Here we have some of the interesting insights into the overarching guidance of planning of Norwich City in the latter half of the 1940’s and into the 1950’s and was in its Terms of Reference “To prepare a development plan for the City and County Borough of Norwich…”. This plan was the culmination of works started in the 1920’s and in development in different forms until the writing of the overarching plan in for publication in 1945.
The 1945 city plan was written by C.H. James A.R.A. F.R.I.B.A. and S. Rowland Pierce F.R.I.B.A who noted in Norwich City Hall Opening Souvenir were the persons responsible for the Design of City Hall of Norwich in the Halls Austere Classic style, reinterpreted by the then contemporary Art Deco’s movement. Throughout the city plan, style and form are quite flowing and such can be seen in the projected views of Orford Place with the Classic Italian fountains, with the building framing different view/vistas of Norwich such as the view over the fountains up Rampant Horse Street to the St. Stephens Church. However, the design of the plan is made with much thought on the practical use of the land, such as the number of schools required, the movement of people and vehicles though the city and even the supply of gas, electricity, and water to Norwich and surrounding areas.
The book itself was bounded by Jarrold and sons Ltd (which is still a large Norwich Institution), printed at The Empire Press, on paper produced in Penicuik, Midlothian by Cowan and Sons Ltd (a leading Scottish papermaking firm operating independently from 1779 to 1965). Showing an interesting mix of local and national operation brought into the physical formation of the plan document.
This plan for the City of Norwich is very in-depth and has many other interesting facts. For example, the plan writers note that on the national level for every dwelling built by a municipality 3no. have been built by private firms, while in Norwich 7,603 dwelling were built by the municipality while private firms built only 3,340, a ratio of 2:1. A point which raises an interesting point for discussion on how past planning systems have worked or have not worked.
Click the images to enlarge.
Blog by Karl Hanson, Senior Archaeologist at Parker Planning Services.
Our Archaeology Services: Archaeology Consultancy & Project Management (parkerplanningservices.co.uk)
