Objection to land allocation Reference ID 13172, Section SNDC Poringland GNL P0316

My reasons for this objection are:
SUMMARY GNL P0316

●The land has a medium to high risk of flooding ( Environment Agency Flood Map) and water run off is managed naturally The stream on the meadow is the headwater for the River Chet.
●It is not in accordance with NPPF in conserving the natural environment. NPPF7 para 109.
●The meadow is home to and supports varied wildlife, many of them declining species.
●Linear development is not encouraged. Land refused twice before.
●Road access dangerous and land is outside 30mph zone therefore speeding prevalent.
●Sufficient land already allocated for building in Poringland. JCS 2014 para5.57

1 Locality
1.1 The land is currently in use for agricultural purposes and is designated as a meadow.Any potential building on this land would have a negative effect and would interfere with the overall enjoyment of my property. Our natural environment is essential to our wellbeing. NNPF 2012 introduction.
1.2 The local vernacular buildings are diffuse and varied; some buildings date from the early 17th Century.
1.3 Local Economic growth ( ie within the village) is doubtful as any additional housing accelerate the village as a linear dormitory outreach for Norwich and with attendant road traffic issues.
1.4 Housing commitments within Poringland have not yet been built - JCS 2014 para 5.57. Only 100 - 200 additional houses are now needed.
2 National Planning Framework
2.1 NPPF states that planning should be relevant, proportionate and necessary. (Ref 1 para .2) and should have economic, social and environmental considerations.

2.2 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).

2.3 NPPF favours conservation of heritage assets ( para 17): eg C17th buildings and heritage hedges hedge is such an asset as it supports wildlife and reduction in green house gas emissions. Ref 4 para 30.

2.4 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. . 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.
2.5 Local infrastructures, utilities and services are not in place to meet any further growth. Schools in particular have already reached capacity. GP surgeries are already under pressure in the past year (2016 - 2017).
3 Environmental issues
3.1 The Environment Agency Flood Map indicates medium to high risk of flooding from surface water for this postcode. 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. Soakaways as a means of drainage would not be appropriate.
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 "heritage" hedge of many mixed species - hawthorn, ivy, ash, holly, bramble on the north side provides food and habitat for flora and fauna. The hedge is habitat to starlings - a declining species, hedge sparrows also a declining species, magpies, jays. House sparrows and all species of tits including long tailed tits fly over this field as do sparrow hawks, kestrels (breeding) tawny owls, buzzards, rooks, jackdaws, green and greater spotted woodpeckers and herons.

3.6 A Bat Survey carried out 4/5/6 July 2017 (and findings to be forwarded to Norfolk Wildlife Trust) indicated recordings of 9 species of bats plus 4 other species 2not assigned with confidence) and included the pipistrelle species. (Details can be provided including distribution and activity maps). Recording of one species of bush cricket was also recorded.
3.7 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.
3.8 Hedgehogs (an endangered species) are present by the hedge; roe and muntjac deer, foxes have also been observed in the field at dawn and dusk.
3.9 I have been unable to inspect the pond sited on this meadow A detailed environmental impact survey is necessary due to the wildlife present.
Sheila Hoyle
Mission Hall
Bungay Road
Poringland NR14 7NA