The sighting of a protected species could have ramifications in a nearly two-decade development saga on the outskirts of the city.

Now locals and campaigners have called for a council to investigate after an otter was spotted next to the proposed Pinebanks development earlier this week.

The site based in Thorpe St Andrew has had a tumultuous history since being sold by Aviva in 2009.

And with the recent sighting there could be another twist in the proposed 550-home development.

The otter was spotted on Duncan's garden CCTV earlier this weekThe otter was spotted on Duncan's garden CCTV earlier this week (Image: Duncan Sears)

"IT'S ALWAYS CONCERNED ME"

Duncan Sears, who lives at the end of White Farm Lane next to Pinebanks, spotted the otter after checking CCTV at his home.

He said: "Certainly during the last few years me and my wife have noticed a huge increase in wildlife, like muntjac.

"Then recently I spotted an otter on my garden camera, which is an endangered species when it comes to developments.

"I've been informed by an ecologist that it's likely that there will be a maternal holt - nest - in the woodland between us and the river, as they make nests up to 1km away from water.

"Things like this have always concerned me about the development.

"I wonder if others are in, or near, the development. Then it has to be investigated and reduced in size in or even stopped if necessary."

Duncan Sears, who lives at the end of White Farm Lane, next to the Pinebanks siteDuncan Sears, who lives at the end of White Farm Lane, next to the Pinebanks site (Image: Duncan Sears)

Duncan also said he's seen an increase in muntjacs in the areaDuncan also said he's seen an increase in muntjacs in the area (Image: Duncan Sears)

"THIS COULD ADD ANOTHER TWIST"

Thorpe St Andrew county councillor and Pinebanks campaigner, Ian Mackie, added: "We've always known that the Pinebanks site contains a wealth of biodiversity and the discovery of this protected native species is an incredible find. 

"It makes the reduction of the environmental impact on this site even more important while planning is being considered.

"A great deal of the site will be maintained as green space thanks to our community campaign, but this discovery could add another twist to proceedings.

"The developers will need to follow the guidance and it could lead to changes to the site, hopefully back to the original smaller property numbers originally proposed."

County councillor Ian Mackie said the discovery could add another twist to proceedingsCounty councillor Ian Mackie said the discovery could add another twist to proceedings (Image: Ian Mackie)

Government guidelines says otters are designated and protected as European protected species (EPS)Government guidelines says otters are designated and protected as European Protected Species (Image: Duncan Sears)

A South Norfolk and Broadland District Council spokesman said: "Any information on European Protected Species at the site, including otters, will be taken into account.

"We will review any additional information provided to it as part of the planning application process before determining any necessary updated work or action."

GOVERNMENT PROTECTION GUIDLINES

On the government website it says otters are designated and protected as European protected species.

This makes it an offence to:

  • Deliberately kill, injure, disturb or capture them

  • Damage or destroy their breeding sites and resting places - even if otters are not present

  • Possess, control or transport them - alive or dead

  • Disturb otters while they occupy a structure or place used for shelter or protection

  • Obstruct access to a place of shelter or protection

It adds that a survey is needed if there are any records which suggest otters may be present at a site, if development will affect a water body or marshland, or if the development will affect habitats directly or through environmental effects such as noise or light.

A CONTENTIOUS 16-YEAR SAGA

The site of the former Norwich Union Sports and Social Club was sold by Aviva in 2009 after the club's closure a year earlier.

Plans to redevelop the disused site - consisting of Pinebanks, Langley North, Langley South and Griffin Lane - were put forward in 2013 for 725 homes.

However, following protests against the development revised plans were submitted at the end of 2022 reducing the proposed number of homes to 555.

Now the plans include a project to provide a "long-term sustainable future" for the eight hectares of ancient woodland and Ice Age pit, and a further reduction of homes to 550.

The development site consisting of Pinebanks, Langley North, Langley South and Griffin LaneThe development site consisting of Pinebanks, Langley North, Langley South and Griffin Lane (Image: Pinebanks proposals)