MIN 213 - land at Mansom Plantation, Stratton Strawless

Object

Representation ID: 94128

Received: 13/10/2019

Respondent: Mrs Julie Witting

As a resident of Shortthorn Rd I feel that this site is unsuitable due to the difficulties we experience in trying to exit Shortthorn Rd already on our daily commute to work. We feel that an additional 76 highway movements (mostly HGV) will make this more difficult. The junction of Shortthorn Rd, Parish Rd and the a140 is already an accident black spot without adding these extra HGV movements. Mansom Plantation contains a lot of deer, both Roe and Muntjac, this loud and dusty development would have a very detrimental impact on their habitat. The original spoke of retaining trees.

Object

Representation ID: 94204

Received: 14/10/2019

Respondent: Tony Bruce

I object to the above scheme on the following basis

1. Noise and dust pollution - local resident appear to have been overlooked in the initial report and how the proposed site will impact on their lives and wellbeing.
2. Increased heavy haulage traffic on Shortthorn Road, a road that has NO footpaths or street lighting for local residents and children
3. The initial report does not take into consideration the welfare and impact on local residents
4. The proposed scheme will have a huge impact on local wildlife and breeding grounds - Has an Ecological Assessment been commissioned as this woodland is a known breeding ground for Brown Long Eared Bats
5. The desecration of over 50 Acres of Woodland will have a major impact on the environment

Comment

Representation ID: 94264

Received: 15/10/2019

Respondent: Mrs Joanne Keeler

I have read through all of the documents and I don't really have a problem with this proposed site but I am very concerned about the traffic movements.
The A140 is a very bust road and the junction which the lorries will come out of onto the A140 is a very busy and fast bit of road.
My suggestion is to put a roundabout in the road. This would slow the traffic down on the A140 and it would improve traffic flow.
The road opposite (Parish Road) gets used a lot and I feel if you do not put a roundabout in there would be a very serious accident.
I do hope that you take my comment seriously

Object

Representation ID: 95612

Received: 22/10/2019

Respondent: Mrs Gillian Williams

Although I am not a resident, I have close ties with the Parish of Stratton Strawless and I strongly OBJECT to Norfolk County Council's proposed use of Mansom Plantation, Shortthorn Road as one of their preferred sites for the extraction of sand and gravel as per their Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

I OBJECT on the grounds of both the environmental and safety impacts of this proposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL:
* The Earth is already in crisis. I refer to the Friends of the Earth report that was published on the 8th October and their recommendations which were based upon the performance of every Council in the country. Catherine Rowett, a Green Party Member of the European Parliament said, "This assessment from Friends of the Earth shows that Authorities at all levels have to seriously step up their efforts if we are to stand the remotest chance of leaving a safe world for our children. We have very little time left to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown. Many of the solutions are readily available with little effort and we need to embark on implementing those changes without delay." One of the recommendations being more trees - not as being proposed cutting down approximately 50 acres of woodland! https://norwich.greenparty.org.uk/news/2019/10/08/more-trees,-warmer-homes,-fewer-cars-what-greater-norwich-needs-to-tackle-climate-emergency/

* Mansom Plantation is currently the home to a variety of wildlife, including the Great Crested Newt and it's also a migrating route for deer. Our countryside should be protected, and I feel disgusted with the proposal to destroy these wildlife habitats.

* The excavation and processing plants will generate high levels of noise and dust pollution.
* The existing ponds within this site should be protected and it's highly likely that the water table will be affected by extraction.
* Planning permission has already been granted for a holiday lodge park on the site and its landscape plan to protect trees exists as a part of this permission.

SAFETY:
* It has been predicted that a site such as this would increase traffic movements by 76 vehicles a day. Not only does this increase levels of pollution to the residents of Shortthorn Road, my greatest fear is of a fatality/serious injury. Being a frequent visitor to Stratton Strawless, I am fully aware that the pulling out from Shortthorn Road onto the A140 is a dangerous junction at ANY time of the day. I predict that it will only be a matter of time before one of these slow-moving lorries pulls out and causes serious injury/ a fatality. It was only a few weeks back in the summer of 2019 that someone had to be air-lifted for medical treatment following a traffic incident at this very junction.

Please support my objections to prevent further environmental impacts of the Earth with the widespread destruction of Mansom Plantation.

Object

Representation ID: 95613

Received: 09/10/2019

Respondent: Mrs Sarah Buchan

I would like to register my concerns about this proposal. Since the NDR has been opened and the new housing developments in Aylsham the traffic along the A140 and Shortthorn Road has increased immensely. As a regular pedestrian along this road I have been run off into the grass verge on several occasions due to large lorries and speeding vehicles. The vehicles from the Felthorpe proposed site will also use this road in addition to the ones for the Shortthorn site as no one will be there to police they turn east. There is not enough room for vehicles to pass bikes and pedestrians now.

The site is beautiful with the trees and habitats for many animals and deer and this will decimate that for them and us to enjoy.

Object

Representation ID: 95614

Received: 08/10/2019

Respondent: Mrs Ann Cullum

My objections to the proposed sand and gravel extraction from Manson Plantation are as follows

The heavy lorries coming onto the A140 would be an added nightmare, there have been so many accidents at that junction over the years that added heavily laden lorries would make it much worse.
Also which roadways would they then be going onto? if it where either Parish road or Waterloo road to cut across country that would be much worse as those roads are not wide enough.
Wildlife would suffer, many Deer roam in that area, gravel workings would most likely drive them out onto the roads while they are trying to access their usual browsing grounds.
Noise is another point, living in a Park Home at Stratton Strawless, our insulation isn't up to brick build homes and constant noise would be terrible, loud noises do travel, such as the noise from the shooting range on weekends, which we all have to endure, while just wanting a quite time in our homes and gardens.

