Greater Norwich Local Plan Gypsy and Traveller Sites Focused Consultation

Search representations

Results for Greening Wymondham search

New search New search

Comment

Greater Norwich Local Plan Gypsy and Traveller Sites Focused Consultation

Policy GNLP5005

Representation ID: 25204

Received: 19/03/2023

Respondent: Greening Wymondham

Number of people: 15

Representation Summary:

Roll Forward GNLP, comments on Strayground Lane proposed Travellers Site
Sites GNLP 5005 and GNLP 5023
History.
Despite the recent past use of the land either side of the lane for mineral extraction and waste disposal, it still retains the character and charm of a rural thoroughfare. Indeed the classification as a “byway open to all traffic” identifies that past history. The recent clearing of the site beyond the waste facility (see attached photo file) and enclosure with a brutal industrial style fence has adversely impacted on that lane and is detrimental to the character of the Bays River Valley County Wildlife Site. In contrast the large former gravel working site adjacent to Pear Tree Cottage at the bend of the lane is being restored by the owners and will be planted up. (ref the plan submitted with Planning Application 2022/1628) The restoration of former industrial sites for wildlife and public enjoyment is common practice in all areas of the country, for example coal pits and mine workings.
Future use of the site.
Most people have sympathy with the plight of the Travellers seeking a home. However the question of whether this site is a suitable one is not really about this case in particular. Use has made use of the minerals – gravel and sand – extracted here and the excavations used for waste disposal. It is now time to return the land to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been asked to consider making the area and possibly the River Tiffey, Toll’s Meadow and the Lizard into Claylands 2, a conservation Project designed to preserve and enhance wetland habitat. This would involve local people and volunteers and follow on from the first Claylands Project.
Strayground Lane is an important and popular route for walkers and cyclists. It gives access from the town centre via Toll’s Meadow and Cemetery Lane to the open countryside beyond. It is part of the Green Ribbons Strategy outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan which is soon to be approved.
Traffic Considerations
The route from the B1172 via Wharton’s Lane and Strayground Lane is very narrow and twisting, with poor visibility. Any volume of traffic using the lanes is in conflict with walkers and cyclists. The road is so narrow that pedestrians are forced to climb onto the verge so that vehicles can pass. Any improvements made to the road would risk losing the rural character and encroaching on the County Wildlife Site. The inadequacy of the access means that realistically further industrial use of sites along the Land would be ruled out.
Development of the proposed sites for up to twelve Travellers pitches is bound to create traffic movements of cars and Lorries. The distance from facilities such as schools, shops, and medical facilities means that the residents would tend to use their vehicles rather than walking. They will also be carrying on their businesses using Lorries as well. All this will bring vehicles into conflict with walkers and cyclists, thus continuing current problems. Any other development of the site would be accompanied by traffic conflict implications.
There is also the problem of poor visibility at the junction of Wharton’s Lane with the B1172. It seems difficult to see how this can be improved due to the bridge parapet over the adjacent Railway Line.

