Comments on Policy GNLP5023 Land off Strayground Lane, Wymondham.
The site is clearly large enough for many more than 10 pitches and if approved would most likely be expended leagally or otherwise. There is also adjacent land that is likely to be used illegally, even if only temporarily. This site runs the risk of becoming a major source of local community conflict.
Access to this site has been a problem for many years and the proposed plans for passing bays to make this safe for pedestrians and cyclists would need to be fully costed, although the impact on the wider community would be an easier walking route along Strayground Lane.
A new access from the eastern side of the site would restrict pedestrian access to the level crossing. There is minimal space to run vehicles on this “road”. Maintaing the current access is most sensible as the space in front of the site is already wde enough to accommodate large recycling vehicles from turning around.
The Bays river is reasonably undeveloped on this side and this development would add new environmental pressure. The landowner has already levelled the site causing widespread destruction to the mature trees that lined it – they were all removed without warning – likely adding to flooding pressure.
Bats are in the local area; likely affected by tree removal.
The historic landfill was recently levelled but is contaminated with Japanese knotweed – the land owner did not respond to requests to treat this and I am unaware of any official action on this issue.
The paving company highlighted is likely to close or relocate if the site is developed.
Pollution measures would need to be carefully safeguarded as the site would easily lead to groundwater and Bays river pollution affecting the downstream Tiffey.