Policy GNLP5009

Poor choice of location, access is via a busy primary school, introducing more traffic will increase the risks of someone getting hurt.
Local amenities are very poor, no street lighting/bus route/shop within reasonable walking distance. The school is already at capacity so any new children could no be accomodated.
Fully operational travellers site is already available at Costessey Park & Ride, no requirement to build another.
The impact on existing residents, many vunerable, must be considered.
The general area is a conservation zone, such a proposal would not be considered if submitted by a private individual, rules are rules.

Hockering Lane is a cul de sac and also the site of the village primary school. The residents are a mix of families with small children, vulnerable elderly. The introduction of this site will increase the number of large vehicles , which will pose a risk to those who live in the area.
The water meadow is a source of enjoyment to everyone in the village and there are regular sightings of kingfishers, otters and egrets along the stretch of the Yare.
The possibility to redevelop the site adjacent to the costessy Park and ride site would be more advantageous.

There is a school on Hockering lane and the traffic is already very bad in the morning and the evening. Adding another 6 traveller properties is going to make this even worse. I'm extremely concerned about pollution especially water pollution as there's a river nearby. This is a really terrible proposal.

I believe this will increase the amount of traffic near the school on an already busy road.

This is actually in a Zone (II) of the catchment of groundwater SPZ.
Particular care will need to be taken with the management of waste water and sewage and the potential for fuel and pollutant spills needs to be considered as this site is close to the river.
Hockering Lane is a cul-de-sac with only one narrow entrance which is often blocked, particularly at school opening and closing times.
The access to the site is narrow with limited turning space and is not suitable for large vehicles.
Access is further limited by the end houses only having on-street parking.

I believe that this is the wrong location for a traveller's site albeit for only 6 pitches for the following reasons:-

1. The site is too near Bawburgh School.

2. Excess traffic especially at school time collection is often chaotic and the speed of traffic down Hockering Lane is often excessive.

3.The type of traffic generated by the site large caravans and trucks is not suitable for Hockering Lane.

4. I gather the site has a high pressure gas main crossing it at a fairly shallow depth. Buildings proposed in the past were apparently rejected because of this.

-Site location is very poor being within the boundary of this quiet rural Village ,along a narrow (Hockering ) road which ends in a culldesac.

-There is very poor vehicular access to site due to location of school with residential vehicle parking all along road and a block of private garages. All need to be kept clear for emergency vehicles (Police,Fire, Ambulance )

-Site is located adjacent to River Yare so is subject to risk of environmental contamination & pollution consistent with previous local experience from Traveler site (eg. Oil ; effluent ; garbage ; scrap metal etc)

-Children from adjacent homes & the school travel & play along this road and would be in danger from regular Traveler business transport vehicles going to/from site.

-There is NO local Council support for this Proposal .

-There are other existing Traveler Sites located nearby but outside the village that could be expanded to provide this facility.

