I would like to add further to my original objection that I oppose both SIL 02 and AOS E. If you note this on my original objection.

Proposed Site SIL 02 As A Preferred Area for Silica Sand Extraction by SIBELCO UK Ltd Behind Spring Lane and Mere Plot Near Marham and Shouldham, Kings Lynn, NORFOLK. AOS E

Please accept this email as an objection to the above proposal.
I reside in the village of Marham I object to this planned development for the following reasons;

1. Environmental issues

If approved, the project will strip all vegetation, soil and clay from the fields to allow quarrying equipment access to the sand below. This will involve heavy duty equipment brought to the site - congestion and damage to already badly repaired/maintained roads, plus the noise, pollution and disruption to the villages affected by this project.

This large plot of land will be 'mined' for over 20 years, this WILL totally destroy the flora and fauna of this area and the landscape changed forever.

Nearly 400 hectares of good quality agricultural farmland will be destroyed. With an ever increasing population we as a nation, need to consider this land for agricultural rather than industrial uses.

Any screening or bunding of the site to mitigate noise and light pollution will ruin this beautiful landscape.
What will happen to the removed soil from the land stripping process?

2. Health and safety

The sand/silica/dust created has health and safety concerns. Sand and dust will easily reach properties in Marham and Shouldham, significantly affecting the health of the elderly, our children and those with pre-existing breathing difficulties.

3. Noise, dust and light pollution
The area is flat and this site will be visible to the majority of the residents of Marham, Marham being on higher ground than the proposed site. Screening will, therefore, be ineffective or so tall as to block all views across the Fen from both Marham and Shouldham. There is no bunding large enough to provide a barrier against the noise and light pollution this work will cause. The noise, dust and light pollution from the estimated 11 hour day land stripping and 24 hour a day 7 days a week dredging is totally unacceptable

4. The Water Table / Flood plain

The land is currently part of a HIGH RISK flood plain. The plan by Sibelco is to flood this area in order to dredge the sand. This will only increase the chance of future flooding in the area.
Any bunding and piles of surface soil and clay will only reduce the natural flow of water and increase the risk of flooding further.

5. Local community.

What is the value of the proposal to the local community and Britain? Sibelco is not a British company, its head offices are based in Belgium. The value of this type of sand is extremely profitable.

There will be no job benefits to the local community as the manpower required to run the planned dredging operations is less than the current services of those working the land. There will therefore be a reduction in jobs and absolutely no value or benefit of such a scheme to the local community.

6. Property Value
This site will significantly reduce the value of properties in and around Marham and Shouldham for at least the next 28 years.


7. Other
The proximity to RAF Marham and the danger to aircraft from increased bird activity due to the excavation and subsequent flooding of the site. This would be a catastrophic event for the aircrew, the aircraft and the community if there is a crash and a total waste of taxpayers money to replace or repair the aircraft.

In conclusion; the destruction of this rural setting, reduced appeal to visitors and residents in the future and quality of life for residents of both villages now, will be impacted severely with little to gain for the local population/area who will bear the brunt of this project. This project will make the area poorer but considerable profit for SIBELCO.
Please accept the above points as a formal objection to the proposed silica sand extraction site SIL 02 proposed by Sibelco UK Ltd.