Planning Approval for PBSA Norwich
Secured at Committee: Orford House, Norwich
13 February 2026
We are delighted to share that planning approval has been granted at committee for our mixed-use 377-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation proposals at Orford House, Norwich.
Granted approval just yesterday by the Local Planning Authority, the scheme is the result of an extensive and collaborative design process led by Benchmark Architects, working closely with the Council’s planning and conservation teams to arrive at a carefully considered solution for this highly sensitive city centre site.
Located at the heart of Norwich’s conservation area, the site formerly occupied by Debenhams sits amongst some of the city’s most significant heritage assets, including Norwich Castle and a collection of high-quality historic buildings.
The design approach focuses on a sensitive response to this context; repairing and enhancing the streetscape while introducing a contemporary high-quality building that is influenced by Norwich’s architectural character, scale and materials.
The approved proposal delivers:
• 377 purpose-built student bedrooms
• 980 sqm of dedicated internal amenity space
• 1,478 sqm retail/leisure/commercial space
• New active street frontage at ground floor level
We are delighted to have worked with Orford House Developments and Lanpro Planning Services to secure this positive student development outcome.