Object
South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (Reg. 19 Pre-submission Draft)
Representation ID: 3012
Received: 08/03/2023
Respondent: mr Christopher Tusting
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
The village does indeed have a 'pleasant rural character' - mainly due to the quality of farmland. The Site Assessment states “agricultural soil classification unclear”. However The Natural England classification (ALC008) clearly shows the land as ‘Grade 2 - very good’. The fact that its classification was not confirmed, especially when it is clearly high quality is unacceptable. The loss of this land when agricultural production needs to be intensified is unjustifiable and contravenes Natural England policy (TIN049).
Brownfield sites or areas of poorer farmland should be used for development leaving best quality land for sustainable food production now and in the future.