Site Proposals document

Site GNLP 0321 adjacent to B1332
We would support the possible development of this site. It is opposite the current development on the west of the B1332 by Bennett Homes. Traffic from this site GNLP0321 would have access to the B1332 without adding to the traffic passing through Framingham Earl/Poringland at peak times. However, as this road is very congested at peak times some form of traffic management (possibly a roundabout) would be required in order from traffic exiting the site and turning right in the direction of Norwich, to be able to do so quickly and safely. There would still be the woodland buffer between the development and the more residential parts along the main road. It would however be somewhat extending the boundary which is of concern to residents, as that could lead to the area being even more built-up in the future. Thereby destroying the open countryside aspect of the area, which at present gives a very definite boundary between the city and the countryside.

Site GNLP 0589A Pigot Lane

This site which is adjacent to the Earlsmead development on Pigot Lane would be a natural continuation. However, it must be borne in mind that there are grave concerns regarding the amount of extra traffic that further development along Pigot Lane would create. The EACH hospice being built at the west end of Pigot Lane will bring an increase in traffic and not all of it would necessarily be using the main B1332 to get to the hospice. Sat Navs direct traffic up Fox Road, Pigot Lane, from the A146 Lowestoft Road. These are narrow twisty lanes with no pavements or street lighting, they are not capable of sustaining big increases in traffic. The junction between Pigot Lane and Long Road is extremely hazardous as it is on a bend with limited sight lines, increases in traffic using that junction
will only exacerbate the dangers. One of the major concerns to residents is the well-known surface water and drainage problems in the whole of the Framingham Earl/Poringland area. Disturbance of the natural water courses increases the risk of flooding, and not necessarily on the site being developed, it just moves the problem elsewhere. This is also true for the many natural springs in the area.

Site GNLP 0589B Pigot Lane/Spur Lane

This site, known locally as the 40 Acre plantation, whilst it would look on paper an ideal site to be developed, it is a natural sandy heathland of which we are losing a great deal. In the GNLP document it says that one of the environments that should be protected is heathland. Our residents feel that this site would be better retained as an open space for recreation, considering the rapid loss of natural open areas within the parish. This is a haven for the local wildlife including bats, tawny owls, 3 species of woodpecker, muntjac and roe deer and it could become a welcome nature amenity to be enjoyed by all residents of the area, much as the Poringland Woods is enjoyed.

The EACH hospice (to the west of the site) chose this site as it would be in a woodland setting, giving quiet and peaceful surroundings, not sitting next to an big housing estate. A wildlife haven next to the hospice would enhance the outlook for all those using the hospice and bring a welcome area of natural tranquility. The Spur Lane, Pigot Lane and Long Road aspect is totally rural which is appreciated by residents, any housing development would destroy that tranquility.
Therefore as a parish council we could not support development on this site.

Site GNLP 0391A Hall |Road

This site is of very great concern to both the residents and the parish council. The reasons being:-

1) Drainage
The water table at this point is only just below the surface, and this site is regularly underwater remaining so for many weeks, this has been getting worse in the last few years. The water leaves the site via the network of drains and ditches around the site, and they would not be able to sustain an increase in any run of from this site, as they are regularly seen to be almost overflowing. The water eventually finds its way via Yelverton Road into Gull Lane, both of which have springs which come to the surface causing the lanes to be flooded. At times this results in Yelverton Road being impassable due to the flooding. Gull Lane in particular (it was originally a gully hence the name Gull Lane)is seeing an unacceptable increase in traffic using it due to SatNavs directing vehicles from the A146 up the lane to get to Framingham Earl, including wagons over the statutory weight limits. This in turn results in serious erosion of the road surface. These lanes were never intended to carry the volumes of traffic now using them, should development go ahead, the lanes would then have to cope with construction traffic using the lane as a "short cut" further adding the dangers on the lanes.

2) Access
This site is on a very rural tree lined lane, with no pavements or street lights. Development on this site would increase considerably the volumes of traffic accessing the local schools, shops and other facilities in the area by using Hall Road and Long Road. This in turn increases the risks to pedestrians, cyclists (school children cycling to the local High School) and drivers, and as much of any construction traffic would also use these roads it all adds to the dangers.

3) Environment
This site is 65 meters from the boundary of the historic Grade 1 listed round tower church of St Andrews Framingham Earl and only 40 meters from the graveyard. Any development would have a severe impact on the setting of this historic church. The NPPF policy 132 states "Substantial harm to designated heritage assets of the highest significance-notably Grade 1 & Grade 2 listed buildings should be wholly exceptional" This site does fall into that category.
The area is well known for supporting a wide variety of wildlife, bats, buzzards, barn owls, tawny owls, roe deer, muntjac deer as well as frogs and newts. Development would destroy much of these important and valued habitats which give the area its very rural aspect.

For these reasons the parish council could not support the inclusion of this site within the plan.