As a residence of the village I am strongly against this proposal for the following reasons:-
• My child attends The Bawburgh School and this proposal will increase the traffic levels down an already busy cul de sac during peak drop off and pick up times.
• At weekends my child practises bike riding down Hockering Lane/Garages, the only quiet, safe, flat and fully paved area in Bawburgh. The increase in traffic will mean the area is no longer safe for my daughter to practise cycling and play.
• Hockering Lane often becomes a single lane access only road due to school traffic, local residence parking on the road and this makes access for large vehicles such as caravans, trailers, delivery vans (e.g. LPG/Calor gas - required for the travelling community) very difficult/dangerous.
• There are no amenities in the village such as shops, public transport, safe cycle routes, very few pavements etc. with an increase in residents, who normally own vans and larger vehicles as their main source of transport, it will result an increase in traffic from cars, vans, larger vehicles, delivery vans/lorries not just to this small lane but the entire village. This is a concern for extra traffic through the village and environmental pollution. The bridge in the centre of the village is not suitable for large vehicles.
• Lived negative experiences associated with the temporary traveller’s site, located next to the park and ride on the outskirts of the village, have resulted of large emergency vehicles attending this site such as police vans, fire engines etc. If this were to be replicated at the proposed permanent site this would create noise/light pollution and an increased risk of accidents due to the nature of the large vehicles attending the site.
• There are already 3 permanent travellers sites in close proximity (Marlingford x2 & Costessey x1) as well as the temporary travellers site on the outskirts of the village next to the park and ride and therefore I feel there is no need for another site so close to these in the village.
• Bawburgh has major problems with drainage and sewerage. At least twice a year Anglia Water close the main through road in order conduct maintenance and repairs. Additional residence in the village will place an increased pressure on the already inadequate sewerage infrastructure.
• With the previous experience of the temporary traveller site having several large and dangerous fires, caused by the temporary residence, there is a risk of fires causing damage to property and danger to the local environment, housing and populous including the children at the school. The mains gas pipe, which runs extremely close to or underneath the site, would increase this risk exponentially.
• From past experience and reports these site cause higher levels of litter/rubbish, crime and intimidation to the local residence. This is a quiet and low crime village and this site could negatively impact the lives of the residence.
• The large base will have run off when there is rain/flooding. This will go into the local environment which will be a hazard. The oils, lubricants, hazardous material etc will negatively affect the local nature reserve, river and local areas. The risk of this is increased as this area is very near a flood area.

I am strongly against this proposal for the following reasons:-
• My child attends The Bawburgh School and this proposal will increase the traffic levels down an already busy cul de sac during peak drop off and pick up times.
• At weekends my child practises bike riding down Hockering Lane/Garages, the only quiet, safe, flat and fully paved area in Bawburgh. The increase in traffic will mean the area is no longer safe for my daughter to practise cycling and play.
• Hockering Lane often becomes a single lane access only road due to school traffic, local residence parking on the road and this makes access for large vehicles such as caravans, trailers, delivery vans (e.g. LPG/Calor gas - required for the travelling community) very difficult/dangerous.
• There are no amenities in the village such as shops, public transport, safe cycle routes, very few pavements etc. with an increase in residents, who normally own vans and larger vehicles as their main source of transport, it will result an increase in traffic from cars, vans, larger vehicles, delivery vans/lorries not just to this small lane but the entire village. This is a concern for extra traffic through the village and environmental pollution. The bridge in the centre of the village is not suitable for large vehicles.
• Lived negative experiences associated with the temporary traveller’s site, located next to the park and ride on the outskirts of the village, have resulted of large emergency vehicles attending this site such as police vans, fire engines etc. If this were to be replicated at the proposed permanent site this would create noise/light pollution and an increased risk of accidents due to the nature of the large vehicles attending the site.
• There are already 3 permanent travellers sites in close proximity (Marlingford x2 & Costessey x1) as well as the temporary travellers site on the outskirts of the village next to the park and ride and therefore I feel there is no need for another site so close to these in the village.
• Bawburgh has major problems with drainage and sewerage. At least twice a year Anglia Water close the main through road in order conduct maintenance and repairs. Additional residence in the village will place an increased pressure on the already inadequate sewerage infrastructure.
• With the previous experience of the temporary traveller site having several large and dangerous fires, caused by the temporary residence, there is a risk of fires causing damage to property and danger to the local environment, housing and populous including the children at the school. The mains gas pipe, which runs extremely close to or underneath the site, would increase this risk exponentially.
• From past experience and reports these site cause higher levels of litter/rubbish, crime and intimidation to the local residence. This is a quiet and low crime village and this site could negatively impact the lives of the residence.
• The large base will have run off when there is rain/flooding. This will go into the local environment which will be a hazard. The oils, lubricants, hazardous material etc will negatively affect the local nature reserve, river and local areas. The risk of this is increased as this area is very near a flood area.

Bawburgh is a conservation village, whilst the site proposal is just outside the conservation area there is significate risk to the environment linked to this site.

The area is prone to flooding and the river which is in close proximity could easily be contaminated. The flooding could also cause damage to the site residents' property.

The green field site and surrounding area is home to many animals and habitats of which would be destroyed.

