or close to a listed building?
Explore our heritage consultancy services, including Heritage Impact Assessments and advice for development affecting listed buildings and conservation areas.
Discuss Your Heritage Project
Speak to HCUK Group about heritage planning advice for listed buildings, conservation areas and other sensitive historic sites.
