GNLP 2045 Regulation 20 Scoping Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 26390

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

Threats - in South Norfolk the landscape is being dramatically changed by pylon networks, huge HVDC Converter stations, substations, solar energy farms and huge housing developments. These building sites are taking over valuable arable land which are vital to national long term food supply and agriculture related jobs and which are recognised as being essential strengths of the region.
The call for sites has brought forth huge potential losses of green field, rural farming land which also has the potential to seriously damage the recognised beauty and essential ecology of Norfolk villages unless carefully managed and controlled.

Comment

Representation ID: 26391

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

No comment.

Comment

Representation ID: 26392

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

There are deep concerns that the National Planning Policy Framework is very much about targeted housing numbers and this will drive larger sites in areas where they will disrupt and overwhelm small communities which have evolved over centuries. While we understand the benefits of the proposed broad structure, very much driven by central government, a broad approach with such large housing numbers has the risk of local planning and and community views being ignored.

Comment

Representation ID: 26394

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

Norwich urban area has underperformed and while there may be reasons for this, the Main Towns, Key Service Centres and Village Clusters have all performed very well and are above target? Bearing in mind the Key Service Areas and Village Clusters well exceeded targets have they been over developed?

Comment

Representation ID: 26395

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

The development of suitable Brownfield sites is recognised as being ideal for housing development where commercial/industrial development is not attractive. Infrastructure and utilities can be expensive plus site cleansing and clearance. However, they must be the continuing prime target for housing. The largest temptation for those making decisions remotely is to drastically expand towns and villages. There is evidence of this already. However, it is essential to also apply the settlement hierarchy in a balanced and objective manner and for the local planning teams to make decisions to protect existing values and qualities for long term benefit.

Comment

Representation ID: 26396

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

One of the major challenges for developing even modest housing sites in small villages is sewerage systems. Mains connections are the ideal but, many rely upon individual sewerage treatment plants or a package treatment plant which can be complex to set up. Local transport connections, schools and services are essential to ideally minimise regular car usage.

Comment

Representation ID: 26397

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

It appears fit for purpose

Comment

Representation ID: 26399

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

The question is wrong. The commentary above states "including at least 10% of housing" not a specific 10%. Bearing in mind that between 2018 and 2025, Village Clusters delivered 2,400 homes which was 17% of total housing delivered, 10% would be inadequate as most village cluster sites are small/medium and is probably why they support high completion targets.

Comment

Representation ID: 26400

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

It would appear to be well covered.

Comment

Representation ID: 26401

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Bunwell Parish Council

Section HO11 of the NPPF covers this quite well in 'Isolated homes in the countryside', page 37. There needs to be sound justification for such a homewhich one would hope the local planners would thoroughly review and decide upon.