Site 0391B Burgate Lane

This is another site which causes grave concerns to the residents and the parish council. It has all the same problems as site 0391A.

1) Drainage
The site is known to have standing water which drains into the ditches around the site, and as stated for site 0391A, it follows the same routes into Yelverton Road and onto Gull Lane, with all the attendant problems stated in the above submission regarding 0391A. Both sites have natural springs in and around their boundaries, which when the natural courses are disturbed by construction, resurface elsewhere creating problems for others living in the vicinity.

2) Access
The site is described as accessible to 2 primary schools, one in Framingham Earl and one in Alpington. It is stated in the GNLP that access to schools "should be within 2 miles of SAFE walking facilities". This is clearly not the case for this site. It can be over 2 miles to get to the B1332 using Burgate Lane and Hall Road, certainly not safe walking distance for anyone, let alone people with children walking to school along narrow windy unpaved lanes and having to do it 4 times a day. Therefore those journeys would be made by car adding yet more traffic to these narrow lanes. The junction from Burgate Lane onto Hall Road does not have safe sight lines now, add in all the extra vehicles a) during construction and b) from the development, it would not meet the NPPF policy 32 -of "safe suitable access for all people". These are all narrow single track lanes totally unsuited and unable to cope with any further increases in traffic.

3) Environment
This site is similar to site 0391A in supporting a wide range of wild life- bats, barn owls, tawny owls, buzzards, muntjac deer and roe deer. It also has two wet land areas on the boundaries and these have a variety of frogs and newts in them. Development would destroy much of this important and very much valued habitat which is an integral part of the rural setting of the area.

Therefore for all the reasons stated above for both sites 0391A and 0391B the parish council cannot support these sites being included in the plan.
Site GNLP 0003 Burgate Lane/Bella Vista

This site is totally outside the building boundary of Framingham Earl. It is situated on a very sharp narrow corner of Burgate Lane, and would have all the same access problems as sites 0391A & B. That is more than the 2 miles safe walking to the primary schools, and other facilities in Framingham Earl and Poringland. The volumes of traffic it would engender using this very narrow lane, which has very limited "passing "places makes access to the site inherently dangerous to all users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whilst we appreciate that there are many sites which have been put forward and that it may not be easy to visit them all. However, in certain areas, with known drainage problems, and sites being proposed that are in or near "lanes" it should be a necessity for officers to visit these sites rather than just relying on what can be seen from a desk top computer screen. We are sure it is fully appreciated that there is detailed hydrological data which can be assessed to ensure all surface water and drainage problems are effectively reviewed to minimize any potential flooding or associated ineffective drainage by not taking this data fully into account. This is of particular relevance to sites put forward in Framingham Earl, but also in the wider Poringland catchment area.
There has already been a vast amount of development in the area, the whole of Norfolk has seen 5% between 2010 and 2017 whereas Framingham Earl and Poringland has seen 10% twice as much as the rest of Norfolk.

Residents feel that they are being swamped and that the character of the two villages has been and will be irrevocably changed.

Site GNLP 0321 adjacent to B1332
We would support the possible development of this site. It is opposite the current development on the west of the B1332 by Bennett Homes. Traffic from this site GNLP0321 would have access to the B1332 without adding to the traffic passing through Framingham Earl/Poringland at peak times. However, as this road is very congested at peak times some form of traffic management (possibly a roundabout) would be required in order from traffic exiting the site and turning right in the direction of Norwich, to be able to do so quickly and safely. There would still be the woodland buffer between the development and the more residential parts along the main road. It would however be somewhat extending the boundary which is of concern to residents, as that could lead to the area being even more built-up in the future. Thereby destroying the open countryside aspect of the area, which at present gives a very definite boundary between the city and the countryside.

Site GNLP 0589A Pigot Lane

This site which is adjacent to the Earlsmead development on Pigot Lane would be a natural continuation. However, it must be borne in mind that there are grave concerns regarding the amount of extra traffic that further development along Pigot Lane would create. The EACH hospice being built at the west end of Pigot Lane will bring an increase in traffic and not all of it would necessarily be using the main B1332 to get to the hospice. Sat Navs direct traffic up Fox Road, Pigot Lane, from the A146 Lowestoft Road. These are narrow twisty lanes with no pavements or street lighting, they are not capable of sustaining big increases in traffic. The junction between Pigot Lane and Long Road is extremely hazardous as it is on a bend with limited sight lines, increases in traffic using that junction
will only exacerbate the dangers. One of the major concerns to residents is the well-known surface water and drainage problems in the whole of the Framingham Earl/Poringland area. Disturbance of the natural water courses increases the risk of flooding, and not necessarily on the site being developed, it just moves the problem elsewhere. This is also true for the many natural springs in the area.