The main road through Bawburgh is narrow with sporadic pavements and a historic hump-back bridge only wide enough for one vehicle. Hockering lane is a residential side street currently terminating in a cul-de-sac. The lane is busy during the day, becoming blocked during school drop off pick up times. There are problems with delivery vehicles (including oil) which cannot turn and have to reverse. Limited parking means cars have to park on curbs which forces pedestrians into the lane and blocks vehicle access. The proposed access point is a turning circle and parking. The access point is also an entry into meadow for residents to walk and the public to fish. The cul-de-sac is a safe place for children to play and cycle away from main road which has become a “rat-run”. The proposed access point will remove this as a safe area for children to exercise and play. The adjacent meadow floods every year up to NE corner. With the site less than 100m from the river any surface run off is a potential pollutant to the water course and wildlife (Geese, Herons, Swans, Ducks and Otters). Lane drainage is already at capacity and problematic. Uncontrolled use of portable gas cylinders within close proximity of residential dwellings is a concern. An additional concern is air pollution from potential fossil fuel or combustible burning for heating. Are the regulations for this site the same as new build permanent dwellings? The proximity of the CAGNET Gas pipeline was raised previously when the area around the garages was considered for additional permanent dwellings. Whilst I had no objection to a small number of additional properties, I believe this was the main cause for this not to go ahead. Village amenities are very limited. The School is oversubscribed and already relying on a bus outside as a library. There is no effective bus service to/from the village (once a week). There are no shops, GP surgery or dentist. As a result, there is already a disproportionately large number of vehicles in a small village which already causes parking issue at bottom end of the lane. Bawburgh parish already has at least 3 known traveller sites (private and public) within 0.5 miles of village boundary. This includes the site that was closed on Long lane which would be more effective as a permanent site after the disastrous outcome when it was temporary site. Its location is ideal due to the proximity of main roads and amenities such as shops and GP surgeries. Additional to the sites within the parish there is the site near Roundwell which is approximately 2 miles away. So is it proportionate for the parish to have further sites within its boundaries?

I have no objections to the 35 new dwellings but it would be nice if the builders would contribute something to the community But l do have objections to the Gypsy site because I think the road is too narrow for there caravans and trucks. we have had Gypsy in the village before and they have caused problems and why can’t they go back on the site near the park and ride instead, as it is all ready there.

1. The site at Hockering Lane, Bawburgh is the only one promoted which is located within a village;
2. The site requires access over a private right of way without any certainty of delivery;
3. The site is access via a very narrow road which would not allow caravans or mobile homes to pass. There are no road restrictions so vehicles can lawfully park on the road, which is not a public highway. Accordingly, access is not certain nor achievable;
4. Hockering Lane is not lit and large vehicles would not be able to manoeuvre;
5. The site passes properties where the elderly live, and this increase in disturbance for vehicles is harmful to residential amenity;
6. No consideration has been given to highway safety with caravans and mobile homes and other commercial vehicles passing the primary school. This will lead to an increase in highway danger for pedestrians;
7. It is unclear why Bawburgh should have two sites. There is an existing site on Long Lane adjacent to the Park & Ride which is being refurbished. Logically that existing site should be extended. Other parts of the area do not have existing or proposed sites;
8. The school is over-subscribed and therefore there are no school places;
9. The existing doctor’s surgery for Bawburgh at the Humbleyard Practice in Hethersett is 5,000+ oversubscribed;
10. The approach to selecting sites just on the basis of sites being promoted is unsound and unsustainable. The Councils should heave looked on a more equitable basis with a better distribution of sites around the Districts and City.

I strongly object to the proposed Gypsy site in Hockering Lane Bawburgh.
Safety being one of my concerns.
Gypsies, mode of Transport is normally large Commercial vans, Lorries, some times with caravans being towed, these vehicles are too large for the narrow passage along Hockering Lane.
Traffic is particularly difficult to Navigate in either direction along the lane, due parked cars on the road, particularly when parents are dropping off or collecting their children from school.
In the same vain.
The Village Bottle Bank/Recycling area is suitably located as very little traffic passes, however passage on this narrow section of road adjacent to the recycling area will become an issue should additional larger traffic from the Proposed Gypsie site use this narrow lane, this will inevitably cause problems and confrontations.

