Comment

Representation ID: 99146

Received: 28/09/2022

Respondent: Mr Rowland Dunn

I note that the Waveney Forest [MIN 38 a.k.a. Fritton Woods] has been excluded now from this situation and is not being considered for the extraction of sand and gravel again.
During the COVID 19 outbreak we have seen over the last few years the forest has been a great comfort to many hundreds of people as an escape from the issues and problems connected to the situation. It was very difficult for the people of Great Yarmouth not to maintain close contact with people to avoid contamination and this fresh air area which so many sought out helped not only with their health but also the mental wellbeing. I understand that the beaches were full, and the streets were restrictive due to traffic and safe distances being required so people sought out this refuge.
With the global warming that we are experiencing in particular this year [ and projected to get worse in coming years] there is a need for forests to help absorb the carbon dioxide, help which multiple organisations are now promoting tree planting so to destroy this valuable asset would have been detrimental.
I am led to believe Great Yarmouth is short of public amenity space and should this have been razed then there would have been even less for the community and its welfare.
It is an added attraction for visitors to the area not only for their health but the exercise of their dogs.
The wealth of wildlife is also an added attraction for visitors to the area not to mention the historic content from both WW1 and WW2.
You then have all the technical issues that I and others have put in our many submissions over the years.