Object
Initial Consultation document
Representation ID: 92187
Received: 14/08/2018
Respondent: Mr Brian Ferguson
Preferred Area for Silica Sand Extraction SIL02 and AOS E
I wish to lodge my strong objection to the sites mentioned above as preferred areas for silica sand extraction. I shall try to be brief.
Although it is my understanding that many aspects will fall for careful consideration and critical scrutiny, including cultural/ archaeological impact, environmental aspects, water issues (including the flood plain element), diversion of an ancient footpath from Marham to Pentney, trodden for a thousand years, noise, dust and road safety implications and the diminution in quality of life for all residents of Marham and Shouldham....despite this future analysis, I am very strongly of the opinion that these sites should not designated preferred areas.
My thinking is as follows. The sites are appx 1.5/2.5miles from RAF Marham. It is universally accepted that this base is absolutely pivotal in every sense, not least because of the streamlining of national defence structures, including closure of other RAF bases. If denuclearization were probable or likely, then the decision about preferred sites would be marginal at best. Sadly this is not the case and the world remains a very, very dangerous place, especially on Europe's eastern borders. It follows that our whole nation, not just Marham and Shouldham, relies upon the brave men and women based at RAF Marham. Indeed, it is both fair and true to say that it is not just our nation whom they safeguard, but also Europe/ EU and our NATO allies (which ironically includes Belgium!)
So to take even the slightest risk to adversely affect RAF Marham seems monumentally crass. This, of course, cuts no ice with either Sibelco or the owners of the land/ fen in question to whom money/ profit are far more important than security and defence. Shame on them !
On a humanitarian level, there are many retired RAF pensioners and staff who live in Marham and Shouldham. Is this a just way of rewarding their loyal service? Diminution of property value and increasing lifestyle anxiety are simply not right. And the families of serving RAF personnel already have unimaginable stress when loved ones are away on duty. Even the notion of awarding preferred status would be a real kick in the teeth for them.
For these fundamental reasons ie national/ regional security and the impact on the lives of our brave men and women and their families, these sites should most definitely not be awarded preferred status.
Preferred Area for Silica Sand Extraction SIL02 and AOS E
I wish to lodge my strong objection to the sites mentioned above as preferred areas for silica sand extraction. I shall try to be brief.
Although it is my understanding that many aspects will fall for careful consideration and critical scrutiny, including cultural/ archaeological impact, environmental aspects, water issues (including the flood plain element), diversion of an ancient footpath from Marham to Pentney, trodden for a thousand years, noise, dust and road safety implications and the diminution in quality of life for all residents of Marham and Shouldham....despite this future analysis, I am very strongly of the opinion that these sites should not designated preferred areas.
My thinking is as follows. The sites are appx 1.5/2.5miles from RAF Marham. It is universally accepted that this base is absolutely pivotal in every sense, not least because of the streamlining of national defence structures, including closure of other RAF bases. If denuclearization were probable or likely, then the decision about preferred sites would be marginal at best. Sadly this is not the case and the world remains a very, very dangerous place, especially on Europe's eastern borders. It follows that our whole nation, not just Marham and Shouldham, relies upon the brave men and women based at RAF Marham. Indeed, it is both fair and true to say that it is not just our nation whom they safeguard, but also Europe/ EU and our NATO allies (which ironically includes Belgium!)
So to take even the slightest risk to adversely affect RAF Marham seems monumentally crass. This, of course, cuts no ice with either Sibelco or the owners of the land/ fen in question to whom money/ profit are far more important than security and defence. Shame on them !
On a humanitarian level, there are many retired RAF pensioners and staff who live in Marham and Shouldham. Is this a just way of rewarding their loyal service? Diminution of property value and increasing lifestyle anxiety are simply not right. And the families of serving RAF personnel already have unimaginable stress when loved ones are away on duty. Even the notion of awarding preferred status would be a real kick in the teeth for them.
For these fundamental reasons ie national/ regional security and the impact on the lives of our brave men and women and their families, these sites should most definitely not be awarded preferred status.