Object

Representation ID: 95620

Received: 22/10/2019

Respondent: Mr Jack Buckles

RE: Gravel Pit down Short-Thorn road, Norwich.

I am writing this email in regards of the construction of the gravel pit.

Me and my family have lived down short thorn for years, the reason we moved to the area is because it's such a peaceful place and open place for wildlife, good place for kids to play and not worry about traffic so much.

I have red your letter and I must say I do not agree with the plan of a gravel pit. It will disturb everyone who lives down there including myself and everyone who didn't just pay for their houses but the peacefulness and wildlife to go with it.
When my nephew comes and visits we go on walks on the fields and through the woods and I teach him about the wildlife and see what sort of wildlife we come across from different kind of birds to deers, badgers etc. I do not want him to be coming down to a gravel pit where he cannot learn anything but how noisy and how much distress it will cause for everyone in the area.

I hope with this email you understand from my point of few and I'm sure with many others who strongly agree that there isn't many places no more where you can teach your kids or family members about the wildlife and really see it in action. I enjoy the peacefulness as well as enjoy the wildlife that is around us.

Object

Representation ID: 95622

Received: 09/10/2019

Respondent: Miss Julia Staff

I would like to take the opportunity to strongly raise my own and my families objections to this proposal.

We moved to Stratton Strawless a couple of years ago after living in Hellesdon for many years, our primary reason for moving was the never ending traffic and noise that seems to have become a constant for Hellesdon, I grew up there as a girl, Hellesdon used to be a really nice place to live but not anymore.

We love the quality of life and peace and quiet we have found at Woodland View. But even with the improvement in our quality of life we still face traffic noise from the already very busy A140, in addition our son goes to Hellesdon High School and has to cross the dangerous A140 everyday getting on and off the bus, we have asked for the speed to be reduced to 40 mph to make it safer crossing the road outside the Hall, or for some formal help to be put in place such as a crossing but for some reason the fact that over 200 residents live on this site many of whom are disabled or elderly does not seem to matter to the council. Since we have lived here there have been several accidents involving residents trying to cross the road, an elderly man was knocked over last year and broke his arm, plus turning in and out of the site is dangerous as well as cars are travelling fast and don't want to slow down .

We have also seen and heard the consequences of major accidents at the short thorn road junction over the years and the many accidents along the A140 involving deer and vehicles. It is staggering to us that the council would see fit to make this already dangerous situation worse by allowing so many more vehicles access to the road especially large ones like lorries. The roads here are already dangerous at many times of the year with mud from the fields and farmers going about their work.

People live in rural areas because they want to enjoy a certain quality of life enjoying peace and quiet and wildlife and nature, this proposal is offensive on so many levels. Surely the holiday park lodge with the protection of trees is a far better option taking into account all of the above points?

We already feel aggrieved about paying our council tax, living in rural areas you accept you don't get a lot of resources and services for your money, you accept that you have to travel further to access many of the things you need in life but it is worth it because you live somewhere quiet and peaceful where you can enjoy your local environment walking and looking at nature.

So for my family and many others living nearby this proposal is both offensive and deeply sad!

Object

Representation ID: 98018

Received: 09/10/2019

Respondent: Ellie Lince

I'm emailing you today in regards to the proposal by Cemex of the Mansom Plantation.

As a resident of Stratton Strawless I am extremely concerned by the proposals. This area, it's a beautiful and peaceful place to live; living in the countryside and amongst all the wildlife is a pleasure. I'm extremely against this proposal in that it would devastate this environment for profit!

Not to mention, the residents and people who commute daily along the a140 and shortthorn road. The traffic, pollution and noise of what an estimated 76 highway movements per day would cause is ridiculous.

I urge you to please reconsider. I hope that you can find it in yourselves to consider how people's way of life will be changed for the worse, for many years because of this, and don't just brush our concerns aside to just make more money; a case that would be extremely selfish, inconsiderate, thoughtless and hurtful.

Object

Representation ID: 98019

Received: 17/10/2019

Respondent: Bryan Veriod

With regard to the application to use Manson Plantation for sand and gravel extraction, I have bisect I n the strongest possible terms, for the following reasons:-

1) Shortthorn Rd. Is manifestly NOT suited for large Lorry's ,Those Lorry's misguided by Sat-Nav devices find themselves either stuck, or more likely damage the front of gardens that face the road by riding roughshod over plants or grass edging.

2) There is a large herd of deer in Manson Plantation.. With the worlds concern for animals losing their environment and the impact of such large mining operations the deer would lose their natural habitat. That would not sit well with local media and I'm sure Norfolk County Council would reap any repercussions from such a loss.

3) Shortthorn Rd has for the past few years been subject to several planning applications for some bizarre subjects ranging from paint balling, rubbishy dumps, recycling plants etc.etc and one that did get through despite quite large local objection was a caravan site. This area is mainly a residential site and should this application go through, there would be a case to answer from the local authority Ombudsman.

