Object
Initial Consultation document
Representation ID: 92264
Received: 13/08/2018
Respondent: Mrs Pamela Clark
I am writing to formally place my objection to the proposal to site SIL 02
becoming an area for silica sand extraction, whether now or at any time in the future.
A change to the environment and landscape such as the one proposed would have an immediate, short term and long term detrimental and devasting effect on the rural communities of Marham and Shouldham.
Indeed, the proposal is already having an immediate and negative effect on our communities as it seems that due information processes about this proposal were not delivered adequately. Residents have had minimal time to properly consider, discuss, research and then respond to this damaging proposal.
However, my OBJECTION
On ENVIRONMENTAL and HEALTH grounds
Ecology
1. Concern for the detrimental impacts on ecology and biodiversity on surrounding precious sites e.g Bowl Wood (ancient woodland), River Nar & Marham Fen.
2. Concern regarding destruction of breeding habitats, particularly of endangered species, e.g voles, newts, the scarce Emerald Damselfly, Grizzled Skipper moth & Dingy Skipper moth.
3. Concern for birds on the conservation priority red list e.g Nightjar, Woodlark, Skylark, Lapwing, House Sparrow, Linnet, Yellow Hammer, Song Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipet and Grey Partridge.
4. Concern for the protected plant species growing in the forest areas adjacent to the area. Some of these are internationally rare and nationally scarce plant species. Impact on flora, fauna and wildlife may not be expected, but cannot be conclusively ruled out.
5. The River Nar SSSI and Core River Valley is adjacent to the proposed site. This outstanding chalk-bed river, and its adjacent terrestrial habitats will be vulnerable. Concern about impacts from mineral extraction including dust deposition and hydrogeology.
Health: noise & dust pollution
1. Marham already has significant noise pollution from the proximity of the village to RAF Marham adjacent to the south of the village.
2. There are unanswered health concerns relating to silica dust and links to silicosis and respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure to silica dust could be a significant risk to the community, particularly the health of the elderly.
3. The impact of the proposed extraction on the local water supply is unknown.
4. There will be noise. Sibelco have presented their most positive interpretation of the effect of this work. Inevitably, standards will fail/fall short. Site working will inevitably create noise and dust and light pollution.
5. The site is a high risk flood area. Extractions will increase that risk further when established drainage ditches are removed.
Damage to infrastructure
1. Local and main roads will be adversely affected by increased traffic, particularly HGVs and heavy plant. Local roads are already in a poor state.
2. Installation for above ground piping by Sibelco to Leziate will create untold damage .
3. A large extraction site would mean this ribbon village of Marham and its community would be completely hemmed in by significant non-rural and damaging activities. We already have the airbase of RAF Marham adjacent to the south of the village.
4. In addition, we also have the large and unsightly Anglian Water/ Sewerage works.
Landscape
1. Negative effect on health and well-being of residents whose present uninterrupted view across the fen landscape to the River Nar will be ruined. A main reason for choosing my home many years ago was the long uninterrupted and peaceful rural view.
2. Negative impact on the open nature of the landscape.
3. Loss of footpaths and Rights of Way. Currently used by many for leisure and health.
4. Negative impact on the Scheduled Monument Pentney Priory Gatehouse and Grade 1 Remains of an Augustinian Priory.
Archaeology
1. The significant Historic Environment records of pre-historic to Late Neolithic finds plus other finds from later periods are of singular importance. There is the possibility of an Iron Age settlement and the possibility of other as yet unknown precious archaeological finds.
Finally, the proposal Site SIL 02 land at Shouldham & Marham contains nothing about the devastating effect of this development on the two rural communities of Shouldham & Marham. The legacy could be damaged health and quality of life of humans, animals and plants. The destruction of a site that could be abandoned as an industrial wasteland or used for landfill.
I am writing to formally place my objection to the proposal to site SIL 02
becoming an area for silica sand extraction, whether now or at any time in the future.
A change to the environment and landscape such as the one proposed would have an immediate, short term and long term detrimental and devasting effect on the rural communities of Marham and Shouldham.
Indeed, the proposal is already having an immediate and negative effect on our communities as it seems that due information processes about this proposal were not delivered adequately. Residents have had minimal time to properly consider, discuss, research and then respond to this damaging proposal.
However, my OBJECTION
On ENVIRONMENTAL and HEALTH grounds
Ecology
1. Concern for the detrimental impacts on ecology and biodiversity on surrounding precious sites e.g Bowl Wood (ancient woodland), River Nar & Marham Fen.
2. Concern regarding destruction of breeding habitats, particularly of endangered species, e.g voles, newts, the scarce Emerald Damselfly, Grizzled Skipper moth & Dingy Skipper moth.
3. Concern for birds on the conservation priority red list e.g Nightjar, Woodlark, Skylark, Lapwing, House Sparrow, Linnet, Yellow Hammer, Song Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipet and Grey Partridge.
4. Concern for the protected plant species growing in the forest areas adjacent to the area. Some of these are internationally rare and nationally scarce plant species. Impact on flora, fauna and wildlife may not be expected, but cannot be conclusively ruled out.
5. The River Nar SSSI and Core River Valley is adjacent to the proposed site. This outstanding chalk-bed river, and its adjacent terrestrial habitats will be vulnerable. Concern about impacts from mineral extraction including dust deposition and hydrogeology.
Health: noise & dust pollution
1. Marham already has significant noise pollution from the proximity of the village to RAF Marham adjacent to the south of the village.
2. There are unanswered health concerns relating to silica dust and links to silicosis and respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure to silica dust could be a significant risk to the community, particularly the health of the elderly.
3. The impact of the proposed extraction on the local water supply is unknown.
4. There will be noise. Sibelco have presented their most positive interpretation of the effect of this work. Inevitably, standards will fail/fall short. Site working will inevitably create noise and dust and light pollution.
5. The site is a high risk flood area. Extractions will increase that risk further when established drainage ditches are removed.
Damage to infrastructure
1. Local and main roads will be adversely affected by increased traffic, particularly HGVs and heavy plant. Local roads are already in a poor state.
2. Installation for above ground piping by Sibelco to Leziate will create untold damage .
3. A large extraction site would mean this ribbon village of Marham and its community would be completely hemmed in by significant non-rural and damaging activities. We already have the airbase of RAF Marham adjacent to the south of the village.
4. In addition, we also have the large and unsightly Anglian Water/ Sewerage works.
Landscape
1. Negative effect on health and well-being of residents whose present uninterrupted view across the fen landscape to the River Nar will be ruined. A main reason for choosing my home many years ago was the long uninterrupted and peaceful rural view.
2. Negative impact on the open nature of the landscape.
3. Loss of footpaths and Rights of Way. Currently used by many for leisure and health.
4. Negative impact on the Scheduled Monument Pentney Priory Gatehouse and Grade 1 Remains of an Augustinian Priory.
Archaeology
1. The significant Historic Environment records of pre-historic to Late Neolithic finds plus other finds from later periods are of singular importance. There is the possibility of an Iron Age settlement and the possibility of other as yet unknown precious archaeological finds.
Finally, the proposal Site SIL 02 land at Shouldham & Marham contains nothing about the devastating effect of this development on the two rural communities of Shouldham & Marham. The legacy could be damaged health and quality of life of humans, animals and plants. The destruction of a site that could be abandoned as an industrial wasteland or used for landfill.