Object
South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (Reg. 19 Pre-submission Draft)
Representation ID: 2647
Received: 03/03/2023
Respondent: Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Yes
This allocation is in relatively close proximity to Geldeston Meadows SSSI, a floodplain grazing marsh and component of the Broads SAC/Broadland SPA which is currently in an ‘unfavourable condition’ with a small part in an ‘unfavourable declining’ condition.
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 180: ‘When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles: b) development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and which is likely to have an adverse effect on it (either individually or in combination with other developments), should not normally be permitted…..’
In light of the NPPF policy quoted above, we recommend that policy wording in VC GIL1 should reflect this. The policy wording should be revised to clearly signpost the need for any application to review any potential indirect disturbances to this site in an ecological assessment, in particular with respect to potential visitor pressure impacts.
This site is also noted as being amber for great crested newts, a protected species. We therefore recommend that any policy wording also includes reference to the need for an appropriate great crested newt assessment prior to determination, in order to ensure that the allocation is supported by the appropriate ecological evidence.