Site GNLP 0589B Pigot Lane/Spur Lane

This site, known locally as the 40 Acre plantation, whilst it would look on paper an ideal site to be developed, it is a natural sandy heathland of which we are losing a great deal. In the GNLP document it says that one of the environments that should be protected is heathland. Our residents feel that this site would be better retained as an open space for recreation, considering the rapid loss of natural open areas within the parish. This is a haven for the local wildlife including bats, tawny owls, 3 species of woodpecker, muntjac and roe deer and it could become a welcome nature amenity to be enjoyed by all residents of the area, much as the Poringland Woods is enjoyed.

The EACH hospice (to the west of the site) chose this site as it would be in a woodland setting, giving quiet and peaceful surroundings, not sitting next to an big housing estate. A wildlife haven next to the hospice would enhance the outlook for all those using the hospice and bring a welcome area of natural tranquility. The Spur Lane, Pigot Lane and Long Road aspect is totally rural which is appreciated by residents, any housing development would destroy that tranquility.
Therefore as a parish council we could not support development on this site.

Site GNLP 0391A Hall |Road

This site is of very great concern to both the residents and the parish council. The reasons being:-

1) Drainage
The water table at this point is only just below the surface, and this site is regularly underwater remaining so for many weeks, this has been getting worse in the last few years. The water leaves the site via the network of drains and ditches around the site, and they would not be able to sustain an increase in any run of from this site, as they are regularly seen to be almost overflowing. The water eventually finds its way via Yelverton Road into Gull Lane, both of which have springs which come to the surface causing the lanes to be flooded. At times this results in Yelverton Road being impassable due to the flooding. Gull Lane in particular (it was originally a gully hence the name Gull Lane)is seeing an unacceptable increase in traffic using it due to SatNavs directing vehicles from the A146 up the lane to get to Framingham Earl, including wagons over the statutory weight limits. This in turn results in serious erosion of the road surface. These lanes were never intended to carry the volumes of traffic now using them, should development go ahead, the lanes would then have to cope with construction traffic using the lane as a "short cut" further adding the dangers on the lanes.

2) Access
This site is on a very rural tree lined lane, with no pavements or street lights. Development on this site would increase considerably the volumes of traffic accessing the local schools, shops and other facilities in the area by using Hall Road and Long Road. This in turn increases the risks to pedestrians, cyclists (school children cycling to the local High School) and drivers, and as much of any construction traffic would also use these roads it all adds to the dangers.

3) Environment
This site is 65 meters from the boundary of the historic Grade 1 listed round tower church of St Andrews Framingham Earl and only 40 meters from the graveyard. Any development would have a severe impact on the setting of this historic church. The NPPF policy 132 states "Substantial harm to designated heritage assets of the highest significance-notably Grade 1 & Grade 2 listed buildings should be wholly exceptional" This site does fall into that category.
The area is well known for supporting a wide variety of wildlife, bats, buzzards, barn owls, tawny owls, roe deer, muntjac deer as well as frogs and newts. Development would destroy much of these important and valued habitats which give the area its very rural aspect.

For these reasons the parish council could not support the inclusion of this site within the plan.

Site 0391B Burgate Lane

This is another site which causes grave concerns to the residents and the parish council. It has all the same problems as site 0391A.

1) Drainage
The site is known to have standing water which drains into the ditches around the site, and as stated for site 0391A, it follows the same routes into Yelverton Road and onto Gull Lane, with all the attendant problems stated in the above submission regarding 0391A. Both sites have natural springs in and around their boundaries, which when the natural courses are disturbed by construction, resurface elsewhere creating problems for others living in the vicinity.

2) Access
The site is described as accessible to 2 primary schools, one in Framingham Earl and one in Alpington. It is stated in the GNLP that access to schools "should be within 2 miles of SAFE walking facilities". This is clearly not the case for this site. It can be over 2 miles to get to the B1332 using Burgate Lane and Hall Road, certainly not safe walking distance for anyone, let alone people with children walking to school along narrow windy unpaved lanes and having to do it 4 times a day. Therefore those journeys would be made by car adding yet more traffic to these narrow lanes. The junction from Burgate Lane onto Hall Road does not have safe sight lines now, add in all the extra vehicles a) during construction and b) from the development, it would not meet the NPPF policy 32 -of "safe suitable access for all people". These are all narrow single track lanes totally unsuited and unable to cope with any further increases in traffic.

3) Environment
This site is similar to site 0391A in supporting a wide range of wild life- bats, barn owls, tawny owls, buzzards, muntjac deer and roe deer. It also has two wet land areas on the boundaries and these have a variety of frogs and newts in them. Development would destroy much of this important and very much valued habitat which is an integral part of the rural setting of the area.