Object

Representation ID: 98022

Received: 16/10/2019

Respondent: Sally Revell

I am emailing to express my objection to the proposal to form an aggregate extraction plant at the above location.
This would be unacceptable for many reasons including:
the site is in the centre of the village which already spans both sides of the A140, being a linear rural location. The added traffic implications would be damaging to the area as well as dangerous.
The site's original approval made allowance to ensure the trees and habitat were maintained to an acceptable level, this seems to have been forgotten in the new proposal.
Noise, light, land and waterways pollution would be unavoidable with an operation of this type. There are many local residents that would be effected, including one who has lived alongside the plantation for approx 60 years! The pollution created from the site would leach into the high groundwater table in this location and would pass through under and overground waterways. This would bring irreversible damage and poisoning potentially as far spread as the river Bure which connects via many systems and streams to Buxton. This river is home to kingfishers and otters to mention just 2 species alone.
The actual site is a well established, long-term habitat to herds of deer, including red, roe, fallow and muntjac. With already narrowing habitats and access corridors due to considerable development and new roads in the area, they are being squeezed into ever decreasing areas. The roadkill levels are noticeably rising. There are also at least 2 species of protected bats in this vicinity, as well as many other British wildlife species and flora/fauna.
With today's climate fragility, to allow this to happen will be devastating. I urge the dismissal of this proposal.

Object

Representation ID: 98024

Received: 21/10/2019

Respondent: Jill Mellows

As a resident of Stratton Strawless I wish to object to the above proposed minerals and waste extraction site.

I am very concerned about the negative impact on the countryside. The proposal would be highly detrimental to the woodland and pond habitats, and the current wide range of wildlife. As you know, the proposed site includes a migratory route for deer.

Noise, dust and traffic would all increase and mar the quality of daily life in our village. The impact on residents would be significant and long lasting. The character of the parish would be affected for a long time to come.

I would therefore ask that this proposal is rejected.

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider these points.

Object

Representation ID: 98025

Received: 24/10/2019

Respondent: Crispin Clark

I am writing to you in response to a letter that has been received by all residents of Stratton Strawless.
In my opinion the proposition is completely unsustainable on many grounds.

1) . The chosen site is in the geographical centre of the village, with residences on Shortthorn Road, Parish Road and on The Woodland View Site. The village is already divided into three separate parts by the busy A140 and the seclusion of the Woodland View site by its very nature. The imposition of an industrial enterprise right in its middle would only make this division even more pronounced.

2). The addition of a further 76 heavy vehicle movements a day at either the Shortthorn Road / A140 crossroads or at its Holt road junction can only increase the risk of inconvenience and frustration that can lead to traffic accidents. The congestion and delay at these intersections is already enough with current usage to warrant a round about without adding to that load.

3). We live within half a mile of the proposed site and are well aware of the noise of the activities at the timber yard and traffic on the A140. The continuous roar of more heavy machinery would be an unwelcome addition to this.

4). Hevingham Wood is noted as a excellent place for leisure walking and exercising dogs, with the possibility of seeing deer and other wild life. It would be completely ruined if the development went ahead.

5). 34.8 hectares of valuable woodland would be sacrificed with the negative impact on loss of habitat for wildlife and carbon capture.
6). The prospect of its ultimate possible use as landfill fills me with horror and I am sure would be completely unacceptable to the other residents.
I realise there is an ongoing necessity for the abstraction of gravel, but surely there are other more remote sites where the impact on the local community would be less.

Object

Representation ID: 98027

Received: 25/10/2019

Respondent: Christine Clark

I strongly object to this proposal and do not wish it to continue for the following main reasons:
*The increase of heavy traffic adding to the already large inceased volume of general traffic over the past 40 years we have lived here.
*The extra noise level this traffic and the machinery used for the extraction will cause.
*The environmental effect of the project : removal of trees and habitat for wild life
*The expected long period we will have to endure this upheaval.
I feel this project has no benefits for the community , the surrounding environment and wild life.

Object

Representation ID: 98029

Received: 22/10/2019

Respondent: Amber Leigh

I am writing an email to you about the construction of the gravel pit.

I do not agree with the plans what so ever, I think it will create a lot of noise, stress and also mainly scare our wildlife away.
I have lived down short thorn for many years and the main reason I looked to buy the property I am at is because I look out on a beautiful view of the fields and at night I see all the wildlife come into action.
I feel a gravel pit will just make this area more depressed and won't be doing anyone any good looking at a gravel pit when we are all happy and content with how it is now.
I do not agree with this plan and I will do anything to make sure this plan doesn't go forward as it will only cause trouble for everyone who lives there. We like to teach our kids about the wildlife and let them see for theirselves what wildlife is about, not a gravel pit where they can't play anymore or learn.
Now a days there isn't much wildlife anymore and I know that everyone who also lives in my area agrees and will have a help to save ours!

I hope with this email you understand that we do not want this to happen not disturb any of us.

