Object

Initial Consultation document

Representation ID: 92303

Received: 12/08/2018

Respondent: Mr & Mrs S & M Beardmore

Representation Summary:

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Silica Sand Extraction proposal as detailed under SIL 02 and AOS-E (located between Shouldham and Marham villages).
I was unware of this significant planning proposal and feel uneasy with a rushed approached to gather assurances and information before permission is considered. This major industrial site, so close to my residence and leisure space, will clearly have impact to my family.
Areas of Objection in no particular order are:
Scenic Views. The proposed area sits next to the river Nar and Shouldham Warren, surrounded by prime agriculture land. The introduction of an industrial site in this area will devastate this beautiful views, both during operations and when decommissioned in the future. The area is used by not only villagers by a significant number of people for both walking and our pursuits such a mountain biking. Impact on footpaths and entry and exit to the Warren is unknown.
Environment Pollution. There are no guarantees or assurances of the impact to the village of Shouldham on the pollution this site will generate. This industrial complex will generated dust, noise and light population which has not been quantified accurately. The village's idyllic rural setting will likely be heavily tarnished by the presence of a pollution generating site within such close proximity.
The impact to the beautiful river Nar, the wildlife is all undetermined and at least requires a significate survey to understand the impact.
Financial/ Monetary. The value of property and land in the area is now in freefall, based on the uncertainty of this proposal and its potential impact.
Villagers of both Shouldham and Marham have purchased premium property under the indeed justified assumption it's tranquil and non-industrial surroundings remain intact. The proposed threat to this will certainly affect property values in the foreseeable future.
Vehicle Impact to Shouldham. Access to this site, both during construction and during operations, is unknown. Shouldham village access is extremely limited with narrow roads, a large elderly population and a well-established and increasingly popular primary school. We already suffer from large buses and speeding agriculture vehicles just about navigating their way safely through the village. Apart from the clear logistical and safety issues for the site vehicles, the village and surrounding warren are a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and others wishing to enjoy the countryside. This community would almost certainly be affected by increased traffic.
Unknown Future/ Decommission. The site has a limited period of effective use, the future is unknown and this unsettles the local residences. Although there may be promises of restoring the site back to farm land, this can never be guaranteed. The fear is the area will be turned into a Land Fill site which would have a clearly devastating impact on all.
Heath Concerns. Silica Sand and the particle's in dust are reported to have health concerns. These concerns need quantifying and local residents require credible
independent assurances that they will not be effected.
Admittedly, I am not a professional on any of the areas listed above, however through research into your project and others I feel it necessary to raise these issues. As a resident of Shouldham for over 15 years, I would be devasted if your proposal lead to the eventual diminishing of vibrant village. Transparency is primarily what us, as residents, require in order to make our individual assessments on what you are proposing. Without the facts, we cannot begin to do so.

Full text:

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Silica Sand Extraction proposal as detailed under SIL 02 and AOS-E (located between Shouldham and Marham villages).
I was unware of this significant planning proposal and feel uneasy with a rushed approached to gather assurances and information before permission is considered. This major industrial site, so close to my residence and leisure space, will clearly have impact to my family.
Areas of Objection in no particular order are:
Scenic Views. The proposed area sits next to the river Nar and Shouldham Warren,
surrounded by prime agriculture land. The introduction of an industrial site in this area will devastate this beautiful views, both during operations and when decommissioned in the future. The area is used by not only villagers by a significant number of people for both walking and our pursuits such a mountain biking. Impact on footpaths and entry and exit to the Warren is unknown.
Environment Pollution. There are no guarantees or assurances of the impact to the village of Shouldham on the pollution this site will generate. This industrial complex will generated dust, noise and light population which has not been quantified accurately. The village's idyllic rural setting will likely be heavily tarnished by the presence of a pollution generating site within such close proximity.
The impact to the beautiful river Nar, the wildlife is all undetermined and at least requires a significate survey to understand the impact.
Financial/ Monetary. The value of property and land in the area is now in freefall, based on the uncertainty of this proposal and its potential impact.
Villagers of both Shouldham and Marham have purchased premium property under the indeed justified assumption it's tranquil and non-industrial surroundings remain intact. The proposed threat to this will certainly affect property values in the foreseeable future.
Vehicle Impact to Shouldham. Access to this site, both during construction and during operations, is unknown. Shouldham village access is extremely limited with narrow roads, a large elderly population and a well-established and increasingly popular primary school. We already suffer from large buses and speeding agriculture vehicles just about navigating their way safely through the village. Apart from the clear logistical and safety issues for the site vehicles, the village and surrounding warren are a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and others wishing to enjoy the countryside. This community would almost certainly be affected by increased traffic.
Unknown Future/ Decommission. The site has a limited period of effective use, the future is unknown and this unsettles the local residences. Although there may be promises of restoring the site back to farm land, this can never be guaranteed. The fear is the area will be turned into a Land Fill site which would have a clearly devastating impact on all.
Heath Concerns. Silica Sand and the particle's in dust are reported to have health
concerns. These concerns need quantifying and local residents require credible
independent assurances that they will not be effected.
Admittedly, I am not a professional on any of the areas listed above, however through research into your project and others I feel it necessary to raise these issues. As a resident of Shouldham for over 15 years, I would be devasted if your proposal lead to the eventual diminishing of vibrant village. Transparency is primarily what us, as residents, require in order to make our individual assessments on what you are proposing. Without the facts, we cannot begin to do so.