The proposed site is at the end of the cul de sac. The traffic, due to the location of school, is very busy and the proposed site will make it much worse. There are no shops etc within a safe walking distance, therefore the occupants will have no choice but to add to the traffic levels. This is aggravated by no proper public transport and a lack of safe pavements, in the village and to Longwater and Watton Road. There are therefore other more suitable sites elsewhere. I cannot see how this proposal fits in with the walking, cycling, public transport ethos of Central and Local governments. There are already 3 traveller sites within a couple of miles. This one is inappropriate.

This supposed suitable site is completely unsuitable for the proposed residential Gypsy site.
The entrance road (Hockering Lane) is a narrow road running passed a school. The problems of congestion from parents parked vehicules, at least twice a day, is well known. To add extra carravan movements and work van movements to an already narrow road, leading onto an even narrower Private Road to Entrance this proposed site is incredulous.
I have lived in the village for all my life 88 years and have never been fearfull. Now I feel fearfull for the future.

The reason I am objecting to the Proposed Residential Gypsy and Traveller Site is because of its location.
1. Hockering Lane has only one entrance and therefore traffic will have to turn around and exit the same way onto Stocks Hill.
2. There is an infant/junior school on this Road which gets very congested during drop off and pickup times.
3. This site will make a lot more traffic in the Village causing a lot more pollution.
4. There are only three amenities in the Village. A School, A Pub, A Village Hall. Nearest shops are two miles away and there is no suitable public transport.

- Proposed location is at the end of a cul-de-sac so offers very limited access.
- It is at the end of a narrow road which includes houses and a school. There is often insufficient parking along this road which at times is near gridlocked i.e. school bus, bin lorry etc. This would cause problems to access to the site for emergency services.
- Bawburgh is a very small village with limited amenities, no shops, no bus services.
- Site would be in a central village location and out of the 12 proposed sites this is the only one proposed in the centre of a community.
- Drainage is a big problem for many of the houses in Bawburgh.
- Bawburgh is in a flood risk area. Winter 2019 the police asked me to evacuate my house. The Government Planning Policy for Travellers states "do not locate sites in areas of high risk of flooding".
- There is a temp traveller site at Long Lane which could be utilised as a perm traveller site not at risk of flooding, better access and not central village location.

We suggest re-using the currently closed transit site for travellers at Costessey Park and Ride as a permanent site reusing existing facilities and infrastructure.

Access Road narrow with parked cars during school drop off and pick up times creating restricted access for emergency vehicles. Could cause potential danger for school children. River is prone to flooding and drainage is an environmental concern.
Every resident needs vehicles to travel anywhere as there is only 1 bus to Wymondham on a Friday in our village. There are 2 other travellers site nearby that could accommodate the extra spaces needed with less cost.
With regards to the remaining proposed sites they are all better served with good access to main roads unlike Bawburgh.

Access to the site is via a narrow road which has cars parked randomly and is extremely congested twice a day due to the primary school drop-off/pick-up.
This could lead to close vehicular contact with parents and pupils during the school term and local children in the cul-de-sac during holidays and weekends.
There is only 1 (restricted) entrance into/out of the site itself. Emergency vehicles could be delayed reaching the travellers or the residents.
Concern from an environmental perspective re run-off from the site and any burning of waste materials that may ensue.
The river is in close proximity and drainage is a perpetual problem from Anglian Water.
All journeys would require vehicle movements as there is only 1x bus/week to Wymondham and no walking/cycling safe routes out of the village.
Bawburgh has 2x existing Traveller sites and has from 2014–2020 had a Transit Site at the top of the village. Could this facility be re-opened and developed as access to this facility would be far easier for the Travellers.
I note the other 9x sites favoured have more direct access from main roads and are not integrated in the very centre of a residential area.