Therefore for all the reasons stated above for both sites 0391A and 0391B the parish council cannot support these sites being included in the plan.
Site GNLP 0003 Burgate Lane/Bella Vista

This site is totally outside the building boundary of Framingham Earl. It is situated on a very sharp narrow corner of Burgate Lane, and would have all the same access problems as sites 0391A & B. That is more than the 2 miles safe walking to the primary schools, and other facilities in Framingham Earl and Poringland. The volumes of traffic it would engender using this very narrow lane, which has very limited "passing "places makes access to the site inherently dangerous to all users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whilst we appreciate that there are many sites which have been put forward and that it may not be easy to visit them all. However, in certain areas, with known drainage problems, and sites being proposed that are in or near "lanes" it should be a necessity for officers to visit these sites rather than just relying on what can be seen from a desk top computer screen. We are sure it is fully appreciated that there is detailed hydrological data which can be assessed to ensure all surface water and drainage problems are effectively reviewed to minimize any potential flooding or associated ineffective drainage by not taking this data fully into account. This is of particular relevance to sites put forward in Framingham Earl, but also in the wider Poringland catchment area.
There has already been a vast amount of development in the area, the whole of Norfolk has seen 5% between 2010 and 2017 whereas Framingham Earl and Poringland has seen 10% twice as much as the rest of Norfolk.

Residents feel that they are being swamped and that the character of the two villages has been and will be irrevocably changed.

Site GNLP 0321 adjacent to B1332
We would support the possible development of this site. It is opposite the current development on the west of the B1332 by Bennett Homes. Traffic from this site GNLP0321 would have access to the B1332 without adding to the traffic passing through Framingham Earl/Poringland at peak times. However, as this road is very congested at peak times some form of traffic management (possibly a roundabout) would be required in order from traffic exiting the site and turning right in the direction of Norwich, to be able to do so quickly and safely. There would still be the woodland buffer between the development and the more residential parts along the main road. It would however be somewhat extending the boundary which is of concern to residents, as that could lead to the area being even more built-up in the future. Thereby destroying the open countryside aspect of the area, which at present gives a very definite boundary between the city and the countryside.

Site GNLP 0589A Pigot Lane

This site which is adjacent to the Earlsmead development on Pigot Lane would be a natural continuation. However, it must be borne in mind that there are grave concerns regarding the amount of extra traffic that further development along Pigot Lane would create. The EACH hospice being built at the west end of Pigot Lane will bring an increase in traffic and not all of it would necessarily be using the main B1332 to get to the hospice. Sat Navs direct traffic up Fox Road, Pigot Lane, from the A146 Lowestoft Road. These are narrow twisty lanes with no pavements or street lighting, they are not capable of sustaining big increases in traffic. The junction between Pigot Lane and Long Road is extremely hazardous as it is on a bend with limited sight lines, increases in traffic using that junction
will only exacerbate the dangers. One of the major concerns to residents is the well-known surface water and drainage problems in the whole of the Framingham Earl/Poringland area. Disturbance of the natural water courses increases the risk of flooding, and not necessarily on the site being developed, it just moves the problem elsewhere. This is also true for the many natural springs in the area.

Site GNLP 0589B Pigot Lane/Spur Lane

This site, known locally as the 40 Acre plantation, whilst it would look on paper an ideal site to be developed, it is a natural sandy heathland of which we are losing a great deal. In the GNLP document it says that one of the environments that should be protected is heathland. Our residents feel that this site would be better retained as an open space for recreation, considering the rapid loss of natural open areas within the parish. This is a haven for the local wildlife including bats, tawny owls, 3 species of woodpecker, muntjac and roe deer and it could become a welcome nature amenity to be enjoyed by all residents of the area, much as the Poringland Woods is enjoyed.

The EACH hospice (to the west of the site) chose this site as it would be in a woodland setting, giving quiet and peaceful surroundings, not sitting next to an big housing estate. A wildlife haven next to the hospice would enhance the outlook for all those using the hospice and bring a welcome area of natural tranquility. The Spur Lane, Pigot Lane and Long Road aspect is totally rural which is appreciated by residents, any housing development would destroy that tranquility.
Therefore as a parish council we could not support development on this site.

Site GNLP 0391A Hall |Road

This site is of very great concern to both the residents and the parish council. The reasons being:-

1) Drainage
The water table at this point is only just below the surface, and this site is regularly underwater remaining so for many weeks, this has been getting worse in the last few years. The water leaves the site via the network of drains and ditches around the site, and they would not be able to sustain an increase in any run of from this site, as they are regularly seen to be almost overflowing. The water eventually finds its way via Yelverton Road into Gull Lane, both of which have springs which come to the surface causing the lanes to be flooded. At times this results in Yelverton Road being impassable due to the flooding. Gull Lane in particular (it was originally a gully hence the name Gull Lane)is seeing an unacceptable increase in traffic using it due to SatNavs directing vehicles from the A146 up the lane to get to Framingham Earl, including wagons over the statutory weight limits. This in turn results in serious erosion of the road surface. These lanes were never intended to carry the volumes of traffic now using them, should development go ahead, the lanes would then have to cope with construction traffic using the lane as a "short cut" further adding the dangers on the lanes.

