Site 2064
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, the Parish Room and the village hall for recreational use. Consequently this small area is heavily used and so forms another hazardous 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. The site access is where the number 85 bus stops.
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.
Consequently, even if access could be achieved for this site, it would be too dangerous to put a housing development at this point without creating safer pedestrian-only areas and limiting car parking- both of which are probably unviable in a narrow street. The Parish Council is aware that there is a covenant on the private drive.
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 may set a precedence for similar developments or infills.
Residents have expressed the view that the ongoing housing development at Bee Orchid Way 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 year round 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.