With reference to the proposed development of land on Mill Road, Alpington.
I write in support, with dual interests as a representative for the proposal and potential occupant of a home on the site.

This site would be an excellent location for much needed addition to the village housing stock of truly affordable properties. The site has the potential to accommodate several well-designed homes for purchase and rent, tailored to first time buyers and home leavers, young families as well as retired home owners looking to downsize, (thus freeing up much needed family homes that are currently under occupied). A special emphasis on prioritising access for those with ties to the area, especially those with children attending the village school.

Regarding the concerns over increased traffic, it is too simplistic to assume that every additional home built within the village will cause a similarly proportional increase in traffic. The location and intended use of the site will heavily influence the amount and type of traffic using the village's roads. The location just within the current village boundary, (between existing residential properties), will allow cars leaving the site traveling out of the village passing just a handful of set-back properties, quickly accessing the A146 for direct travel to Norwich. Other proposed sites would see this traffic passing the school, pre-school and other locations frequented by pedestrians.

A reduction in village traffic could always be achieved with those commuting to the village on the 'school run' being able to walk rather than drive. From experience with my own family, having three children attending both the primary school and pre-school, we would relish the opportunity to walk or cycle, we currently have to drive to the village every day for school, it could be a car off the road at the busiest time of the day. A significant proportion (I would imagine over half) of pupils attending the village schools arrive by car, this is not due to laziness as most would conclude but couples and young families being priced out of the villages they grew up in, a consequence of a total unwillingness to build and when building does take place, the construction of oversized, overpriced houses that only further exacerbate the scenario. This site provides the opportunity to address this misjustice.

The location of the site gives good, safe access on to Mill Road, visibility either way is more than adequate, especially considering this is a 30 MPH zone. The adopted passing place to the north of the site, while falling within the boundaries of the site and not recognised by The Highways Agency will remain exactly as it is, the frontage hedge and trees will all remain, providing valuable shelter and privacy and reducing any perceived impact.
The location of the site is the best proposal within the village boundaries for access to services. Within walking distance are several regular and frequent bus services to and from Norwich, a post office, the village school and pre-school / village hall / recreation grounds as well as a farm shop and green grocers. If occupants chose to drive to these services, the exposure of traffic will be more limited than with any other proposed site.

At the time of development, the site would cause minimal impact, only noticeable to those living north of the site on Mill Road. All construction traffic would access the site from the A146 using this route. The connection of site services should have minimal impact, water and electricity are already on the site and drainage is adjacent.