Reference GNLP0316 - Objection to land allocation framework behind Bungay Road Poringland being included within planning framework.

I am stating my objection to land (4.9 ha) being offered for planning permission for residential development The land is currently in use for agricultural purposes and is designated as a meadow.
Reasons for this objection are:
1 Locality
1.2 Any potential building on this land would have a negative effect and would interfere with the overall enjoyment of the adjoining properties.
1.3 The local vernacular buildings are diffuse and varied; some buildings are listed buildings and date from the early 17th Century.
1.4 Local Economic growth is doubtful as any additional housing on this site would likely add to the village as a dormitory outreach for the city of Norwich and it would contribute to the linear growth of the village. It is noted that allocations from the last two local plans have not promoted linear growth,
1.5 Housing commitments within Poringland have not yet been built - JCS 2014 para 5.57.
2 National Planning Framework
2.1 The introduction to the NPPF 2012 by Rt Hon Greg Clark, Minister for Planning acknowledges that "our natural environment is essential to our wellbeing".
2.2 NPPF states that planning should be relevant, proportionate and necessary. (Ref 1 para .2) and should have economic, social and environmental considerations.

2.3 Green field sites support low carbon outputs and any change of use could negate this. NPPF supports conserving and enhancing the natural environments. ( Ref Introduction & para 17).

2.4 NPPF favours conservation of heritage assets ( para 17): It could be argued that the C17th buildings and a Victorian ( or possibly earlier) mature hedge is such an asset as it supports wildlife and cleaner air, and hedges absorb carbon.

2.5 Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and congestion is encouraged (Ref 4. Para 30).
2.6 Road usage by private cars, commercial transport and lorries together with public transport on the B1332 has considerably increased and is still increasing as it provides a direct route in and out of Norwich. The PCC stated that over 250,000 vehicle movements, excluding resident's vehicles, take place through the village every month.
2.7 The road should no longer be considered to be a B road. Access to this road can be severely restricted at busy times. Safe and suitable access to the site should be considered (Ref 4 para 32). Access to the above site would be in an unrestricted speed area and speeding is already much in evidence within the 30mph area.
2.8 Local infrastructures, utilities and services are not in place to meet any further growth. Schools, in particular, have reached capacity with no further growth possible. GP surgeries are under pressure in the past year (2016 - 2017). With limited opportunities fro growth.
3 Environmental issues
3.1 The Environment Agency Flood Map indicates medium to high risk of flooding from surface water for this postcode. The Agency states that flooding can affect transport, power and communications.
3.2 The land includes a stream which is in effect the headwater of the River Chet and includes a natural pond and copse. Water run-off is therefore managed naturally. Interference to this could cause local flood risk.
3.3 Biodiversity - the JCS 2014 has a map which shows that the above land/stream/river abuts one of the core areas in the plan - ref P 34 area 05.
3.4 The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local
Environment and lists this under NPPF 7 para109. Similarly, Objective 9 of the JCS 2014 notes to protect, manage and enhance the natural, built and historic environment, including key landscapes, natural resources and areas of natural habitat or nature conservation value.

3.5 A Mature hedge of many mixed species - hawthorn, ivy, ash, holly, bramble on the north side provides food and habitat for flora and fauna. (NB There may well be other species within this hedge but as it is private land I can only comment on the hedge adjacent to me).

3.6 A Bat Survey (TG2701 attached) carried out 4/5/6 July 2017 (findings to be forwarded to Norfolk Wildlife Trust) indicated recordings of 9 species of bats plus 4 other species 2 not assigned with confidence) and included the pipistrelle species. Recording of one species of bush cricket was also recorded.
3.7 The mature hedge is habitat to starlings - a declining species, hedge sparrows also a declining species, magpies and jays. House sparrows and all species of tits including long tailed tits fly over this meadow as do sparrow hawks, kestrels (breeding) tawny owls, buzzards, rooks, jackdaws, green and greater spotted woodpeckers and herons.
3.8 Butterflies - blue butterflies, skippers, tortoiseshell, red admirals, peacocks, little white and cabbage white have all been observed. Moths are also numerous but not identified except the hawk moth and humming bird moth in warm summers. The nettles and wild flowers provide food and breeding sites. Pollinating insects as well as beetle species are present.
3.9 Hedgehogs (an endangered species) are present by the hedge; roe and muntjac deer, foxes have also been observed in the meadow at dawn and dusk.
3.10 Prior to any decision being made a comprehensive inspection should be carried out of the pond and surrounding areas as well as a detailed environmental impact survey due to the wildlife present should be instructed.