Site 2061
This site has a narrow, very restricted access which would make entering and exiting a major difficulty both during any possible construction period or afterwards. Years ago, what may once have been a suitable access point for smaller tractors is no longer viable as an entry or exit. It is closely bordered by private properties with no possibility of achieving any change to the layout to increase access width.
With this constraint in mind, the site is also very close to the corner of Surlingham Lane, from which cars turn into the village increasing the volume of traffic close to the entry of the site. A 'difficult entry/exit 'would constitute a serious hazard. Data from our SAM2 monitor shows that between 1,700 and 2,000 vehicles pass through the village daily. Any problem on the A146 results in a massive increase on those numbers as drivers use it as an alternative. Although this section of road is not listed as part of the national cycle highway, nevertheless, being flat, it is a popular stretch of road for cyclists and heavily used as such.
One of the key features of Rockland St Mary is that it is a linear village. Creating a 'backland' site here at the centre of the village would destroy this historic feature and possibly create a precedence for further such developments and 'infill'
The Parish Council considers that, along with the 1in 30 surface water flood risk, the access constraints make the site entirely unsuitable for development.