Access to the proposed site is inadequate. Residents have to park on the road which reduces access even more. Large vehicles like dustcarts, oil suppliers etc. have problems driving down there now.
Traffic on Hockering Lane is multiplied at school times making it difficult for residents to get access to their driveways or park outside their houses.
The proposed site would increase traffic and traffic noises enormously. There are no local shops so people need to drive children from the school could also be put at greater risk from increased traffic.
Would access to the garages be restricted or ceased due to access onto site?

I would like to object to the proposed Gypsy/Traveller site at the end of Hockering Lane (ref GNLP5009).
The road is very narrow and a dead end. It is not suitable for the amount of traffic this will cause.
There is a school on the only road access to the site, and the traffic at school time is already horrendous. There is already a site in Bawburgh near the park and ride. Could that be re-opened?
We don't need another site in Hockering Lane.
It is a very quiet place to live and I am sure a Gypsy/Traveller site would spoil that.
There are other sites within a mile or two.

1. Poor road access through the village.
2. Surface water run off.
3. No amenities in the village for residents now/let alone with new housing. i.e. Bus x 1 to Wymondham/ once weekly.
4. Eco, air pollution from burning tyres, rubbish, etc.
5. Run off from surface water.

1. The access road is through a residential area which includes the Primary School. This is a very busy road with a number of parked vehicles and any additional traffic could cause significant problems especially for emergency vehicles.
2. There are virtually no amenities in the village and contrary to the Council report there is only one bus per week to Wymondham.
3. There are already a number of sites in the vicinity. Why not develop the transit site at the Park and Ride.
4. Air pollution from the potential burning would be a problem.
5. Run off from surface water has to go somewhere – viz the river.

I wish to object to the proposed creation of a Travellers' site at Hockering Lane, Bawburgh for the following reasons:-

Highway safety and additional traffic generation from the Travellers' site:-
Access to the site is proposed to be via a private road. This does not take into account that vehicles would first have to travel along Hockering Lane, an already heavily congested road due to the number of properties, as well as the village school, which use it.

Drainage issues:-
The current waste water and sewerage system in the village often suffers from problems of flow and flooding. Any additional sewerage and waste water will impact on an already fragile system.

The hard standings necessary for the Travellers' homes will impede the drainage of surface water using natural courses and may create additional flooding to the roads and meadows.

Existing Travellers' Site on Long Lane:-
There is already a Travellers' site on Long Lane which is currently closed. Not only could this site be improved by way of facilities, it could also be expanded into adjacent land to the side and rear of the site.

Comments regarding the planning application (GNLP5009) at the end of Hockering Lane Bawburgh:

Acceptable access which the residents at the moment struggle with, on term days the school now being a large primary school has obviously no intended parking so the whole of Hockering Lane is reduced to one lane lane and it is what it says a lane not a road, and larger vehicles cannot travel down there without going up the kerbside, this obviously happens twice a day every day but to add another line of large traffic such as trucks and vans which will be sited on the new proposed traveller’s housing development would be a catastrophic unnecessary added problem.

Has anyone monitored this From the residents perspective? Has it been fully monitored for a full week during the school term? And if so please can we have your conclusions and facts .also the entry and exit which is surrounded by the residents garages which they indeed pay handsomely to rent from the council what of the access to them ? The fact that larger vans, trucks and even the bin lorry has had to turn round at the fork and back up into the housing area this will tell you that there is indeed no room for extra heavy duty vehicles, if an ambulance were to try and get there when there is no access who would be at fault ,

Also the fact of why this is being rushed through and not the allocated time been given to reply ,

Close to school
Poor access due to narrow road
Close to gas mains, huge fire risk
The bridge cannot hold heavy caravans
School is full capacity
No local amenities
Doctors and dentists are full

Site at end of narrow road totally unsuitable for any more traffic, let alone large vehicles.
Increased traffic endanger the children at the primary school, which is full.
Busy housing area with families and older more vulnerable people right next to the site - I feel they have been treated with thoughtlessness and disrespect.
Very few services in the village and all roads are narrow and already busy.
A main gas pipe line runs through the site!
Run off would be straight into the River Yare.
The site on Long Lane so much more suitable.

Hockering lane wouldn't be able to cope with caravans coming down a cul de sac especially when there's school traffic,you can't even get a bus down hockering lane