Many will probably know that the above proposed development of 70 houses in Chapel Lane Wymondham is the subject of a Public Inquiry - now adjourned to the 4th, 5th and 6th February 2014. However, there is still a chance to register your objection to the development, also having regard to its affect on the setting of a Grade I listed building - being the Abbey.
This is a very sensitive river valley and it may be that Spooner Row residents have walked along the Tiffey paths from time to time and travelled on the train. The development would have a disastrous effect on the tranquillity of this valley, so please write, if you have not already done so to :
South Norfolk Council, Swan Lane, Long Stratton, NR15 2XE
What are you exactly going to object about? Some land several miles away near a big church is going to have some houses built on it? Land which has been offered by the owner to the developer? In a town which is on a main route ( now proper motorway) between London, Cambridge and Norwich The facts are, some things need to change at some time. The government are investing in the local infrastructure for the simple reason that they expect local population growth (Better internet, better roads, soon to be upgraded railway line, new hospital recently etc).
Simply logging into the planning portal and saying - I don't like it, I don't want it, I like it just as it is thank you very much doesn't cut it ( a good example of the comments sent about the 35 odd houses planned for SR, with the exception of one or two very well thought through objections were dozens of ' I have lived here for god knows how long, and i am happy just as I am' and isn't the farmer a horrible person with all his money ' rubbish), you just look like you are moaning about change and are instantly discounted. If you want to stop something you need to object based on facts which will stand up in front of a committee/panel who are being forced to allow development because it is government policy. If you can't argue based on facts you are stuffed, and just repeating the age old 'roads are busy, doctors full is about as much use as 'discovering' a great crested newt because they will do a survey to have a report to wave under a planners nose to say to are wrong. Want to object, then fine, but base it on something credible.
It may surprise you that of course all the policy reasons against this development were brought forward at the Inquiry and very eloquently as well. ENV3 for instance - the river valley policy and ENV8 development in open countryside. Also WYM12 and WYM13 were highlighted as protecting the setting of the Grade I listed Abbey. The prosecuting counsel dismissed them as "putative". Are we to sit back and allow developers to ruin a beautiful river valley, thus detracting from the best and only unobstructed view of the Abbey? I should hope not - we must think of future generations as well. This land is very special to countless people.
