I have not been able to leave the following comments and objections on the website. So I need to send you the following Representations AGAINST the proposals and any future proposals for Extracting Minerals in the Woodrising and Southburgh Parishes:

Please add these to the files and the online Representations regarding MIN116 - land at Woodrising Road, Cranworth


RESIDENT'S VIEWS AND OBJECTION.
TO: Proposed Gravel Extraction:
AT: MIN 116 - land at Woodrising Road, Cranworth.
On behalf of both communities of Woodrising and Southburgh, and the individual/isolated dwelling owners in the proximity of the devastating proposal above; I would like to express our relief at the conclusion that:
M116.22 Conclusion: The site is considered to be unsuitable for allocation because:
* _Visual and amenity impact on the nearby dwellings would be unacceptable;
* _Local landscape impacts would be unacceptable;
* _The Highway Authority has raised concerns regarding the proposed highway access because the local road network is sub-standard and narrow. Woodrising Road would require widening and a right turn lane would be required at its junction with the B1108 to be made acceptable;
* _There is not a mineral operator promoting the proposed site and therefore the site is less deliverable than other sites that have been proposed for extraction.
The above conclusions not to proceed with this as a part of the Breckland Minerals Extraction Proposal, are definitive and should not allow for any appeal or future appeal to reconsider the site or indeed area of Woodrising and Southburgh for aggregate mineral extraction (or waste management). We would like to have included the following statements adding to those already concluded for NOT proceeding with the proposal:
M116.3,4,5,6,9,11,13,14: The area is clearly of the highest agricultural quality and of the highest rolling Norfolk landscape quality. It is the habitat for a number of declining UK species such as the Hare which retains a reasonable population, where as it is in serious decline in a number of neighbouring locations and other counties. The Red Kite (Bird of Prey) has in recent years established a growing number of nesting pairs and now can be regularly sighted. Both Barn Owls and Little Owls nest in the vicinity. With the later nesting in the Grade 1 Listed Woodrising Church, which has a designated conservation area of churchyard. One would challenge that this Grade 1 Listed Medieval Church is significantly closer to the proposed site than recorded in the proposal (certainly as-the-bird-flies). Many of the Church and Farm buildings provide for Bat populations. And a small but sustainable number of roe Deer live within the surrounding wooded habitats. These animals can be regularly seen roaming across the proposed site between the woodlands of Southburgh to the historically significant Woodrising Hall Estate woodland which close boarders the proposed site. This Wayland Plateau Farmland has a thriving Skylark population soaring and feeding above the proposed site and adjacent fields. Endangered species such as Hedgehogs, the Small Blue Butterfly, Weasels still maintain a habitat within the area. The recent report by Daniel Hayhow from the RSPB, lead author makes the clear case to save and maintain such habitats see Claire Marshall's BBC Science and Environment news report: "more than a quarter of UK mammals face extinction"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49892209


M116.2: The roads to and from the proposed site are, as has been determined, too narrow with single traffic ad-hoc passing places, and much of the route unable to accommodate haulage traffic. Verges and close hedgerows would be adversely damaged. The rights of local traffic roads users would be severely compromised. Significant finances would need to be spent on upgrading and maintaining the routes reducing the viability of the scheme. It is important to note that previous feasibility studies regarding mineral extraction within the area have been unapproved due to the poor level of Road Infrastructure.
M116.1,7,8,9: The owners of the Grade 2 Hurdlemaker's Cottage as will many other homeowners in the proximity and near vicinity, will find that their properties are unsalable. Home values within the area would be reduced generally. Homes within the area would experience significant increase in Noise and Dust Pollution. Hurdlemaker's Cottage would become uninhabitable and this Grade 2 Cottage would fall into dis-repair and dereliction.
M116.6: The farmland has experienced the enlarging of arable fields in recent decades and experienced the loss of significant hedgerows. The remaining Oaks Mark the line of previous hedgerow field boundaries and these have been close-ploughed and reduced prior to this feasibility application. This should not be allowed to continue unabated and the remaining Oaks should now be protected as Wayland Plateau Farmland and of Breckland Landscape Character.
M116.7: The Public Rights of Way bordering the proposed site of the historic Gypsy Lane and the Bridle Paths would be UNUSABLE.
M116.12,16: The area has a High Water Table as experienced by the local residents within winter months. I would therefore challenge the intention that extraction could be carried out 'Dry' and that the rare and uncommon plants at Scoulton Mere could indeed be threatened.