A project that would have seen almost 2,000 new homes built on the edge of Norwich has been rejected by City Hall despite a last-ditch effort by developers to delay the decision. 

Norwich City Council has refused plans to redevelop former Colman's Mustard factory site Carrow Works, leaving the 40 acres of disused land with an uncertain future. 

Councillors dismissed an eleventh-hour call from developer Fuel Properties to defer a decision on its application, which had been in the pipeline for more than a year.

The collapse of the project is another major blow for the council, coming just weeks after a similar proposed development at Anglia Square was scrapped by its developers.

Concerns were raised about the lack of affordable homes within the 1,859 housing development at Carrow Works, along with insufficient detail about its impact on the surrounding environment and road networks. 

Councillor Judith Lubbock said: "There is so much wrong with this application and this has been a huge waste of time.

"Carrow Works was an important historical and economic site and I still hope that in the future it can be again. This outcome is hugely disappointing."

Norwich Evening News: The Carrow Works site in Norwich The Carrow Works site in Norwich (Image: Fuel Properties)READ MORE: City council slammed for dragging its heels on 'harmful' advertising

City Hall said there had been a breakdown in communications with Fuel Properties which had resulted in delays to the application, first submitted in 2022 but stuck in limbo for a year as more detail was sought. 

Councillor Mike Sands said: "The developers have put such little thought into these proposals. I don't believe they have the long-term resources to carry out this development. 

"There is no way that any sane person could approve this."

The development was part of the council's flagship East Norwich Masterplan, under which 3,000 homes and 4,000 jobs are planned to be created at Carrow and neighbouring sites in Trowse.

The largely vacant site was home to the Colman’s Mustard factory for more than 160 years and contains several listed structures, which the council was keen to preserve.