Object
Initial Consultation document
Representation ID: 92087
Received: 10/08/2018
Respondent: Dr C Richards
Thank you for your letter of 26 June 2018 notifying me that my address is located within 250 metres of a proposed mineral extraction site currently being considered as part of the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan Review.
I have reviewed the plans and whilst I appreciate the need to provide a large amount of silica sand for future use in Norfolk, I do not believe that the proposed site at Waveney Forest, Fritton is suitable. I have many different reasons for this belief but have limited my response to only 10 for the purposes of expediency:
1. Risk of dust to human health
This extraction is within 250 metres of my home and within a residential area. It poses a health risk to me and my family. I also have family members with asthma and chronic breathing problems. If this extraction goes ahead, they would not be able to visit severely affecting my family life.
2. Noise
Although the Roundhouse is secluded we do hear a significant amount of traffic noise from the Beccles Road, the train at Haddiscoe and the Bell Public House events. These are at considerable distance from the house and therefore, machinery within 250 metres will be extremely noisy and will adversely affect our quality of life due to noise pollution.
3. Services and access to the Roundhouse
The proposed access route is expected to be go over the track that leads to our property. Underneath this track, all major service cables are currently in use; electricity, water and telephone. It is extremely likely that these services may be damaged or cut off which is very concerning to us. Access to our property would also be negatively affected as the proposed access route goes over our track and would make it difficult for us to go out. There is no other access to our property rendering us potentially trapped at different times of the day when lorries would be in transit.
4. Traffic
Traffic levels are already high on the Beccles Road particularly with people going to Norwich for work. I am often delayed at the bridge at St Olaves trying to cross and this would be exacerbated by lorries and other machinery if the extraction goes ahead. Turning right out of New Road on to the Beccles Road is very challenging and traffic is often speeding which has led to near misses and accidents. The introduction of large gravel lorries would increase traffic and the potential for serious accident. If the lorries and equipment are brought into Fritton from the Bradwell direction there is a house very close to the turn in to the village which risks being hit already by large vehicles. St Olaves Bridge is also a single lane historical bridge and this would risk damage due to the weight and frequency of the equipment and lorries. Emergency service access is also likely to be adversely affected putting the lives of locals and tourists at risk due to delays.
5. World War History and Archaeological Remains
If this extraction goes ahead there is the potential loss of extremely important bunkers from World War 2, relics from World War 1 and also other remains archaeological remains as you have outlined in your review of the proposed site. I believe these should be protected as part of our national heritage and destroying them would be disrespectful to those who gave their lives during conflicts. I also think that archaeological treasures should be protected for future generations.
6. Wildlife
Living in the woods, I am very aware of the huge amount of wildlife and insects that are living in the woods. We have high numbers of bees, dragon flies, newts, butterflies in addition to many other types of mammals and birds. More recently we have seen buzzards flying over the woods and believe that the woods are essential to ensure that the biodiversity of the area is maintained. We also have bats that circle the house in the evening. It is well known that the numbers of insects including bees are in decline and the destruction of the woods would make this worse. We have also seen rare dragonflies in our garden including the Norfolk Hawker which is rare and protected.
7. Exercise and activity
Great Yarmouth is already known for its low rate of participation in exercise nationally. Taking away the woods will mean there will be no places for local people from Gorleston and Great Yarmouth to walk with their dogs, run or even ride bicycles. Waveney Forest offers a space for activity that is used regularly by locals and without this space there would be nowhere for families to walk or spend time having fun.
8. Tourism
Our local economy is highly dependent on jobs and activity related to tourism. If this quarry goes ahead it will have a negative impact on the River Waveney, the trade for local pubs, guest houses, the Boat Hire at Haddiscoe, Fritton Lake and the wider area. The Broads is a beautiful area that needs to be protected and this quarry would be within the park or certainly very close. When we purchased the house a year ago, it was purchased as being in the Great Yarmouth Borough. However upon moving in, we had a visit from the Broads Authority Planning Officer who has now confirmed that our home is in the National Park. This must mean that the Quarry is either in or very close to the Park too and this is likely to have a negative effect on the enjoyment and pleasure of tourists and locals too.
9. Horse Sanctuaries
We have two charities working with horses that are very close to the prospective site; Redwings and Hillside Animal Sanctuary. These horses have been moved to the area for peaceful retirement or following poor treatment. The introduction of a quarry will add noise and breathing difficulties for them.
10. Village life
Having a quarry in the middle of our village would also have a very negative impact on village life. I am getting to know my neighbours and have found them to be lovely but in the majority of cases more elderly. The impact of having a quarry with many lorries and dust each day is likely to affect their health and pleasure in retirement. The village is seeking to support elderly and isolated people by having events which are well attended at the village Hall. If the quarry goes ahead this positive support for the local community and supporting each other is likely to be negatively impacted.
I am very concerned about the proposal and would be willing to give many more reasons in opposition to it if this would be helpful. Please could you confirm receipt of my letter by email and provide me with details of what is the next stage in this process.