Object

Representation ID: 98031

Received: 22/10/2019

Respondent: Sinead Cropley

I am writing this email in regards of the construction of the gravel pits on Shortthorn road. Me and my partner have lived down short thorn for over 25 years. The reason we moved to the area is because it's such a quiet place and a good place to raise a family. I have been through your letter and Im very concerned with the plans for gravel pits. It will disturb everyone who lives down there including myself and everyone who has spent a lot of money and time on houses for the area. It's a great place to raise a family or retire and I feel this will ruin this for many people. Me and my partner take our son for lovely nature walks and I do not want him to be coming down to a gravel pit where he cannot learn anything about nature but how noisy and how much distress it will cause. We have lived here many years and will be extremely disappointed if this work goes ahead. Not only for nature and the peace of our home. But our property will also lose it's worth. I feel as residents we should have a say and this work should not go ahead

Object

Representation ID: 98033

Received: 22/10/2019

Respondent: Sarah Cropley

I want to sign this petition regarding shortthorn Road gravel pits.
The traffic up and down the shortthorn Road now has got absolutely ridiculous, there is so many lorries, cars, cutting through this small road.
Having the forest area opened up to making gravel pits for more ridiculous traffic lorries coming up and down this road on a daily basis is just not acceptable. My parents have been here for over 30 years and I moved up here six years ago and within that six years the traffic has doubled. Since the northern bypass was made the traffic has now found the shortcut this way.
Please don't do anything!!! Think of this world, Cutting down the beautiful trees, without trees we would not be here and would not live.
All the small poor animals in the forest area , frogs and newts , toads , the deer , foxes , badges , without all the other insects and animals. Why do you want to destroy such a beautiful natural area.
I do not want this to take place , and will do anything I can to help stop this from happening.

Object

Representation ID: 98035

Received: 23/10/2019

Respondent: Rosie, Ella, Ruby Graham

Number of people: 3

We are 3 young girls that reside in Stratton Strawless and OBJECT to Norfolk County Council's proposed use of Mansom Plantation, Shortthorn Road as one of their preferred sites for the extraction of sand and gravel as per their Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

We strongly OBJECT on the environmental impacts of this proposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

* We feel very saddened by the proposal to cut down approximately 50 acres of woodland very close to where we live. We need to save the environment for future generations, not add and contribute to its further destruction. It's already common knowledge that the Earth is in crisis NOW. I refer to the Friends of the Earth report that was published on the 8th of October and their recommendations which were based upon the performance of every council in the country. Catherine Rowett, a Green Party Member of the European Parliament said, "This assessment from Friends of the Earth shows that authorities at all levels have to seriously step up their efforts if we are to stand the remotest chance of leaving a safe world for our children. We have very little time left to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown. Many of the solutions are readily available with little effort and we need to embark on implementing those changes without delay." One of the recommendations being more trees - not as being proposed cutting down approximately 50 acres of woodland! https://norwich.greenparty.org.uk/news/2019/10/08/more-trees,-warmer-homes,-fewer-cars-what-greater-norwich-needs-to-tackle-climate-emergency/

Mansom Plantation is currently the home to a variety of wildlife, including the Great Crested Newt and it's also a migrating route for deer. Our countryside should be protected, and I feel disgusted with the proposal to destroy these wildlife habitats.

*The excavation and processing plants will generate high levels of noise and dust pollution.

*The existing ponds within this site should be protected and it's highly likely that the water table will be affected by extraction.

*Planning permission has already been granted for a holiday lodge park on the site and its landscape plan to protect trees exists as a part of this permission.

We represent the future generation of Stratton Strawless, please support our objections to prevent the upsetting destruction of Mansom Plantation.

Object

Representation ID: 98037

Received: 24/10/2019

Respondent: Mr Graham Green

Ref: Proposal for Abstraction of Sand and Gravel from Mansom Plantation,
Short Thorn Road, Stratton Strawless



In response to Norfolk County Council's consultation regarding extraction of sand and gravel at Mansom plantation Short Thorn Road Stratton Strawless, may I draw to all officials involved in this proposal the following:

The main criteria that stops this proposed application in its tracks is:
 The 1998 Human Rights Act - Article 8 and Article 14 amongst several other Articles in the Human Rights Act.
 Protect the Residents, the Environment, and all other objections raised in this proposal

This faculty would be located in the centre of the extended village of Stratton Strawless. It will affect at least 30 to 40 properties within close proximity to the site if using this site as the centre of the circle it will encompass half the properties along Short Thorn Road, part of the village within the Parish Road area, the whole of the residential caravan park, properties along the A140 road into Hevingham plus quite an abundance of dwellings to the south east and west of the village of Hevingham and also intrude into the daily lives of residents living to the east of the village of Marsham.

Those properties in close proximity of the site and within the sites circumference (some 30 to 40 dwellings) plus the caravan site will find their properties become worthless overnight and their daily lives a living hell.

In close proximity to the proposed site and almost adjacent to the perimeter of the workings is situated a Council Facility for the protection safety and well-being of troubled children with very special needs. This area was chosen with peace and quiet as one of the main priorities. Located closer to the working area is a field in continuous use that contains rescue horses that in the past have been heavily traumatised.

When looking at the traffic movements predicted per day it would be impossible to enter or leave the shorthorn Road , A140 Cromer Road Crossroads for long periods in any given time period.

The noise from this facility when up and running will be horrendous the continuous movement of minerals from the extraction point to a washing and loading area will be by a conveyor system imagine the noise from that operation plus the noise from other plant working on site along with the loading of dozens of vehicles 10 to 12 hours per day 5 to 6 days a week and you have Armageddon.

With the wind blowing in variable directions over different days and time differences the noise from this facility will be exacerbated over a very long distance. With continuous noise and dust from this site the whole area over a 4 to 5 mile radius will become a no-go area for all types of wildlife that rely on its life-giving sustenance.

This site will need millions upon millions of litres of water to wash the extracted materials. where is this coming from? It from the mains water supply this will affect the domestic supply dramatically. Let's not talk about recycled water as it is impossible to extract water from mud successfully.

