QUESTION 8a: Do you agree with the proposed allocation of SN4020, Land west of Old Yarmouth Road, Broome forat least 12 dwellings on an area of 0.76ha? Please explain your response.

Representations in brief are set out below. A full representation will be uploaded on the next page.

These representations have been made on behalf of the Ditchingham Estate. They object to the allocation of the site reference SN4020 on the periphery of Broome. It is considered that Broome is a suitable location for a small housing allocation. However, the site proposed does not represent a good location for housing. It creates ‘ribbon development’ which has a harmful effect on the character of the countryside, and is remote from the nearest facilities in nearby Ditchingham. It is proposed that the site with the Local Planning Authority reference SN0346 in the Ditchingham and Broome Cluster would be a better allocation.

The site reference SN0346 was put forward in 2021. This site is more central in the village of Broome so better relates to the built-up area of the village, and its development would not harm the character of the open countryside. The site is closer to facilities such as shops, bus services, and the primary school, so is therefore more sustainable.
The proposal to allocate additional housing land proposed in the Regulation 18 consultation is supported. However, it is considered that in Broome, a more appropriate site could be allocated than is proposed in the consultation. Allocating some additional sites at this stage would mean that the plan was ‘Positively Prepared’ as required by national guidance when assessed against the Greater Norwich Local Plans ‘minimum 1,200’ village cluster housing requirement for the area.
The Greater Norwich Local Plan provides a ‘minimum’ housing requirement for the area of 1,200 homes. This minimum requirement allows flexibility in delivery. It is important that a range of sizes and types of sites are provided to deliver a range of housing and to support local house builders.
The alternative SN0346 site fronts the Old Yarmouth Road in Broome. It would make a better local plan allocation. It is well related to existing homes and is used for arable farming. The very small size of the fields makes the land less suitable for arable cropping than larger fields, so its value as farmland is limited. In recent years the farm has planted two areas of woodland within the site and these will mature into attractive areas of landscaping. Homes would be developed in three arable parcels either side of these areas of woodland. A similar development has successfully taken place a short distance to the west on the northern side of Old Yarmouth Road. The site could provide three small parcels of land which would deliver around three to five homes on each parcel. This would make the sites attractive to local housebuilders which would support the local economy and broaden the size of sites available in the local area.
These representations further address the deficiencies of the proposed allocation reference SN4020, and then assess the alternative site in Broome.

See attachment for full representation.

See attachment for full representation.

See attachment for full representation.

This site is a logical extension to the village, being immediately adjacent to a recently completed housing development. There is a footpath running along the site frontage, providing safe pedestrian access into Broome and towards Ellingham. Broome itself is a well-serviced village, but is also close to Ditchingham, which benefits from a village shop, restaurant and primary school, all of which are within safe walking distance of the site.

The site was previously shortlisted as an allocation, and landscape impacts can be mitigated through a sensitive design (as per the adjacent development). The site remains available for development immediately.

Re the above site proposed for local plan development land in Yarmouth Road, Broome, for 12+ homes, the response of Broome Parish Council is to oppose.

The development would further reduce the gap between the settlements of Broome and Ellingham, would be an intrusion into open countryside, and involve the loss of good quality agricultural land. There is land within the village of Broome that is suitable for necessary development, and development should be of affordable housing.