Object
Initial Consultation document
Representation ID: 92226
Received: 16/08/2018
Respondent: Ms Kim Fletcher
Please place on record my objection to proposals by Norfolk County Council to permit a silica extraction plant on land between the villages of Shouldham and Marham.
While I appreciate that the council has to meet obligations for the provision of such sites, I believe this proposal would be very damaging to these two villages - and in particular to Marham.
The council has produced a fascinating amount of research relating to the natural environment, historical sites and wildlife, but I do not think that work takes into account the unusual nature of Marham. Here, the RAF airfield in effect closes off one entire side of a village that has grown as a long, ribbon development along the main road. We make no complaint about that: the airfield was there long before us. As a result, however, the only real pedestrian access to open land is to the west, towards the Nar, across the very area that is proposed for the silica site.
I run that almost every weekend and often return to walk it in the afternoons. The footpath to the river takes me between arable land and fen used by a fascinating variety of birds, hares and roe deer. Early in the morning, I usually see at least one barn owl quartering the rough pasture. Later in the day I pass a number of walkers from the village, typically with dogs. It's strange to say this, given the rural location, but this is really the only open land we have within easy walking distance. The gatehouse at Pentney Abbey, on the other side of the Nar, is one of the most atmospheric historical landmarks I know. Whatever screening arrangements are made, I believe the site will destroy this area.
Marham is not blessed architecturally. We don't have a green, there is no natural centre. We already bear the brunt of aircraft noise and traffic to the airbase. That this is not a "chocolate box" location makes the natural amenity we do have, all the more precious. I urge you to reconsider your plans.
Please place on record my objection to proposals by Norfolk County Council to permit a silica extraction plant on land between the villages of Shouldham and Marham.
While I appreciate that the council has to meet obligations for the provision of such sites, I believe this proposal would be very damaging to these two villages - and in particular to Marham.
The council has produced a fascinating amount of research relating to the natural environment, historical sites and wildlife, but I do not think that work takes into account the unusual nature of Marham. Here, the RAF airfield in effect closes off one entire side of a village that has grown as a long, ribbon development along the main road. We make no complaint about that: the airfield was there long before us. As a result, however, the only real pedestrian access to open land is to the west, towards the Nar, across the very area that is proposed for the silica site.
I run that almost every weekend and often return to walk it in the afternoons. The footpath to the river takes me between arable land and fen used by a fascinating variety of birds, hares and roe deer. Early in the morning, I usually see at least one barn owl quartering the rough pasture. Later in the day I pass a number of walkers from the village, typically with dogs. It's strange to say this, given the rural location, but this is really the only open land we have within easy walking distance. The gatehouse at Pentney Abbey, on the other side of the Nar, is one of the most atmospheric historical landmarks I know. Whatever screening arrangements are made, I believe the site will destroy this area.
Marham is not blessed architecturally. We don't have a green, there is no natural centre. We already bear the brunt of aircraft noise and traffic to the airbase. That this is not a "chocolate box" location makes the natural amenity we do have, all the more precious. I urge you to reconsider your plans.