In this day and age the most sensible way to abstract sand and gravel is from the seabed, where at present there is around One Billion tons of minerals awaiting reclamation off the Norfolk Coast with all the water you need for washing purposes free of charge.

In this day and age with all the demolition that is taking place along with the Brown Field sites that are being reclaimed the main system to be introduced should be recycle, recycle, recycle - resiting materials to a soundproof facility for re-use and this would reduce the need for ground and extraction of minerals to a mere trickle.

On such a large acreage is this, the removal of hundreds of mature trees from the site will have a tremendous impact on climate change. They are critical to climate change control absorbing tons of carbon from the atmosphere.
This large area of woodland is paramount to the health of the local area and residents - with the trees taking in large amounts of carbon at source from the thousands of vehicles that use the A140 Cromer to Norwich Road on a daily basis.
The present system used by the forest management team has been over the last 50 years a 'take and replace' operation which has worked perfectly.

As far as the visual impact on this site is concerned it will be an eyesore for all to see.
The perimeter hedging along the shorthorn Road and the Cromer Road (A140) is devoid of foliage for the best part of six months each year although slightly seasonable with the main woodland trees having no lower vegetation, all cover being in the upper canopy.

With due consideration to the proposal I am sure that common sense will prevail and a more isolated location given first consideration.

Object

Representation ID: 98039

Received: 23/10/2019

Respondent: Rosalyn Waddingham

Local nuisance
It is inappropriate to introduce a very noisy industrial element and increased traffic to a quiet residential area so close to Norwich. The local population will not be happy with the councils decision.
Increased accident danger
We all know how frustrating it is when attempting to cross a busy road and a panel van pulls up beside you totally blocking the view. If the estimated 76 highway movements are between 8am and 5 pm, it means every 15 minutes a large gravel lorry will draw up alongside someone in order to access the very busy A140, far worse than a panel van. Even worse for elderly drivers and cyclists wishing to get round our village.
Interference with natural water flow
The soil structure in that area is notoriously complex with several streams and springs along with a combination of siliceous (sometimes perched) and calcareous aquifers with unpredictable permeability and porosity. Interference through dewatering and subsequent aquifer removal will affect both the chemical quality and water availability for both nearby abstractions and spring fed hydrology. Modelling the flow of water through the unsaturated zone is unreliable without extensive baseline monitoring especially when the gravel extraction requires the removal of so many trees. This will also reduce the natural resilience to both floods and droughts. Has the environmental impact assessment collected sufficient data over a long enough period to be confident these impacts are adequately characterized? I would suggest many independent geologists would find this easy to challenge at an inquiry and a precautionary approach should be taken that avoids gravel extraction beneath the water table where there are nearby surface water features and abstractors. I gather the existing abstraction licence holders may sue if their water supply is harmed. I have a licence in perpetuity for 54,000 cu m per annum which is essential to my farm, and I would not hesitate to take action if my flow was compromised.
Devastation of the environment
The Mansom Plantation is part of a 5.5 mile belt of woodland running from the A1067 to the A140 and beyond, which provides green lungs for north Norwich and a safe refuge and corridor for diverse wildlife. The jewel in the crown are the great crested newts which have been identified here by an ecologist. Im sure you are aware of the Norfolk Pond Project pioneered by Carl Sayer and London University in conjunction with my brother in law, Richard Waddingham of Manor Farm, Briston, also NWT and FWAG. Richard spent 20 years tending the 40 ponds on his farm before he found great crested newts had moved in, to great excitement.
I cant see any good reason for the NCC to allow such a special site to be plundered and the lives of the residents ruined just for the private gain of one company.
The popular feeling at the moment is the preservation of the environment and green spaces. Being so close to Norwich and surrounded by houses I think Mansom Plantation deserves your protection.

Object

Representation ID: 98041

Received: 22/10/2019

Respondent: Amanda Graham

I write to you to voice my grave concerns and to OBJECT to Norfolk County Council's proposed use of Mansom Plantation, Shortthorn Road as one of their preferred sites for the extraction of sand and gravel as per their Norfolk minerals and Waste Local Plan.
I am a resident of Stratton Strawless and OBJECT on the grounds of both the environmental and safety impacts of this proposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL:
* The Earth is already in crisis. I refer to the Friends of the Earth report that was published on the 8th of October and their recommendations which were based upon the performance of every council in the country. Catherine Rowett, a Green Party Member of the European Parliament said, "This assessment from Friends of the Earth shows that authorities at all levels have to seriously step up their efforts if we are to stand the remotest chance of leaving a safe world for our children. We have very little time left to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown. Many of the solutions are readily available with little effort and we need to embark on implementing those changes without delay." One of the recommendations being more trees - not as being proposed cutting down approximately 50 acres of woodland! https://norwich.greenparty.org.uk/news/2019/10/08/more-trees,-warmer-homes,-fewer-cars-what-greater-norwich-needs-to-tackle-climate-emergency/

* Mansom Plantation is currently the home to a variety of wildlife, including the Great Crested Newt and it's also a migrating route for deer. Our countryside should be protected, and I feel disgusted with the proposal to destroy these wildlife habitats.

* The excavation and processing plants will generate high levels of noise and dust pollution.

* The existing ponds within this site should be protected and it's highly likely that the water table will be affected by extraction.

* Planning permission has already been granted for a holiday lodge park on the site and its landscape plan to protect trees exists as a part of this permission.

