To: Caroline Jeffery, Principal Planner (Minerals and Waste Policy) Norfolk County Council
Objection to Quarrying in AOS E at Shouldham and Marham, Norfolk
I object to silica sand mining taking place in the area of Area of Search (AOS) E and its surroundings as proposed in the Norfolk County Council Minerals& Waste Local Plan Preferred Options July 2019.
It is used for outdoor exercise by 1000s of people ; young and old. The loss of long-established woodlands would be devastating for mental health and physical well-being. It would be a disaster for the biodiversity of flora and fauna supported by that ecosystem.
The destruction of woodland, never to be restored, is unacceptable at a time when Gov'ts policy (Clean Growth strategy) is to increase the number of trees in the UK - "establish a new network of forests in England...plant 11 million trees." We are facing a Climate Crisis. Shouldham Warren is one of our precious plant's lungs, capturing 11,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The Warren provides clean air, home to precious biodiversity, valuable educational space for children and a recreational area well used by so many people.
"Our environment is our most precious inheritance", says DEFRA, so I urge Norfolk County Council to not allocate the woodlands and agricultural farmland in AOS E and remove AOS E from the Minerals & Waste Local Plan.

Comments
Please leave the woods and their creatures alone.