Supporting Documentary evidence.
When considering this proposal I would hope that the Inspectors would refer to the Appeal Decision 3246540 concerning the Travellers site on the B1172 London Road, Suton. I would refer them to the following comments because they seem relevant to the Strayground Lane sites:
“…I see no reason to dispute that the site is in open countryside and is away from local settlements.””…it was accepted that occupants of the site would be dependent on the car for access to local services. This is because of the realistic acceptance that culturally gipsies are most likely to drive but also because the surrounding network is not conducive to walking”
“…8 families with their dependants is a sizeable number of people without counting any visiting families traveling in the area. Within the context of the local settlement pattern the site amounts to a small village in its own right and with the numbers of people and its compact nature it would clearly dominate the locality and be contrary to DM 3.3 1(a)”
Impact on landscape and heritage assets
This section describes the impact on the locality, which in that case is “…pleasantly agricultural with fields bounded by hedges, trees and generally quiet rural lanes.”
Although the Strayground Lane site has a different character, that of a largely undisturbed wet land, intruded upon and degraded by industrial use. I would hope the Inspectors can give this the benefit of a similarly sympathetic landscape assessment.
Recent Publication.
I attach pages from a book recently published by local author Rosamunde Codling “Landscape a Common Place”, describing her thoughts when walking along Strayground Lane in the early days of the Covid lockdown. She sketches her feelings about a modest lane that forms an integral part of our understanding of our community. The book as a whole concerns the effect that our history has on our core feelings and enjoyment of our landscapes. There are only a few of the old lanes left in Wymondham and all are fragile, in danger of being damaged by development. They are much valued by the community and in particular by walkers note the outcry that resulted from trees being felled recently at Right-up Lane to facilitate housing development and a proposal to develop land at Lady’s Lane (221 1935).
Conclusion.
From the foregoing it must be apparent that objections to this proposal should not in the main be concerned with the use of the site by Travellers but with making sure that the site does not generate future traffic movement. That the peaceful tranquillity and sense of history of the lane is preserved and enhanced. That the site is restored to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site for general public enjoyment and that the importance of the lane as part of a primary walking route from the urban environment to open countryside is preserved and enhanced.
Ann Rostron and 14 other Members of the Greening Wymondham Committee Local environmental Group

Full text:

Roll Forward GNLP, comments on Strayground Lane proposed Travellers Site
Sites GNLP 5005 and GNLP 5023
History.
Despite the recent past use of the land either side of the lane for mineral extraction and waste disposal, it still retains the character and charm of a rural thoroughfare. Indeed the classification as a “byway open to all traffic” identifies that past history. The recent clearing of the site beyond the waste facility (see attached photo file) and enclosure with a brutal industrial style fence has adversely impacted on that lane and is detrimental to the character of the Bays River Valley County Wildlife Site. In contrast the large former gravel working site adjacent to Pear Tree Cottage at the bend of the lane is being restored by the owners and will be planted up. (ref the plan submitted with Planning Application 2022/1628) The restoration of former industrial sites for wildlife and public enjoyment is common practice in all areas of the country, for example coal pits and mine workings.
Future use of the site.
Most people have sympathy with the plight of the Travellers seeking a home. However the question of whether this site is a suitable one is not really about this case in particular. Use has made use of the minerals – gravel and sand – extracted here and the excavations used for waste disposal. It is now time to return the land to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been asked to consider making the area and possibly the River Tiffey, Toll’s Meadow and the Lizard into Claylands 2, a conservation Project designed to preserve and enhance wetland habitat. This would involve local people and volunteers and follow on from the first Claylands Project.
Strayground Lane is an important and popular route for walkers and cyclists. It gives access from the town centre via Toll’s Meadow and Cemetery Lane to the open countryside beyond. It is part of the Green Ribbons Strategy outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan which is soon to be approved.
Traffic Considerations
The route from the B1172 via Wharton’s Lane and Strayground Lane is very narrow and twisting, with poor visibility. Any volume of traffic using the lanes is in conflict with walkers and cyclists. The road is so narrow that pedestrians are forced to climb onto the verge so that vehicles can pass. Any improvements made to the road would risk losing the rural character and encroaching on the County Wildlife Site. The inadequacy of the access means that realistically further industrial use of sites along the Land would be ruled out.
Development of the proposed sites for up to twelve Travellers pitches is bound to create traffic movements of cars and Lorries. The distance from facilities such as schools, shops, and medical facilities means that the residents would tend to use their vehicles rather than walking. They will also be carrying on their businesses using Lorries as well. All this will bring vehicles into conflict with walkers and cyclists, thus continuing current problems. Any other development of the site would be accompanied by traffic conflict implications.
There is also the problem of poor visibility at the junction of Wharton’s Lane with the B1172. It seems difficult to see how this can be improved due to the bridge parapet over the adjacent Railway Line.