SAFETY:
* It has been predicted that a site such as this would increase traffic movements by 76 vehicles a day. Not only does this increase levels of pollution to the residents of Shortthorn Road, my greatest fear is of a fatality/serious injury. Being a resident, I am fully aware that the pulling put from Shortthorn Road onto the A140 is a dangerous junction at ANY time of the day. I predict that it will only be a matter of time before one of these slow-moving lorries pulls out and causes serious injury/ a fatality. It was only a few weeks back in the summer of 2019 that someone had to be air-lifted for medical treatment following a traffic incident at this very junction.

Stratton Strawless is a close knit and community-spirited parish. It is without a doubt that that the plans to locate this extraction site in the centre of our parish will have a long-lasting detrimental impact for every resident and it's future generations.

Please support our objections to prevent the desecration of Mansom Plantation.

Object

Representation ID: 98043

Received: 21/10/2019

Respondent: Mr & Mrs Philip & Pamela Parsons

Dear Sir/Madam,
Re Development of Mansom Plantation and gravel extraction. Ref MIN 213
We live very close to the site of the proposed development at Mansom Plantation at the corner of Cromer Road and Serpentine Lane and we have lived here for 30 years. We object to the proposed development on several grounds.
-The expected volume of traffic (over 70 movements) a day will cause huge disruption and traffic safety issues. There is only one suitable entrance and exit for the site in Shorthorn Road, which will create extra traffic for the area. It is already difficult to get on to the main Cromer Road from Shorthorn Road and Serpentine Lane which will be more difficult with more trucks.
-There are no footpaths or pavements on the roads around the site which will mean extra risks to pedestrians who have to use these roads to move around locally.
-Vibration and noise along the Cromer Road is already bad for local residents and heavy lorries will exacerbate this and cause further problems for local people.
-Shorthorn Road and Serpentine Lane are both unsuitable for heavy vehicles, especially Serpentine Lane which seems to be used as an increasing used cut-through by large vehicles.
-Environmentally this will impact local wildlife and natural habitats. This is a large undisturbed marshy area that supports birds and mammals.
-There has been no suggestion about what will happen in 8 years times after the 1M tones of gravel have been extracted - are we to be left with just a big hole?
-The development will also change the character of the village. We are a relatively small local community with some small scale industry - largely wood and timber industry but such a commercial use will be a change to this.
-The "screening" appears to be inadequate and will not reduce noise and associated disruption.
-The use of so many diesel vehicles in the area will also raise lead and other pollution levels for local residents.
-The site will create no economic benefits to the local community - no jobs, investment or improved infrastructure only detriment to the local people.
On these grounds we hope that the planning application will be rejected.

Object

Representation ID: 98045

Received: 25/10/2019

Respondent: David Graham

Mansom Plantation, Stratton Strawless - MIN 213

I am writing with concern to the proposed sand and gravel extraction site at Mansom Plantation, Stratton Strawless. It is my understanding that this site is one of Norfolk County Council's preferred options as part of their Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

I would like the following points recorded in opposition to this proposal;

Highways:
I own and reside at the property nearest to the A140/Shortthorn Road junction and therefore I am very aware of how dangerous this junction is throughout most of the day. To consider permitting an additional 70 - 80 slow HGV's to specifically use this access to the A140 is, in my mind, asking for trouble. During busy periods there is rarely a 'safe' time to join the A140 towards Norwich from Shortthorn Road, and that is the current state - without the addition of the forecast 76 HGV movements per day from the proposed quarry.

Environment:
Whilst I fully appreciate that the Mansom Plantation is a commercial crop, and that the owners have every right to harvest and profit from their asset, I feel to allow change of use from sustainable forestry to open cast mining of aggregates will be very damaging indeed both in the short and long term.

The array of wildlife that these woodland environments possess is astounding. We need to be encouraging and creating more environments like this, not destroying the diminishing few that remain.

Noise Pollution:
Due to the close proximity of the proposed site to my property I am very concerned as to the noise pollution coming from day to day workings of such a site, and also the aforementioned highways issue.

I thank you for your careful consideration of these above-mentioned points.

Object

Representation ID: 98047

Received: 28/10/2019

Respondent: Wilbur Notley

I doubt whether there is anything I can add to the many reasons that my neighbours have submitted in objection to the proposal to extract aggregates from the Mansom Plantation, but I do wish it to be recorded that I am in support of the objections.

Whilst I understand the financial value of extracting these materials for the company behind the proposal, I would be very surprised to learn that any of it's directors or shareholders live within 5 miles of the property containing these minerals.

If they did, I'm sure that they would not be happy about the proposal and the devastating effect that this action will have on the locality. The volume of vehicles alone, averaged over a normal 8 hr working day, suggests that there will be a vehicle in or out of the site every 7 minutes, doubtless spreading dirt and mud all over the nearby roads. Plus the noise intrusion of the machinery actually carrying out the extraction/mining of these minerals.

The affect of this pollution on the local wildlife will indeed be devastating in more ways than one. Possibly, for every creature that is driven away from the area, another will be run over by visiting vehicles. The environment will suffer, plant life will be deminished as will the quality of the air.

There is a very real risk that nearby properties will be devalued by the noise and pollution, so all in all I can see no benefits for the residents of Stratton Strawless, Hainford or Hevingham, so with that in mind, those are my objections to this proposal.

