Comment

Representation ID: 22198

Received: 16/03/2020

Respondent: Environment Agency (Eastern Region)

The River Bure, a chalk stream which is a S41 NERC habitat (NPPF 170 & 174), flows through the land allocated to the North East of Aylsham (GNLP0336), the development must not be on the flood plain as this will inhibit the natural functioning of the river and compromise the ability to reach Good WFD status. It is also an important wildlife corridor. We must ensure that any run off is the best water quality possible through use of appropriate SuDS etc. Natural habitats adjacent to the river and within the flood plain must be conserved and opportunities to enhance those habitats should be sought. We are working in partnership with the National Trust on the Upper Bure Riverlands project to restore river habitats in this area (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/riverlands-how-we-keep-our-rivers-flowing) and there is scope to carry out this kind of partnership work near Aylsham too.