I am writing in response to the recent meetings that I attended of our local Parish Council where information was given in regard to the proposed sites for housing development in the villages of Tivetshall St. Margaret and Tivetshall St. Mary.

My comments deal with the unsuitability of most of the proposed sites within the village for the following reasons:

1. The bulk of the habitation of the two villages is located on a single road that connects the A140 at one end to the B1134 at the other. At the St Margaret end the road narrows to a single track road with a few Passing Points and drainage ditches on either side adjacent to the surrounding farmland. This road is most unsuitable for the addition of extra traffic. It is difficult enough when one confronts another vehicle coming the opposite way. This is especially tricky when coming face to face with a farm vehicle involving sometimes considerable reversing and manoeuvring. Access to the village from Star lane is also difficult with the additional hazard of a ford to contend with! The only reasonable access is from the A140 at Rectory Road, but even this turns into a narrower road at the 30mph limit and has several blind bends in it. It is within a short distance of these roads that the proposed sites are located.

2. The sewerage system does have issues with being inefficient at several points throughout the village. Likewise the water supply is not very high pressure and can be a problem at peak times.

3. There is no shop.

4. The two public houses are located at the extreme and opposite ends of the village and for most people a car ride to get them there.

5. Most of the surrounding lanes are designated Quiet Roads and are used frequently by dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists. Plus some of these lanes are in need of attention having been used by farm traffic breaking down the verges and in some instances subsidence.

6. The addition of excess extra housing would change the atmosphere and charm that the village now possesses.

7. The suitability of most of the proposed sites does have to be brought into question, due to the infrastructure, the access and effect on wildlife.

8. On the plus side, there is a School and a very good active Village Hall.

9. There is a proposal to use the old waste disposal site at the Pulham Roundabout for commercial development in the form of a garage (Filling station) and retail premises. I fail to understand why this is necessary as there is a similar site in planning at the Scole A140 Junction. Far better to use the Old waste site for extra housing where there is easy access to the A140 both north and south


I am not averse to the addition of extra housing in our village on a limited basis and I feel that any decisions should be taken with a great deal of consideration and care.