2) Access
This site is on a very rural tree lined lane, with no pavements or street lights. Development on this site would increase considerably the volumes of traffic accessing the local schools, shops and other facilities in the area by using Hall Road and Long Road. This in turn increases the risks to pedestrians, cyclists (school children cycling to the local High School) and drivers, and as much of any construction traffic would also use these roads it all adds to the dangers.

3) Environment
This site is 65 meters from the boundary of the historic Grade 1 listed round tower church of St Andrews Framingham Earl and only 40 meters from the graveyard. Any development would have a severe impact on the setting of this historic church. The NPPF policy 132 states "Substantial harm to designated heritage assets of the highest significance-notably Grade 1 & Grade 2 listed buildings should be wholly exceptional" This site does fall into that category.
The area is well known for supporting a wide variety of wildlife, bats, buzzards, barn owls, tawny owls, roe deer, muntjac deer as well as frogs and newts. Development would destroy much of these important and valued habitats which give the area its very rural aspect.

For these reasons the parish council could not support the inclusion of this site within the plan.

Site 0391B Burgate Lane

This is another site which causes grave concerns to the residents and the parish council. It has all the same problems as site 0391A.

1) Drainage
The site is known to have standing water which drains into the ditches around the site, and as stated for site 0391A, it follows the same routes into Yelverton Road and onto Gull Lane, with all the attendant problems stated in the above submission regarding 0391A. Both sites have natural springs in and around their boundaries, which when the natural courses are disturbed by construction, resurface elsewhere creating problems for others living in the vicinity.

2) Access
The site is described as accessible to 2 primary schools, one in Framingham Earl and one in Alpington. It is stated in the GNLP that access to schools "should be within 2 miles of SAFE walking facilities". This is clearly not the case for this site. It can be over 2 miles to get to the B1332 using Burgate Lane and Hall Road, certainly not safe walking distance for anyone, let alone people with children walking to school along narrow windy unpaved lanes and having to do it 4 times a day. Therefore those journeys would be made by car adding yet more traffic to these narrow lanes. The junction from Burgate Lane onto Hall Road does not have safe sight lines now, add in all the extra vehicles a) during construction and b) from the development, it would not meet the NPPF policy 32 -of "safe suitable access for all people". These are all narrow single track lanes totally unsuited and unable to cope with any further increases in traffic.

3) Environment
This site is similar to site 0391A in supporting a wide range of wild life- bats, barn owls, tawny owls, buzzards, muntjac deer and roe deer. It also has two wet land areas on the boundaries and these have a variety of frogs and newts in them. Development would destroy much of this important and very much valued habitat which is an integral part of the rural setting of the area.

Therefore for all the reasons stated above for both sites 0391A and 0391B the parish council cannot support these sites being included in the plan.
Site GNLP 0003 Burgate Lane/Bella Vista

This site is totally outside the building boundary of Framingham Earl. It is situated on a very sharp narrow corner of Burgate Lane, and would have all the same access problems as sites 0391A & B. That is more than the 2 miles safe walking to the primary schools, and other facilities in Framingham Earl and Poringland. The volumes of traffic it would engender using this very narrow lane, which has very limited "passing "places makes access to the site inherently dangerous to all users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whilst we appreciate that there are many sites which have been put forward and that it may not be easy to visit them all. However, in certain areas, with known drainage problems, and sites being proposed that are in or near "lanes" it should be a necessity for officers to visit these sites rather than just relying on what can be seen from a desk top computer screen. We are sure it is fully appreciated that there is detailed hydrological data which can be assessed to ensure all surface water and drainage problems are effectively reviewed to minimize any potential flooding or associated ineffective drainage by not taking this data fully into account. This is of particular relevance to sites put forward in Framingham Earl, but also in the wider Poringland catchment area.
There has already been a vast amount of development in the area, the whole of Norfolk has seen 5% between 2010 and 2017 whereas Framingham Earl and Poringland has seen 10% twice as much as the rest of Norfolk.

Residents feel that they are being swamped and that the character of the two villages has been and will be irrevocably changed.

Site GNLP 0321 adjacent to B1332
We would support the possible development of this site. It is opposite the current development on the west of the B1332 by Bennett Homes. Traffic from this site GNLP0321 would have access to the B1332 without adding to the traffic passing through Framingham Earl/Poringland at peak times. However, as this road is very congested at peak times some form of traffic management (possibly a roundabout) would be required in order from traffic exiting the site and turning right in the direction of Norwich, to be able to do so quickly and safely. There would still be the woodland buffer between the development and the more residential parts along the main road. It would however be somewhat extending the boundary which is of concern to residents, as that could lead to the area being even more built-up in the future. Thereby destroying the open countryside aspect of the area, which at present gives a very definite boundary between the city and the countryside.