Supporting Documentary evidence.
When considering this proposal I would hope that the Inspectors would refer to the Appeal Decision 3246540 concerning the Travellers site on the B1172 London Road, Suton. I would refer them to the following comments because they seem relevant to the Strayground Lane sites:
“…I see no reason to dispute that the site is in open countryside and is away from local settlements.””…it was accepted that occupants of the site would be dependent on the car for access to local services. This is because of the realistic acceptance that culturally gipsies are most likely to drive but also because the surrounding network is not conducive to walking”
“…8 families with their dependants is a sizeable number of people without counting any visiting families traveling in the area. Within the context of the local settlement pattern the site amounts to a small village in its own right and with the numbers of people and its compact nature it would clearly dominate the locality and be contrary to DM 3.3 1(a)”
Impact on landscape and heritage assets
This section describes the impact on the locality, which in that case is “…pleasantly agricultural with fields bounded by hedges, trees and generally quiet rural lanes.”
Although the Strayground Lane site has a different character, that of a largely undisturbed wet land, intruded upon and degraded by industrial use. I would hope the Inspectors can give this the benefit of a similarly sympathetic landscape assessment.
Recent Publication.
I attach pages from a book recently published by local author Rosamunde Codling “Landscape a Common Place”, describing her thoughts when walking along Strayground Lane in the early days of the Covid lockdown. She sketches her feelings about a modest lane that forms an integral part of our understanding of our community. The book as a whole concerns the effect that our history has on our core feelings and enjoyment of our landscapes. There are only a few of the old lanes left in Wymondham and all are fragile, in danger of being damaged by development. They are much valued by the community and in particular by walkers note the outcry that resulted from trees being felled recently at Right-up Lane to facilitate housing development and a proposal to develop land at Lady’s Lane (221 1935).
Conclusion.
From the foregoing it must be apparent that objections to this proposal should not in the main be concerned with the use of the site by Travellers but with making sure that the site does not generate future traffic movement. That the peaceful tranquillity and sense of history of the lane is preserved and enhanced. That the site is restored to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site for general public enjoyment and that the importance of the lane as part of a primary walking route from the urban environment to open countryside is preserved and enhanced.
Ann Rostron and 14 other Members of the Greening Wymondham Committee Local environmental Group

Comment

Greater Norwich Local Plan Gypsy and Traveller Sites Focused Consultation

Policy GNLP5023

Representation ID: 25205

Received: 19/03/2023

Respondent: Greening Wymondham

Number of people: 15

Representation Summary:

Roll Forward GNLP, comments on Strayground Lane proposed Travellers Site
Sites GNLP 5005 and GNLP 5023
History.
Despite the recent past use of the land either side of the lane for mineral extraction and waste disposal, it still retains the character and charm of a rural thoroughfare. Indeed the classification as a “byway open to all traffic” identifies that past history. The recent clearing of the site beyond the waste facility (see attached photo file) and enclosure with a brutal industrial style fence has adversely impacted on that lane and is detrimental to the character of the Bays River Valley County Wildlife Site. In contrast the large former gravel working site adjacent to Pear Tree Cottage at the bend of the lane is being restored by the owners and will be planted up. (ref the plan submitted with Planning Application 2022/1628) The restoration of former industrial sites for wildlife and public enjoyment is common practice in all areas of the country, for example coal pits and mine workings.
Future use of the site.
Most people have sympathy with the plight of the Travellers seeking a home. However the question of whether this site is a suitable one is not really about this case in particular. Use has made use of the minerals – gravel and sand – extracted here and the excavations used for waste disposal. It is now time to return the land to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been asked to consider making the area and possibly the River Tiffey, Toll’s Meadow and the Lizard into Claylands 2, a conservation Project designed to preserve and enhance wetland habitat. This would involve local people and volunteers and follow on from the first Claylands Project.
Strayground Lane is an important and popular route for walkers and cyclists. It gives access from the town centre via Toll’s Meadow and Cemetery Lane to the open countryside beyond. It is part of the Green Ribbons Strategy outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan which is soon to be approved.
Traffic Considerations
The route from the B1172 via Wharton’s Lane and Strayground Lane is very narrow and twisting, with poor visibility. Any volume of traffic using the lanes is in conflict with walkers and cyclists. The road is so narrow that pedestrians are forced to climb onto the verge so that vehicles can pass. Any improvements made to the road would risk losing the rural character and encroaching on the County Wildlife Site. The inadequacy of the access means that realistically further industrial use of sites along the Land would be ruled out.
Development of the proposed sites for up to twelve Travellers pitches is bound to create traffic movements of cars and Lorries. The distance from facilities such as schools, shops, and medical facilities means that the residents would tend to use their vehicles rather than walking. They will also be carrying on their businesses using Lorries as well. All this will bring vehicles into conflict with walkers and cyclists, thus continuing current problems. Any other development of the site would be accompanied by traffic conflict implications.
There is also the problem of poor visibility at the junction of Wharton’s Lane with the B1172. It seems difficult to see how this can be improved due to the bridge parapet over the adjacent Railway Line.