Object

Representation ID: 98048

Received: 28/10/2019

Respondent: Zoey Smith

I write to state my objections for the proposal of :-
Mansom Plantation, Stratton Strawless - MIN - 213
I live in Felthorpe and I strongly OBJECT to Norfolk County Council's proposed use of Mansom Plantation, Shortthorn Road as one of their preferred sites for the extraction of sand and gravel as per their Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan.
I OBJECT on the grounds of both the environmental and safety impacts of this proposal.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
* The Earth is already in crisis. I refer to the Friends of the Earth report that was published on the 8th of October and their recommendations which were based upon the performance of every council in the country. Catherine Rowett, a Green Party Member of the European Parliament said, "This assessment from Friends of the Earth shows that authorities at all levels have to seriously step up their efforts if we are to stand the remotest chance of leaving a safe world for our children. We have very little time left to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown. Many of the solutions are readily available with little effort and we need to embark on implementing those changes without delay." One of the recommendations being more trees - not as being proposed cutting down approximately 50 acres of woodland! https://norwich.greenparty.org.uk/news/2019/10/08/more-trees,-warmer-homes,-fewer-cars-what-greater-norwich-needs-to-tackle-climate-emergency/
* Mansom Plantation is currently the home to a variety of wildlife, including the Great Crested Newt and it's also a migrating route for deer. Our countryside should be protected, and I feel disgusted with the proposal to destroy these wildlife habitats.
* The excavation and processing plants will generate high levels of noise and dust pollution.
* The existing ponds within this site should be protected and it's highly likely that the water table will be affected by extraction.
* Planning permission has already been granted for a holiday lodge park on the site and its landscape plan to protect trees exists as a part of this permission.
SAFETY:
* It has been predicted that a site such as this would increase traffic movements by 76 vehicles a day. Not only does this increase levels of pollution to the residents of Shortthorn Road, my greatest fear is of a fatality/serious injury. Being a frequent visitor to Stratton Strawless, I am fully aware that the pulling put from Shortthorn Road onto the A140 is a dangerous junction at ANY time of the day. I predict that it will only be a matter of time before one of these slow-moving lorries pulls out and causes serious injury/ a fatality. It was only a few weeks back in the summer of 2019 that someone had to be air-lifted for medical treatment following a traffic incident at this very junction.
Please support my objections to prevent further environmental impacts of the Earth with the widespread destruction of Mansom Plantation.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Object

Representation ID: 98050

Received: 29/10/2019

Respondent: Marcus Reeve

As a resident of Shortthorn Road, Stratton Strawless I write to OBJECT in the strongest possible terms to the proposed minerals and waste extraction site referenced above.

*Accepting that mineral extraction is vital for industry and the economy, and these sites need to be located around the County in various districts, this option represents a new site with numerous repercussions for the parish. Surely it makes sense to extend an existing operation within the district, such as MIN 96 at Grange Farm where the existing infrastructure is already in place, no increase in vehicle movements is anticipated and disturbance will be minimised.
*The junctions at either end of Shortthorn Road are already dangerous. My Son suffered a near fatal accident approximately 2 years ago at the junction with the A140 and there have been a number of accidents since. Getting out onto either the Cromer Road or Holt Road is difficult enough and would be hindered further by the anticipated vehicle movements generated by this scheme.
*A high volume of Large, slow lorries pulling out onto the A140, joining traffic moving at the national speed limit is not only dangerous but it will cause delays and traffic to build up to unacceptable levels on both Shortthorn Road and Parish Road.
*The extraction site will be located within the centre of the parish, not on the periphery and will therefore impact the parish as a whole.
*Planning permission has already been granted for a holiday lodge park on the site and a landscape plan exists to protect tress as part of this permission and it seems farcical to then ignore this completely and allow the trees to be destroyed
*Mansom Plantation is a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including great crested newts and a migratory route for deer. It is likely that these habitats will be destroyed. The ponds on the site should be protected, it is likely that the water table will be affected to the detriment of the wildlife in the area.
*The excavation and processing plants will generate dust and high levels of noise pollution
*The character of the Parish would be affected for many years to come

Whilst the above points are not exhaustive, I am sure that they reflect the views of the majority of Stratton Strawless residents and I ask that they be considered when deciding on the preferred locations for mineral extraction in the County.

Object

Representation ID: 98052

Received: 30/10/2019

Respondent: Julie Neesam

I am writing as Broadland District Councillor for Hevingham Ward regarding my concerns about the proposal for the Mansom Plantation, Shorthorn Road, Stratton Strawless.
I support the Parish Council and other local residents in opposing this proposed plan on the following grounds:

*The character of the Parish would be affected by this for a long time to come.
*The 20.3 Hectares extraction area will be devastated by the excavation of the minerals.
*The buffer/screening area will be insufficient to shield the site from view in the Autumn/Winter.
*An estimated 76 highway movements per day (vehicles entering and exiting the site), via Shortthorn Road and onto the A140 as the principal route. This will mean more traffic trying to access the busy A140. It may not prevent heavy vehicles travelling along Shortthorn Road.
*It is likely there will be a constant level of noise nuisance created by the extraction and mineral processing machinery, particularly for those living close to the boundaries of the site.
*There will be disturbance to a variety of wildlife and destruction of their habitats.
*Planning Permission has already been granted for a holiday lodge park on the site and a landscape plan to protect trees exists as part of this permission

Object

Representation ID: 98054

Received: 28/10/2019

Respondent: Delphi Revell

I am writing to object to the proposed plans for the mineral and waste extraction site within Stratton Strawless.

