Site 2063
Residents whose properties back onto this proposed site have expressed concern about drainage issues as the site slopes towards their properties. Much of the land sub-structure is clay based ( there were former brick works in the village) and close to marsh land so drainage is an ongoing issue wherever there is the slightest slope.
This site is at the centre of the village and has all the key facilities in close proximity- the GP surgery, the shop/Post Office, a private swimming pool open for public use, the primary school, as well as the Parish Room and the village hall which are used in the day and evening for recreational purposes. Because this small area is heavily used it forms another dangerous spot in this single road village for pedestrians and road users due to the numbers of people of all ages using these facilities, parking, and crossing the road.
Consequently, even if access could be achieved for this site, it would be too dangerous to put a housing development at this point because it is so close to where cars pull in to park at the shop or to the GP surgery opposite. There would be a necessity to create safer pedestrian-only areas and limit car parking- both of which are unviable in a narrow street which serves as the main road in the village. Limiting car parking would have a detrimental effect on the shop/Post Office and cause parking problems for residents further along the street. The site access is very close to where the number 85 bus stops.
There are very limited employment opportunities in Rockland St Mary. New people moving into the village are almost always commuters to employment elsewhere. Residents are concerned that even modestly-sized housing developments add to the ever-increasing traffic in the village.
The volume of traffic into the village from the large Loddon housing expansion by drivers who wish to avoid the difficulties of turning right, onto the A146, has added to pressure on the single road through the village. If the A146 is blocked, the village is used as a backway.
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.
Residents have expressed the view that the ongoing housing development at Bee Orchid Way, along with various infill building over the years should be sufficient to provide a 'share' towards the extra housing required by the GNLP.
Villagers have voiced concern to the Parish Council about the use of prime agricultural land that has always been used to grow crops being lost to housing. People are mindful that, with the very real threats caused through climate change as well as possible consequences of leaving the European Union, that all County Councils should regard good quality agricultural land as having prime importance.
The Parish Council therefore does not consider this site suitable for development.