Object
Initial Consultation document
Representation ID: 92199
Received: 15/08/2018
Respondent: Mrs Jane Bradley
Re: Proposed Silica Sand Extraction Sites SIL 02 and AOS E
I wish to object unreservedly regarding the proposal for the above sites for the extraction of silica sand. I appreciate that there will be a need for silica sand in the future, but I firmly believe that this would have a devastating effect, not only on the villages of Marham and Shouldham, but also, on the surrounding environment including the villages of Pentney, Wormegay, Fincham and Narborough. My objections are based on the following grounds:
Health, Safety and Environment:
Firstly, I believe the Sibelco representative to be totally wrong when he stated at a recent meeting that the use of bunding or barriers will ensure that Marham village will not be affected by noise, dust or light from the excavation. I fail to see how this could possibly be effective as Marham is located on an elevated site, so what is now a stunning view of fenland, fields and forest will be permanently destroyed.
The continual 'hum', (the word used by the Sibelco representative) will be totally unacceptable for people who have chosen to live in a rural location. Although residents already experience some aircraft noise from RAF Marham, this only occurs in short bursts and on an irregular basis. Light pollution will also have a disastrous effect on the bats and other nocturnal wildlife which live here and the absolute darkness is another feature enjoyed by many people in the village.
It is a well-known fact that silica dust has close links to silicosis and other respiratory diseases which, therefore, violates residents' rights (European Convention on Human Rights, (Article 2) and there are many particularly vulnerable people residing in these villages.
Ecology: The destruction of such a vast area of fen and agricultural land, would have a devastating effect on the wildlife here at present. This includes voles, newts, moths, damselflies, and many species of birds, including buzzards, red kite and owls. With the diminishing numbers of many species, we cannot afford to destroy this valuable habitat.
Similarly, the River Nar is of significant global importance as a chalk stream supporting a diversity of wildlife. It is a designated SSSI and I fail to see how any restoration could possibly remedy the detrimental impact caused.
Landscape and Amenities: This area is used frequently by children from the two local schools in their studies of wildlife, rivers and history. Should this proposal go ahead, the south-western end of Marham village would become completely cut off from the river Nar, making it impossible for children to fulfil these studies. Currently, there is a huge initiative to encourage both children and adults to learn about their environment and to understand the benefits to their mental health, well-being, etc., by being able to enjoy fresh air and pleasant scenery.
The proposed area also includes many ancient footpaths which are used extensively by both residents and people from further afield. These would, of course, be permanently destroyed.
With no proposed route, as yet, for the option of piping the sand to Leziate, one wonders how many other people's lives will be affected by this proposal.
Benefits to the villages:
I cannot see any.
Instead, I see a bleak future of: reduction in house values making it difficult for residents to move, a loss of open space to enjoy, continual pollution by noise, light and dust and a depressing legacy for our children and grandchildren.
In conclusion, I am strongly of the opinion that these proposals have given no consideration to the resulting effects on the lives of the current residents and the lives of the population in the future.
Re: Proposed Silica Sand Extraction Sites SIL 02 and AOS E
I wish to object unreservedly regarding the proposal for the above sites for the extraction of silica sand. I appreciate that there will be a need for silica sand in the future, but I firmly believe that this would have a devastating effect, not only on the villages of Marham and Shouldham, but also, on the surrounding environment including the villages of Pentney, Wormegay, Fincham and Narborough. My objections are based on the following grounds:
Health, Safety and Environment:
Firstly, I believe the Sibelco representative to be totally wrong when he stated at a recent meeting that the use of bunding or barriers will ensure that Marham village will not be affected by noise, dust or light from the excavation. I fail to see how this could possibly be effective as Marham is located on an elevated site, so what is now a stunning view of fenland, fields and forest will be permanently destroyed.
The continual 'hum', (the word used by the Sibelco representative) will be totally unacceptable for people who have chosen to live in a rural location. Although residents already experience some aircraft noise from RAF Marham, this only occurs in short bursts and on an irregular basis. Light pollution will also have a disastrous effect on the bats and other nocturnal wildlife which live here and the absolute darkness is another feature enjoyed by many people in the village.
It is a well-known fact that silica dust has close links to silicosis and other respiratory diseases which, therefore, violates residents' rights (European Convention on Human Rights, (Article 2) and there are many particularly vulnerable people residing in these villages.
Ecology: The destruction of such a vast area of fen and agricultural land, would have a devastating effect on the wildlife here at present. This includes voles, newts, moths, damselflies, and many species of birds, including buzzards, red kite and owls. With the diminishing numbers of many species, we cannot afford to destroy this valuable habitat.
Similarly, the River Nar is of significant global importance as a chalk stream supporting a diversity of wildlife. It is a designated SSSI and I fail to see how any restoration could possibly remedy the detrimental impact caused.
Landscape and Amenities: This area is used frequently by children from the two local schools in their studies of wildlife, rivers and history. Should this proposal go ahead, the south-western end of Marham village would become completely cut off from the river Nar, making it impossible for children to fulfil these studies. Currently, there is a huge initiative to encourage both children and adults to learn about their environment and to understand the benefits to their mental health, well-being, etc., by being able to enjoy fresh air and pleasant scenery.
The proposed area also includes many ancient footpaths which are used extensively by both residents and people from further afield. These would, of course, be permanently destroyed.
With no proposed route, as yet, for the option of piping the sand to Leziate, one wonders how many other people's lives will be affected by this proposal.
Benefits to the villages:
I cannot see any.
Instead, I see a bleak future of: reduction in house values making it difficult for residents to move, a loss of open space to enjoy, continual pollution by noise, light and dust and a depressing legacy for our children and grandchildren.
In conclusion, I am strongly of the opinion that these proposals have given no consideration to the resulting effects on the lives of the current residents and the lives of the population in the future.