The main reason for my objection is due to the destruction of habitat for many species which live in and around the proposed area. This includes great crested newts, many species of deer as well as other mammals and birds essential for the maintenance of their ecosystem. It will also have a wider effect on the surround water ways, meaning the I'll effects will be seen much further than the immediate surroundings.

Another reason I am objecting is due to the pollution it will create. This includes a huge increase in noise, dust levels and fumes from the vehicle they will be using. This will be detrimental to both the physical and mental health of the residents of the parish.

The vehicles will also increase traffic flow causing more congestion when trying to access the A140. This is a road which is already very busy and hard to join/cross at peak times.

I hope these objections will be taken into consideration when deciding upon whether or not to approve this proposal.

Object

Representation ID: 98055

Received: 28/10/2019

Respondent: Andrew Wildman

I am writing to you concerning the planning application for aggregate extraction from Mansom Plantation on Shortthorn Road Stratton Strawless.

I would like to voice my objection to this proposal for several reasons the main ones being the environmental impact this is going to have on the local eco-system and the damage it will have on the infrastructure of our village.
In the planning consent that was approved in 2006 for the development of a Holiday Lodge Park there were several stipulations which the developers had to comply with concerning reducing the environmental effect this development would have on the area in question, I draw your attention the additional plan dated 5 Dec 2007, 2004 1641(Add) and to clause 1.1.2 in which it states
The development itself is to be called Holly Springs. The landscape management plan provides a detailed strategy for:-

The retention and management of existing features on the site, including the proposed areas of retained coniferous plantation, deciduous woodland and shelterbelts, and ponds

The creation and restoration of new habitats on the site including the proposed heathland areas.
The maintenance of newly created landscape areas

The long-term implementation and monitoring of management strategies to achieve the Vision for Holly Springs

Also in the Additional Plan, dated 5 Dec 2007, it states: "Prior to the commencement of development a Landscape Management Plan covering a period of 25 years, and including protective measures for trees to be retained, new trees and regenerated growth, restored heathland and enhancement of ponds shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The provisions of the approved scheme shall be implemented as soon as development begins."


The Environmental Statement dated September 2004 states: "The possible effects upon the environment were given considerable investigation at the time of the appeal and whilst there may be merit in revisiting the matter, we do not believe that the proposed scheme will give rise to any effects materially different then those explored at that time. Moreover, there may be the opportunity to apply more recent techniques (as indicated by you) to further improve the environmental gains that can be achieved from this site.
Biodiversity: Again this was an issue during the appeal. The project will positively contribute to the improvement of biodiversity on this site.

This is only a small sample of the restrictions that were placed on the original planning approval and as can be seen, the local planning department of the time gave considerable importance as to what impact it would have on the local eco-system and environment and every single one has been dismissed in the light of the new proposal for a quarry, the earlier council were also concerned what impact it would have on the village and surrounding area, but I notice in the new proposed scheme for Mansom Plantation it would appear that the environment and the long term impact this will have on our village is of secondary consideration to the short term economic benefit of a very few people.
There was a wildlife survey carried out for the benefit the last planning application and in the twelve years or so since then there will be undoubtedly be many more species now inhabiting this woodland, I take it that a new in-depth survey will be carried out over a long period to ascertain what species which may be there now could be on the Red, Amber or Green list for endangered species, one that certainly will be there the nightjar, this bird through careful management of woodland is making a comeback and areas of woodland like this are essential for this particular bird and as this is a summer visitor a quick survey will not detect this bird, another one is the woodcock also on the red list which needs all the help it can get, in both these cases habitat loss is one of the main causes of decline which emphasises the importance of woodland.
The felling of fifty acres of semi-mature trees at a time when there is a worldwide environmental crisis as regards climate change which is exasperated by the destruction of the world's forests and woodlands is tantamount to ecological vandalism, this planned aggregate extraction site if it goes ahead will have a very lasting negative effect on Stratton Strawless which will gain absolutely no economic benefit whatsoever from it and the landowner certainly has no sentiments regarding our village and has seen this only as a get rich quick scheme. For reasons known only to them why the proposed holiday complex wasn't started, which would have been beneficial to both Norfolk and the village.
One small benefit to the village if this quarry is approved is that the company responsible for it, Cemex, should as part of the approval have to install a roundabout on the A140 and Shortthorn Road/ Parish Road junction due to the increase in the traffic from Shortthorn Road and the Cromer direction brought about by all the new housing developments around Aylsham will almost certainly be a recipe for a serious accident.
In conclusion because of the reasons above I therefore strongly disapprove and object to the proposed application for Mansom Plantation to be used for the extraction of sand and gravel

Object

Representation ID: 98057

Received: 28/10/2019

Respondent: Mr & Mrs Alan & Dorothy Thorn

Number of people: 2

As residents of Stratton Strawless, we strongly object to the proposal to extract gravel from Manson Plantation.
This area is right in the centre of the village and situated on the busy and dangerous Shortthorn Road where the speed limit of 40 mph is rarely adhered to.

Last week, the government was exhorting us to take care of the environment and to limit pollution. Diesel powered lorries carrying the gravel will do nothing to adhere to this.

The removal of trees will destroy the habitat of the birds and mammals who have made their home in those woods. The pollution from diesel lorries will help neither the wildlife nor the human inhabitants of nearby houses.

The inhabitants of Stratton Strawless will gain nothing from this proposal in terms of jobs nor financial advantage to the village.