Site GNLP 0589A Pigot Lane

This site which is adjacent to the Earlsmead development on Pigot Lane would be a natural continuation. However, it must be borne in mind that there are grave concerns regarding the amount of extra traffic that further development along Pigot Lane would create. The EACH hospice being built at the west end of Pigot Lane will bring an increase in traffic and not all of it would necessarily be using the main B1332 to get to the hospice. Sat Navs direct traffic up Fox Road, Pigot Lane, from the A146 Lowestoft Road. These are narrow twisty lanes with no pavements or street lighting, they are not capable of sustaining big increases in traffic. The junction between Pigot Lane and Long Road is extremely hazardous as it is on a bend with limited sight lines, increases in traffic using that junction
will only exacerbate the dangers. One of the major concerns to residents is the well-known surface water and drainage problems in the whole of the Framingham Earl/Poringland area. Disturbance of the natural water courses increases the risk of flooding, and not necessarily on the site being developed, it just moves the problem elsewhere. This is also true for the many natural springs in the area.

Site GNLP 0589B Pigot Lane/Spur Lane

This site, known locally as the 40 Acre plantation, whilst it would look on paper an ideal site to be developed, it is a natural sandy heathland of which we are losing a great deal. In the GNLP document it says that one of the environments that should be protected is heathland. Our residents feel that this site would be better retained as an open space for recreation, considering the rapid loss of natural open areas within the parish. This is a haven for the local wildlife including bats, tawny owls, 3 species of woodpecker, muntjac and roe deer and it could become a welcome nature amenity to be enjoyed by all residents of the area, much as the Poringland Woods is enjoyed.

The EACH hospice (to the west of the site) chose this site as it would be in a woodland setting, giving quiet and peaceful surroundings, not sitting next to an big housing estate. A wildlife haven next to the hospice would enhance the outlook for all those using the hospice and bring a welcome area of natural tranquility. The Spur Lane, Pigot Lane and Long Road aspect is totally rural which is appreciated by residents, any housing development would destroy that tranquility.
Therefore as a parish council we could not support development on this site.

Site GNLP 0391A Hall |Road

This site is of very great concern to both the residents and the parish council. The reasons being:-

1) Drainage
The water table at this point is only just below the surface, and this site is regularly underwater remaining so for many weeks, this has been getting worse in the last few years. The water leaves the site via the network of drains and ditches around the site, and they would not be able to sustain an increase in any run of from this site, as they are regularly seen to be almost overflowing. The water eventually finds its way via Yelverton Road into Gull Lane, both of which have springs which come to the surface causing the lanes to be flooded. At times this results in Yelverton Road being impassable due to the flooding. Gull Lane in particular (it was originally a gully hence the name Gull Lane)is seeing an unacceptable increase in traffic using it due to SatNavs directing vehicles from the A146 up the lane to get to Framingham Earl, including wagons over the statutory weight limits. This in turn results in serious erosion of the road surface. These lanes were never intended to carry the volumes of traffic now using them, should development go ahead, the lanes would then have to cope with construction traffic using the lane as a "short cut" further adding the dangers on the lanes.

2) Access
This site is on a very rural tree lined lane, with no pavements or street lights. Development on this site would increase considerably the volumes of traffic accessing the local schools, shops and other facilities in the area by using Hall Road and Long Road. This in turn increases the risks to pedestrians, cyclists (school children cycling to the local High School) and drivers, and as much of any construction traffic would also use these roads it all adds to the dangers.

3) Environment
This site is 65 meters from the boundary of the historic Grade 1 listed round tower church of St Andrews Framingham Earl and only 40 meters from the graveyard. Any development would have a severe impact on the setting of this historic church. The NPPF policy 132 states "Substantial harm to designated heritage assets of the highest significance-notably Grade 1 & Grade 2 listed buildings should be wholly exceptional" This site does fall into that category.
The area is well known for supporting a wide variety of wildlife, bats, buzzards, barn owls, tawny owls, roe deer, muntjac deer as well as frogs and newts. Development would destroy much of these important and valued habitats which give the area its very rural aspect.

For these reasons the parish council could not support the inclusion of this site within the plan.

Site 0391B Burgate Lane

This is another site which causes grave concerns to the residents and the parish council. It has all the same problems as site 0391A.

1) Drainage
The site is known to have standing water which drains into the ditches around the site, and as stated for site 0391A, it follows the same routes into Yelverton Road and onto Gull Lane, with all the attendant problems stated in the above submission regarding 0391A. Both sites have natural springs in and around their boundaries, which when the natural courses are disturbed by construction, resurface elsewhere creating problems for others living in the vicinity.

2) Access
The site is described as accessible to 2 primary schools, one in Framingham Earl and one in Alpington. It is stated in the GNLP that access to schools "should be within 2 miles of SAFE walking facilities". This is clearly not the case for this site. It can be over 2 miles to get to the B1332 using Burgate Lane and Hall Road, certainly not safe walking distance for anyone, let alone people with children walking to school along narrow windy unpaved lanes and having to do it 4 times a day. Therefore those journeys would be made by car adding yet more traffic to these narrow lanes. The junction from Burgate Lane onto Hall Road does not have safe sight lines now, add in all the extra vehicles a) during construction and b) from the development, it would not meet the NPPF policy 32 -of "safe suitable access for all people". These are all narrow single track lanes totally unsuited and unable to cope with any further increases in traffic.