Supporting Documentary evidence.
When considering this proposal I would hope that the Inspectors would refer to the Appeal Decision 3246540 concerning the Travellers site on the B1172 London Road, Suton. I would refer them to the following comments because they seem relevant to the Strayground Lane sites:
“…I see no reason to dispute that the site is in open countryside and is away from local settlements.””…it was accepted that occupants of the site would be dependent on the car for access to local services. This is because of the realistic acceptance that culturally gipsies are most likely to drive but also because the surrounding network is not conducive to walking”
“…8 families with their dependants is a sizeable number of people without counting any visiting families traveling in the area. Within the context of the local settlement pattern the site amounts to a small village in its own right and with the numbers of people and its compact nature it would clearly dominate the locality and be contrary to DM 3.3 1(a)”
Impact on landscape and heritage assets
This section describes the impact on the locality, which in that case is “…pleasantly agricultural with fields bounded by hedges, trees and generally quiet rural lanes.”
Although the Strayground Lane site has a different character, that of a largely undisturbed wet land, intruded upon and degraded by industrial use. I would hope the Inspectors can give this the benefit of a similarly sympathetic landscape assessment.
Recent Publication.
I attach pages from a book recently published by local author Rosamunde Codling “Landscape a Common Place”, describing her thoughts when walking along Strayground Lane in the early days of the Covid lockdown. She sketches her feelings about a modest lane that forms an integral part of our understanding of our community. The book as a whole concerns the effect that our history has on our core feelings and enjoyment of our landscapes. There are only a few of the old lanes left in Wymondham and all are fragile, in danger of being damaged by development. They are much valued by the community and in particular by walkers note the outcry that resulted from trees being felled recently at Right-up Lane to facilitate housing development and a proposal to develop land at Lady’s Lane (221 1935).
Conclusion.
From the foregoing it must be apparent that objections to this proposal should not in the main be concerned with the use of the site by Travellers but with making sure that the site does not generate future traffic movement. That the peaceful tranquillity and sense of history of the lane is preserved and enhanced. That the site is restored to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site for general public enjoyment and that the importance of the lane as part of a primary walking route from the urban environment to open countryside is preserved and enhanced.
Ann Rostron and 14 other Members of the Greening Wymondham Committee Local environmental Group

Full text:

Roll Forward GNLP, comments on Strayground Lane proposed Travellers Site
Sites GNLP 5005 and GNLP 5023
History.
Despite the recent past use of the land either side of the lane for mineral extraction and waste disposal, it still retains the character and charm of a rural thoroughfare. Indeed the classification as a “byway open to all traffic” identifies that past history. The recent clearing of the site beyond the waste facility (see attached photo file) and enclosure with a brutal industrial style fence has adversely impacted on that lane and is detrimental to the character of the Bays River Valley County Wildlife Site. In contrast the large former gravel working site adjacent to Pear Tree Cottage at the bend of the lane is being restored by the owners and will be planted up. (ref the plan submitted with Planning Application 2022/1628) The restoration of former industrial sites for wildlife and public enjoyment is common practice in all areas of the country, for example coal pits and mine workings.
Future use of the site.
Most people have sympathy with the plight of the Travellers seeking a home. However the question of whether this site is a suitable one is not really about this case in particular. Use has made use of the minerals – gravel and sand – extracted here and the excavations used for waste disposal. It is now time to return the land to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been asked to consider making the area and possibly the River Tiffey, Toll’s Meadow and the Lizard into Claylands 2, a conservation Project designed to preserve and enhance wetland habitat. This would involve local people and volunteers and follow on from the first Claylands Project.
Strayground Lane is an important and popular route for walkers and cyclists. It gives access from the town centre via Toll’s Meadow and Cemetery Lane to the open countryside beyond. It is part of the Green Ribbons Strategy outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan which is soon to be approved.
Traffic Considerations
The route from the B1172 via Wharton’s Lane and Strayground Lane is very narrow and twisting, with poor visibility. Any volume of traffic using the lanes is in conflict with walkers and cyclists. The road is so narrow that pedestrians are forced to climb onto the verge so that vehicles can pass. Any improvements made to the road would risk losing the rural character and encroaching on the County Wildlife Site. The inadequacy of the access means that realistically further industrial use of sites along the Land would be ruled out.
Development of the proposed sites for up to twelve Travellers pitches is bound to create traffic movements of cars and Lorries. The distance from facilities such as schools, shops, and medical facilities means that the residents would tend to use their vehicles rather than walking. They will also be carrying on their businesses using Lorries as well. All this will bring vehicles into conflict with walkers and cyclists, thus continuing current problems. Any other development of the site would be accompanied by traffic conflict implications.
There is also the problem of poor visibility at the junction of Wharton’s Lane with the B1172. It seems difficult to see how this can be improved due to the bridge parapet over the adjacent Railway Line.

Supporting Documentary evidence.
When considering this proposal I would hope that the Inspectors would refer to the Appeal Decision 3246540 concerning the Travellers site on the B1172 London Road, Suton. I would refer them to the following comments because they seem relevant to the Strayground Lane sites:
“…I see no reason to dispute that the site is in open countryside and is away from local settlements.””…it was accepted that occupants of the site would be dependent on the car for access to local services. This is because of the realistic acceptance that culturally gipsies are most likely to drive but also because the surrounding network is not conducive to walking”
“…8 families with their dependants is a sizeable number of people without counting any visiting families traveling in the area. Within the context of the local settlement pattern the site amounts to a small village in its own right and with the numbers of people and its compact nature it would clearly dominate the locality and be contrary to DM 3.3 1(a)”
Impact on landscape and heritage assets
This section describes the impact on the locality, which in that case is “…pleasantly agricultural with fields bounded by hedges, trees and generally quiet rural lanes.”
Although the Strayground Lane site has a different character, that of a largely undisturbed wet land, intruded upon and degraded by industrial use. I would hope the Inspectors can give this the benefit of a similarly sympathetic landscape assessment.
Recent Publication.
I attach pages from a book recently published by local author Rosamunde Codling “Landscape a Common Place”, describing her thoughts when walking along Strayground Lane in the early days of the Covid lockdown. She sketches her feelings about a modest lane that forms an integral part of our understanding of our community. The book as a whole concerns the effect that our history has on our core feelings and enjoyment of our landscapes. There are only a few of the old lanes left in Wymondham and all are fragile, in danger of being damaged by development. They are much valued by the community and in particular by walkers note the outcry that resulted from trees being felled recently at Right-up Lane to facilitate housing development and a proposal to develop land at Lady’s Lane (221 1935).
Conclusion.
From the foregoing it must be apparent that objections to this proposal should not in the main be concerned with the use of the site by Travellers but with making sure that the site does not generate future traffic movement. That the peaceful tranquillity and sense of history of the lane is preserved and enhanced. That the site is restored to nature as part of the Bays River County Wildlife Site for general public enjoyment and that the importance of the lane as part of a primary walking route from the urban environment to open countryside is preserved and enhanced.
Ann Rostron and 14 other Members of the Greening Wymondham Committee Local environmental Group

For instructions on how to use the system and make comments, please see our help guide.