Although Norwich City announced that the project had been put on hold, plans to modernise Carrow Road are back on the agenda. Planning approval leaves the club with the option to move forward, once again placing the stadium at the centre of a debate between development and supporters’ voices.

Carrow Road plans approved despite project being put on hold

The decision was taken despite earlier statements from Norwich City that the project had been suspended in response to strong opposition from supporters. The approved changes focus primarily on the River End stand at Carrow Road. The club’s original plan involved relocating around 3,000 season-ticket holders from the lower tier of the River End to make space for the away fans’ section. This, in turn, would have allowed an expansion of corporate areas in the South Stand and the creation of a new fan zone behind the Barclay Stand. It was this part of the proposal that sparked the fiercest reaction among supporters.

The River End changes were meant to be the first step in a four-phase redevelopment of Norwich City’s stadium. The long-term objective is a major overhaul of the City Stand — the oldest stand at Carrow Road — and an increase in capacity to around 35,000 seats. At present, the stadium holds just under 27,300 spectators, with sell-outs common and a waiting list for season tickets.

© Jarosław Więcek | Despite opposition from fans and previous club declarations, changes will be made at Carrow Road.

Fan opposition to the Carrow Road redevelopment

Norwich City supporters were firmly opposed to the relocation of long-standing season-ticket holders. Concerns went beyond losing familiar seats, touching on stadium atmosphere and safety issues. Particular controversy surrounded the idea of placing away fans close to family sections and areas designated for disabled supporters in the so-called Joma section. During matches at Carrow Road, banners and chants of We will not be moved became a regular feature, underlining the depth of feeling among fans.

Doubts were raised not only by supporters. A representative of Norfolk Constabulary responsible for planning expressed concerns over safety and crowd management, leading to lengthy discussions during the site visit. Councillors, however, stressed that when voting on the planning application they were legally required to consider only construction and urban planning issues — not supporter allocation within the stadium.

What planning approval means for Norwich City

The approval of the planning application gives Norwich City formal permission to carry out the structural changes, should the club decide to revive the project. Club officials insist, however, that further consultation with supporters would be required before any work begins.

Norwich City have also made it clear that no major construction is expected to take place before the start of the upcoming season, leaving the future of the Carrow Road redevelopment unresolved — approved on paper, but still highly sensitive off it.