Thank you for your letter of 26 June 2018 notifying me that my address is located within 250 metres of a proposed mineral extraction site currently being considered as part of the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan Review.
I have reviewed the plans and whilst I appreciate the need to provide a large amount of silica sand for future use in Norfolk, I do not believe that the proposed site at Waveney Forest, Fritton is suitable. I have many different reasons for this belief but have limited my response to only 10 for the purposes of expediency:
1. Risk of dust to human health
This extraction is within 250 metres of my home and within a residential area. It poses a health risk to me and my family. I also have family members with asthma and chronic breathing problems. If this extraction goes ahead, they would not be able to visit severely affecting my family life.
2. Noise
Although the Roundhouse is secluded we do hear a significant amount of traffic noise from the Beccles Road, the train at Haddiscoe and the Bell Public House events. These are at considerable distance from the house and therefore, machinery within 250 metres will be extremely noisy and will adversely affect our quality of life due to noise pollution.
3. Services and access to the Roundhouse
The proposed access route is expected to be go over the track that leads to our property. Underneath this track, all major service cables are currently in use; electricity, water and telephone. It is extremely likely that these services may be damaged or cut off which is very concerning to us. Access to our property would also be negatively affected as the proposed access route goes over our track and would make it difficult for us to go out. There is no other access to our property rendering us potentially trapped at different times of the day when lorries would be in transit.
4. Traffic
Traffic levels are already high on the Beccles Road particularly with people going to Norwich for work. I am often delayed at the bridge at St Olaves trying to cross and this would be exacerbated by lorries and other machinery if the extraction goes ahead. Turning right out of New Road on to the Beccles Road is very challenging and traffic is often speeding which has led to near misses and accidents. The introduction of large gravel lorries would increase traffic and the potential for serious accident. If the lorries and equipment are brought into Fritton from the Bradwell direction there is a house very close to the turn in to the village which risks being hit already by large vehicles. St Olaves Bridge is also a single lane historical bridge and this would risk damage due to the weight and frequency of the equipment and lorries. Emergency service access is also likely to be adversely affected putting the lives of locals and tourists at risk due to delays.
5. World War History and Archaeological Remains
If this extraction goes ahead there is the potential loss of extremely important bunkers from World War 2, relics from World War 1 and also other remains archaeological remains as you have outlined in your review of the proposed site. I believe these should be protected as part of our national heritage and destroying them would be disrespectful to those who gave their lives during conflicts. I also think that archaeological treasures should be protected for future generations.
6. Wildlife
Living in the woods, I am very aware of the huge amount of wildlife and insects that are living in the woods. We have high numbers of bees, dragon flies, newts, butterflies in addition to many other types of mammals and birds. More recently we have seen buzzards flying over the woods and believe that the woods are essential to ensure that the biodiversity of the area is maintained. We also have bats that circle the house in the evening. It is well known that the numbers of insects including bees are in decline and the destruction of the woods would make this worse. We have also seen rare dragonflies in our garden including the Norfolk Hawker which is rare and protected.
7. Exercise and activity
Great Yarmouth is already known for its low rate of participation in exercise nationally. Taking away the woods will mean there will be no places for local people from Gorleston and Great Yarmouth to walk with their dogs, run or even ride bicycles. Waveney Forest offers a space for activity that is used regularly by locals and without this space there would be nowhere for families to walk or spend time having fun.
8. Tourism
Our local economy is highly dependent on jobs and activity related to tourism. If this quarry goes ahead it will have a negative impact on the River Waveney, the trade for local pubs, guest houses, the Boat Hire at Haddiscoe, Fritton Lake and the wider area. The Broads is a beautiful area that needs to be protected and this quarry would be within the park or certainly very close. When we purchased the house a year ago, it was purchased as being in the Great Yarmouth Borough. However upon moving in, we had a visit from the Broads Authority Planning Officer who has now confirmed that our home is in the National Park. This must mean that the Quarry is either in or very close to the Park too and this is likely to have a negative effect on the enjoyment and pleasure of tourists and locals too.
9. Horse Sanctuaries
We have two charities working with horses that are very close to the prospective site; Redwings and Hillside Animal Sanctuary. These horses have been moved to the area for peaceful retirement or following poor treatment. The introduction of a quarry will add noise and breathing difficulties for them.
10. Village life
Having a quarry in the middle of our village would also have a very negative impact on village life. I am getting to know my neighbours and have found them to be lovely but in the majority of cases more elderly. The impact of having a quarry with many lorries and dust each day is likely to affect their health and pleasure in retirement. The village is seeking to support elderly and isolated people by having events which are well attended at the village Hall. If the quarry goes ahead this positive support for the local community and supporting each other is likely to be negatively impacted.
I am very concerned about the proposal and would be willing to give many more reasons in opposition to it if this would be helpful. Please could you confirm receipt of my letter by email and provide me with details of what is the next stage in this process.