As of late February 2026, a specific full planning application number for the final market revamp has not yet been issued, as the project is still in the design development stage following the January consultation. A formal planning decision is currently forecast for Autumn 2026. 

However, the investigatory digging I witnessed is a key piece of evidence that the council is moving toward a formal application. 

Below is my email to Councillors Overton, Overton-Neal, and Thomson, requested to assist me in my unfortunate unavailability for the meeting.   I have also cc'd Councillor Carli Harper who is leading the project.

Dear Councillors Overton, Overton-Neal, and Thomson,

At the time of writing, lead petitioner Mrs Anna Wright has yet to receive a reply from the email she sent to Councillor Carli Harper on 21st February 2026.

I am writing to you as one of your constituents to request your assistance and ask if it might be possible for you to represent me at the upcoming Norwich City Council meeting in the Mancroft Rooms at 17:30 on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

I have been a Trowse resident for over 25 years, and a regular user of the bile park in St Peters street for well in excess of 20 years, having originally moved from the Norwich NR2 area. While I appreciate that this is very short notice in political terms, I would be deeply grateful if you could attend as a substitute speaker on my behalf. As a live-in carer, I am physically unable to attend in person. Having your support to ensure my perspective is heard on the floor of the meeting would be of immense value.

I will be submitting the following questions in writing myself to Democratic Services by the 6th March deadline as required, but I am requesting your presence to ensure these points are championed effectively:

My petition, "Stop Norwich motorbike park changes," has now gathered serious objections from over 1,000 people and continues to grow daily, having only been a live petition for two weeks. On behalf of these residents, I would be truly appreciative if you could help raise these concerns:

Communication: Why was the established method of using laminated flyers on barriers not used to inform users about the permanent relocation or the council survey?

Planning Transparency: The Council's survey recorded only 56 people out of 691 as opposed. My petition now shows 1,051 people vehemently against the plan. Will a full, independent impact assessment be published before any works begin?

Trial Pits: Investigatory digging was noted on Saturday 21 February. Can the council confirm if this is for the planned covered seating area and if this indicates they have moved into the formal design stage despite the planning decision not being due until Autumn 2026?

Heritage: Has a formal Heritage Impact Assessment been conducted as required by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 regarding this 90-year-old hub?

Given that over 1,000 citizens have voiced opposition and physical investigations have commenced, any further works before these assessments are public would be a serious bypass of democratic accountability. I request that the council stops all physical works immediately until a full assessment is available on the Norwich planning portal.

I understand your schedules are busy, but your willingness to help a constituent who is physically unable to participate in local democracy would be deeply appreciated. Please let me know if this is something you might be able to help me with.

Kind regards,
Mrs Anna Wright
Lead petitioner