Stadium stand remodelling at Norwich City Football Club, Norwich

What was proposed

The application proposed remodelling the Regency Stand, adding entrances, exits, turnstiles, accessible access, kiosks and toilets.

“Purpose: To determine: Application no: 25/01070/F Site Address: Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1JE Decision due by: 23/01/2026 Proposal: Proposed remodelling of existing Regency Stand to provide updated Concourse areas with associated kiosks and sanitary facilities. Alterations to front elevation to provide new entrance and escape doors. Alterations to stadium bowl seating and Vomitory TL to provide new level access to stadium bowl.”

“The Proposal 6. The proposal is remodelling the existing Regency Stand with alterations to the front elevation to provide new turnstiles as entrance and exit points into the stadium. The existing bar ‘yellows’ will be removed and will become part of the internal concourse; there will be external changes in the form of new turnstiles listed from T24 to T30 on the plans proposed plans.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The stadium is near the city centre, train station, homes and a shopping complex, with the Regency Stand opposite flats.

“The site and surroundings 1. The site is a stadium primarily used for football matches, it is located southeast of the city centre. It is located in walking distance of the nearby train station and is in close proximity to residential dwellings as well as Riverside shopping complex. The stadium is a large structure with a large seating area surrounding the pitch, an internal concourse, and features facilities such as a bar, kiosks, and toilets.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the design acceptable, with no significant effects on amenity or transport, and benefits from improved disabled access.

“The following paragraphs provide an assessment of the main planning issues in this case against relevant policies and material considerations. Main Issue 1. Design 22. Key policies and NPPF Sections– GNLP2, DM3, NPPF Section 12. The overall design of the proposal is considered acceptable, the materials used match the existing materials of the site in colour and type of materials and retain the character of the site.”

“The site is known to cause traffic delays within the area due to its use; the proposal does not directly cause a significant change to this as there are no alterations to the roads outside of the site. The new entrances are being installed near other existing entrances and this area outside the stadium already sees frequent use from pedestrians. Other matters 30. Public safety was an issue cited by the neighbours’ objections.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Five representations raised concerns about safety, noise, traffic, trees, fan-zone disturbance, stand heritage and seating arrangements.

“There will be new metal roller shutters covering the proposed turnstiles, these will measure 2.6m tall and 2.7m wide and will be coloured grey to match the existing. The existing brickwork on the stadium’s wall as well as the metal cladding at the top of the stadium will remain. There are internal alterations shown on the plans with the aim to improve disabled seating, remodelling of the concourse, and install commercial kiosks and toilets.”

“Issues raised Response Noise See main issue 2: Amenity. Increase in traffic See main issue 4: Transport. Loss of trees There will be no removal of trees as part of this application. Fan zone- noise disturbance This is not part of the planning application. Heritage of the football stand- change in fan dynamics Any changes to fan arrangements does not form part of this planning application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector raised safety and equality concerns, while the agent said seating changes would follow further fan consultation and were outside the application.

What members discussed

Members focused on external alterations, disabled access, security shutters, and the distinction between the application and internal seating changes.

“The application was not seeking to move away fans and could benefit home fans. The proposal would create flexibility to respond to any changes from fan and stakeholder engagement, it would create further points of egress from the bowl to more evenly distribute people leaving the stadium. Any changes to seating arrangements were not part of the proposal.”

“Members considered that the proposed changes would make the stadium more accessible. It was noted that while not a matter for the Committee the comments by the agent on further consultation with fans and stakeholders were welcomed. The proposal was considered to improve access and egress of the stadium. It was proposed and seconded that the application be approved as detailed in the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members approved the application with 10 votes in favour and one against.

“Stutely) and one member voting against (Councillor Sands (S)), that application 25/01070/F – Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1JE was approved and planning permission was granted as detailed in the officer recommendation and subject to the following conditions: 1) Standard time limit; 2) In accordance with plans; 47.”

Minutes