3) Environment
This site is similar to site 0391A in supporting a wide range of wild life- bats, barn owls, tawny owls, buzzards, muntjac deer and roe deer. It also has two wet land areas on the boundaries and these have a variety of frogs and newts in them. Development would destroy much of this important and very much valued habitat which is an integral part of the rural setting of the area.

Therefore for all the reasons stated above for both sites 0391A and 0391B the parish council cannot support these sites being included in the plan.
Site GNLP 0003 Burgate Lane/Bella Vista

This site is totally outside the building boundary of Framingham Earl. It is situated on a very sharp narrow corner of Burgate Lane, and would have all the same access problems as sites 0391A & B. That is more than the 2 miles safe walking to the primary schools, and other facilities in Framingham Earl and Poringland. The volumes of traffic it would engender using this very narrow lane, which has very limited "passing "places makes access to the site inherently dangerous to all users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whilst we appreciate that there are many sites which have been put forward and that it may not be easy to visit them all. However, in certain areas, with known drainage problems, and sites being proposed that are in or near "lanes" it should be a necessity for officers to visit these sites rather than just relying on what can be seen from a desk top computer screen. We are sure it is fully appreciated that there is detailed hydrological data which can be assessed to ensure all surface water and drainage problems are effectively reviewed to minimize any potential flooding or associated ineffective drainage by not taking this data fully into account. This is of particular relevance to sites put forward in Framingham Earl, but also in the wider Poringland catchment area.
There has already been a vast amount of development in the area, the whole of Norfolk has seen 5% between 2010 and 2017 whereas Framingham Earl and Poringland has seen 10% twice as much as the rest of Norfolk.

Residents feel that they are being swamped and that the character of the two villages has been and will be irrevocably changed.

Site GNLP 0321 adjacent to B1332
We would support the possible development of this site. It is opposite the current development on the west of the B1332 by Bennett Homes. Traffic from this site GNLP0321 would have access to the B1332 without adding to the traffic passing through Framingham Earl/Poringland at peak times. However, as this road is very congested at peak times some form of traffic management (possibly a roundabout) would be required in order from traffic exiting the site and turning right in the direction of Norwich, to be able to do so quickly and safely. There would still be the woodland buffer between the development and the more residential parts along the main road. It would however be somewhat extending the boundary which is of concern to residents, as that could lead to the area being even more built-up in the future. Thereby destroying the open countryside aspect of the area, which at present gives a very definite boundary between the city and the countryside.

Site GNLP 0589A Pigot Lane

This site which is adjacent to the Earlsmead development on Pigot Lane would be a natural continuation. However, it must be borne in mind that there are grave concerns regarding the amount of extra traffic that further development along Pigot Lane would create. The EACH hospice being built at the west end of Pigot Lane will bring an increase in traffic and not all of it would necessarily be using the main B1332 to get to the hospice. Sat Navs direct traffic up Fox Road, Pigot Lane, from the A146 Lowestoft Road. These are narrow twisty lanes with no pavements or street lighting, they are not capable of sustaining big increases in traffic. The junction between Pigot Lane and Long Road is extremely hazardous as it is on a bend with limited sight lines, increases in traffic using that junction
will only exacerbate the dangers. One of the major concerns to residents is the well-known surface water and drainage problems in the whole of the Framingham Earl/Poringland area. Disturbance of the natural water courses increases the risk of flooding, and not necessarily on the site being developed, it just moves the problem elsewhere. This is also true for the many natural springs in the area.

Site GNLP 0589B Pigot Lane/Spur Lane

This site, known locally as the 40 Acre plantation, whilst it would look on paper an ideal site to be developed, it is a natural sandy heathland of which we are losing a great deal. In the GNLP document it says that one of the environments that should be protected is heathland. Our residents feel that this site would be better retained as an open space for recreation, considering the rapid loss of natural open areas within the parish. This is a haven for the local wildlife including bats, tawny owls, 3 species of woodpecker, muntjac and roe deer and it could become a welcome nature amenity to be enjoyed by all residents of the area, much as the Poringland Woods is enjoyed.

The EACH hospice (to the west of the site) chose this site as it would be in a woodland setting, giving quiet and peaceful surroundings, not sitting next to an big housing estate. A wildlife haven next to the hospice would enhance the outlook for all those using the hospice and bring a welcome area of natural tranquility. The Spur Lane, Pigot Lane and Long Road aspect is totally rural which is appreciated by residents, any housing development would destroy that tranquility.
Therefore as a parish council we could not support development on this site.

