Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy

Hethersett Parish Council concurs with the South Norfolk Council identification of 'unreasonable' as attached to ALL the sites allocated to Hethersett in the Section 18 document 2020. The Parish Council include in that a rejection of any construction on GNLP 04804 so maintaining the strategic gap between Wymondham and Hethersett as delineated by the agreed Local Plan 2016-2026.

It must be recognised (and stated as such) that Hethersett already has its maximum allocation of housing and not the 'minimum' of 1349 as mentioned in the Consultation Document as a commitment. All have been allocated under the still current plan of 2016.

The Parish Council notes too that a phased development plan should be in order so that sites with permission are used first and not land banked to increase market competitiveness.

Given we are approaching the 2050 Carbon Neutral Goal we must seriously address other sustainability issues of water usage, transport and well-being as impacted by development. This is the profit we need to invest in. The document merits proximity to a Primary School as an indicator of sustainability. The Parish Council considers that the GNLP will be incomplete without due consideration for the well being of its citizens which demands adequate attention to the medical, physical and ecological requirements of settlements. New housing must be placed within an infrastructure that can support and enhance and not create friction and overcrowding with ensuing problems.

There is an opportunity to lead on climate issues and housing which is missing from the plan. Items for example such as domestic energy features, the reduction of the Per Capita Consumption water rate and the creation of a linking green belt.

Hethersett Parish Council argues that the South Norfolk village cluster plan should also be available to public scrutiny and not be seen as distinct from the GNLP. It is also noted that the more recent figures from the National Office for Statistics for 2016 have not been used with a preference for those of 2014. The statistics from 2016 provide current commitments to cover housing need to 2038.

The Parish Council want to see that the environment is protected and that this is intrinsic to a Local Plan. A local plan that includes care for the well-being of all which will not allow for tokenism but listens and acts on the consultations made.