Joint Core Strategy Public consultation Reg25

4. Spatial portrait

4.1 People and communities

• There are very extensive levels of multiple deprivation in Norwich (2nd most deprived in the region/62nd nationally) and significant pockets of rural deprivation.

• With the notable exception of rural deprivation, generally, Broadland and South Norfolk are relatively affluent.

• There is a generally good level of health, well-being and community safety across the area as a whole. The city has more limiting long-term illness, and also high crime levels associated with the regionally-important concentration of evening and night time attractions (like clubs and bars).

• Relatively large Gypsy and Traveller communities in the area.

• Relatively higher proportion of people with no qualifications across the area, with Norwich having lowest district proportion of school leavers with grades A*-C GSCEs.

4.2 Natural environment, landscape and biodiversity

• The Norwich area has a strong track record in planning and delivering projects that champion environmental sustainability

• The Broads extend from the eastern edge of greater Norwich along the River Wensum into the heart of the city. Whitlingham Country Park is on the eastern edge of Norwich. The river is an attractive natural feature with significant brownfield regeneration along both of its banks in Norwich and further major schemes planned. Riverside regeneration offers an opportunity to complete a connected riverside walk from the river's gateway to the Broads into the city centre.

• The area's landscape is very diverse, including heathland, ancient grassland, wetland, farmland, marshland, and reedbeds that all provide the habitats for a wide variety of birds, animal and plant life.

• Defined landscape character areas converge on Norwich: a level of complexity unique within the East of England region. These are:

• the fens and marshes of the Broads;

• In the west and north of the area - rolling landscapes of varied geology including woodland, heath and former parkland estates;

• an extensive open clay plateau incised by rivers in the south; and

• a more intimate landscape of small fields and hedgerows in the east.

• There are internationally important wildlife sites across the area: Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Ramsar sites and nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and local wildlife sites across the area.

4.3 Heritage and built environment

• Outstanding heritage resource in Norwich as a 'contemporary medieval city'

• Distinctive and characteristic historic buildings, towns and villages in Broadland and South Norfolk (including historic landmark buildings such as Wymondham Abbey and Blickling Hall).

• Flooding is a key risk for parts of the area, especially parts of central Norwich, and areas close to the Broads and major rivers. The impact of climate change makes lower-lying areas even more vulnerable to flooding.

4.4 Key external linkages

International :

Principal local connections are via Norwich International Airport, Eastport (Great Yarmouth) and Haven Gateway (Felixstowe and Harwich)

National/Regional: