Ditchingham is well served in terms of services and facilities (with ready access to a wider range in nearby Bungay), and is a sustainable community capable of accommodating more growth without adverse impacts. This is acknowledged through its designation as a Service Village, in both adopted and emerging Development Plans.

We contend that such should be accommodated via the retention of the existing VC DIT1 (35 Dwellings) in conjunction with a second site (SN0345 – site at Loddon Road/Tunneys Lane), for approximately 25 dwellings.

Site reference SN0345 was identified in the Regulation 19, Draft Village Clusters Housing Allocation Plan (VCHAP) as a ‘Reasonable Alternative’ of ‘Shortlisted Sites’. The site assessment concluded that:

“This site is considered [to] suitable for allocation, subject to confirmation of highway suitability, provision of a footway and confirmation that the development of the site would not have an unacceptable impact on the nearby SSSI. The site relates suitably to existing services and facilities, the existing form and character of the village and there is limited impact on the wider landscape due to existing screening."

Work undertaken to date by the prospective developer confirms that development of the SN0345 site can take place without any significant adverse impacts, and that vehicular access, visibility and footpaths can be accommodated (Norfolk CC Highways has been consulted, and confirmed acceptable). Unlike much of the Greater Norwich area – including locations identified to delivery housing via the emerging Local Plan and VCHAP – Ditchingham is located outside of the catchment area of the sites identified by Natural England. Development here is not therefore likely to have a significant effect on the conservation objectives either alone or in combination with other projects; consequently, there is no requirement for additional information to be submitted to further assess the effects. And when made in the form of an application, can - with regard to nutrient neutrality - be safely determined with regards the Conservation of Species Habitats Regulations 2017 (as amended). In the current circumstances, therefore, such gives added weight to the sustainability of allocating two such sites here, to deliver much-needed housing (against a context of very low housing deliver over the past two years across much of Greater Norwich and Norfolk).

Site SN0345 is thus available, suitable, and deliverable in the short term. Requisite work to support a pending application has been undertaken by the promoter and prospective developer, Beauly Homes.

Note: site SN0345 is the subject of a pre-application enquiry to the Council, made by Beauly Homes.

The allocation of two, small/medium-sized sites will provide choice, variety, and flexibility in bringing forward alternative sites in a sustainable settlement.