Whilst my natural inclination is to support development proposals whenever possible, I am entirely opposed to this unnecessary and inappropriate proposal to develop farm land for industrial purposes. As was apparent at the consultation held in St Peter's Church, the proposal is being made not simply because Ben Burgess's premises in Trowse have been outgrown, but because the company has a desire to establish its presence in specific directions beyond the city. Whilst that is a perfectly legitimate business objective, it is not for the people of Swainsthorpe, or any small rural community, to pay for that financially, socially or environmentally.
Others have enumerated the impact this proposal would have upon the residents of Swainsthorpe and upon the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area. Suffice it to say that, whilst development land has to be sought, it is also our collective responsibility to protect the character of our small rural communities for this and future generations.