Letter from Rosemary Hemsby

I was advised on the telephone by Ben McClean in the middle of May that the NCC were not going to prepare a list of proposed sites which would not reach the ‘Proposed Option’ stage.  Ben McClean advised me that it would not be fair to prepare such a list and that the process would have to proceed to its conclusion with all the sites being included in the ‘Proposed Option stage of the process. 

After that telephone conversation, I contacted Christopher Fraser to ask him if he could put further pressure on the County Council in that regard.  I attach a copy of Christopher Fraser’s response dated 03 June 2008 and a copy of the letter to him from Norfolk County Council dated 07 May 2008 (why it has taken him nearly a month to send it to me, I do not know). 

I understand from Liz Mould and from Mark that the Preferred Options Consultation Document will not now be available until the New Year.  At that stage, the public will then have a six week period to make representations on the Document.  As we know, the six week period is wholly inadequate. 

I was advised on the 10 June 2008,  by Ben McClean, that there had been over 1,200 representations already logged, in respect of the Bridgham site with a further 600 representations not yet allocated to any one site.  It is therefore likely that there will be further representations to be logged, in respect of the Bridgham site.   Ben McClean advised me that the number of objections to the Bridgham site was exceptionally high compared to the other sites with only, I believe, one other site so far, receiving more representations than the Bridgham site.  This is a really good result.

I feel that the momentum should be maintained and those who have not so far made representations to Norfolk County Council should be encouraged to do so.   In my experience, where a Planning Consultation Period has ended, Councils have an obligation to take into account all representations which are received even those received after the end of the Consultation period and must report them to Committee for consideration.

I spoke with Phillip Edge on 10 June 2008, who is aware of the timescale for the next Consultation Document.

My concern remains that a six week period in December or January will give only a woefully short period for the villages to prepare and make the necessary representations to the Preferred Options Consultation Document.

Perhaps the two Parish Councils might like to consider instructing a Planning expert to advise as to what action needs to be taken, in advance, to prepare a case for the next Consultation Document.  I am making enquiries as to what that will cost from various planning experts and I will forward these to Phillip Edge when they are available. .  I anticipate that this exercise could be costly and perhaps a fund raising event needs to be considered.  This would keep up the momentum and involve the residents – just a suggestion.

In the alternative and as well, Breckland District Council, who have planning experts working for them in their planning department, could be asked as to what action they consider should be taken at this stage to prepare for the next stage of representations.  Of course, Breckland District Council will be asked to make representations on all the sites in the Breckland area and may not be prepared to spend time, money or effort on a more substantial case against the inclusion of the Bridgham site.

I consider that it is now an appropriate time to contact and lobby all the members of the Norfolk County Council Committee which will consider the Preferred Options.  This should be done in advance of the Committee Meeting when the Preferred Options are to be considered.  This may have already been addressed.  If it has not been addressed, then I am of the view that this lobbying should be undertaken by the Parish Councils.  Each member of the NCC Committee should be invited to the site to inspect it.  In my professional experience, such action is of great assistance.  I understand that the next Committee Meetings will take place on 27 June 2008 and 01 August 2008.  I am uncertain and await clarification as to whether or not the matters will be considered at the meeting on 27 June 2008.

Liz Mould has advised me that she has submitted an update for the Contact magazine (July edition).