Site GNLP 0391A Hall |Road

This site is of very great concern to both the residents and the parish council. The reasons being:-

1) Drainage
The water table at this point is only just below the surface, and this site is regularly underwater remaining so for many weeks, this has been getting worse in the last few years. The water leaves the site via the network of drains and ditches around the site, and they would not be able to sustain an increase in any run of from this site, as they are regularly seen to be almost overflowing. The water eventually finds its way via Yelverton Road into Gull Lane, both of which have springs which come to the surface causing the lanes to be flooded. At times this results in Yelverton Road being impassable due to the flooding. Gull Lane in particular (it was originally a gully hence the name Gull Lane)is seeing an unacceptable increase in traffic using it due to SatNavs directing vehicles from the A146 up the lane to get to Framingham Earl, including wagons over the statutory weight limits. This in turn results in serious erosion of the road surface. These lanes were never intended to carry the volumes of traffic now using them, should development go ahead, the lanes would then have to cope with construction traffic using the lane as a "short cut" further adding the dangers on the lanes.

2) Access
This site is on a very rural tree lined lane, with no pavements or street lights. Development on this site would increase considerably the volumes of traffic accessing the local schools, shops and other facilities in the area by using Hall Road and Long Road. This in turn increases the risks to pedestrians, cyclists (school children cycling to the local High School) and drivers, and as much of any construction traffic would also use these roads it all adds to the dangers.

3) Environment
This site is 65 meters from the boundary of the historic Grade 1 listed round tower church of St Andrews Framingham Earl and only 40 meters from the graveyard. Any development would have a severe impact on the setting of this historic church. The NPPF policy 132 states "Substantial harm to designated heritage assets of the highest significance-notably Grade 1 & Grade 2 listed buildings should be wholly exceptional" This site does fall into that category.
The area is well known for supporting a wide variety of wildlife, bats, buzzards, barn owls, tawny owls, roe deer, muntjac deer as well as frogs and newts. Development would destroy much of these important and valued habitats which give the area its very rural aspect.

For these reasons the parish council could not support the inclusion of this site within the plan.

Site 0391B Burgate Lane

This is another site which causes grave concerns to the residents and the parish council. It has all the same problems as site 0391A.

1) Drainage
The site is known to have standing water which drains into the ditches around the site, and as stated for site 0391A, it follows the same routes into Yelverton Road and onto Gull Lane, with all the attendant problems stated in the above submission regarding 0391A. Both sites have natural springs in and around their boundaries, which when the natural courses are disturbed by construction, resurface elsewhere creating problems for others living in the vicinity.

2) Access
The site is described as accessible to 2 primary schools, one in Framingham Earl and one in Alpington. It is stated in the GNLP that access to schools "should be within 2 miles of SAFE walking facilities". This is clearly not the case for this site. It can be over 2 miles to get to the B1332 using Burgate Lane and Hall Road, certainly not safe walking distance for anyone, let alone people with children walking to school along narrow windy unpaved lanes and having to do it 4 times a day. Therefore those journeys would be made by car adding yet more traffic to these narrow lanes. The junction from Burgate Lane onto Hall Road does not have safe sight lines now, add in all the extra vehicles a) during construction and b) from the development, it would not meet the NPPF policy 32 -of "safe suitable access for all people". These are all narrow single track lanes totally unsuited and unable to cope with any further increases in traffic.

3) Environment
This site is similar to site 0391A in supporting a wide range of wild life- bats, barn owls, tawny owls, buzzards, muntjac deer and roe deer. It also has two wet land areas on the boundaries and these have a variety of frogs and newts in them. Development would destroy much of this important and very much valued habitat which is an integral part of the rural setting of the area.

Therefore for all the reasons stated above for both sites 0391A and 0391B the parish council cannot support these sites being included in the plan.
Site GNLP 0003 Burgate Lane/Bella Vista

This site is totally outside the building boundary of Framingham Earl. It is situated on a very sharp narrow corner of Burgate Lane, and would have all the same access problems as sites 0391A & B. That is more than the 2 miles safe walking to the primary schools, and other facilities in Framingham Earl and Poringland. The volumes of traffic it would engender using this very narrow lane, which has very limited "passing "places makes access to the site inherently dangerous to all users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whilst we appreciate that there are many sites which have been put forward and that it may not be easy to visit them all. However, in certain areas, with known drainage problems, and sites being proposed that are in or near "lanes" it should be a necessity for officers to visit these sites rather than just relying on what can be seen from a desk top computer screen. We are sure it is fully appreciated that there is detailed hydrological data which can be assessed to ensure all surface water and drainage problems are effectively reviewed to minimize any potential flooding or associated ineffective drainage by not taking this data fully into account. This is of particular relevance to sites put forward in Framingham Earl, but also in the wider Poringland catchment area.
There has already been a vast amount of development in the area, the whole of Norfolk has seen 5% between 2010 and 2017 whereas Framingham Earl and Poringland has seen 10% twice as much as the rest of Norfolk.

Residents feel that they are being swamped and that the character of the two villages has been and will be irrevocably changed.