Development to be ‘Norwich’s first green-built office’

Plans for an office development that would be powered by renewable energy have been submitted to the Broadland District Council in Norfolk.

The development, which would provide 20 offices for small businesses and bills itself as the first purpose-built green offices in the area, would use technology such as wind turbines and solar cells to minimise its environmental impact.

According to developer Building Partnerships, the aquifer the site sits on top could be used for ground source heat pumps to heat and cool the buildings and reduce their energy expenditure.

The plans also show waste management and recycling areas and a footpath to the train, which developer hopes would be used for transport.

However, some nearby residents have concerns that companies are using the "green bandwagon" to get permission "steam-rolled through". Stephen Heard told the Norwich Evening News: "It’s one development in a wrong place and it’s inappropriate for a village like Salhouse and it’s not as green as it’s portraying to be and we are concerned people are using the so-called green bandwagon to get developments through."