3 actions you can take to save the Wensum Valley

Published: Thu, 08/11/22

red kite - one of birds resident in the Wensum Valley - see our Whats in the Wensum Valley Wednesdays on social media for more on what we are trying to protect!

There are lots of ways that you can help the Stop the Wensum Link campaign coming up!

A 2 Minute Action

Something you can do right now is take part in an obscure but important consultation that NCC are running. The LLCON is about what the council have to consider in planning decisions. And yet again we have found that they are playing fast and loose with carbon. There is no point in government setting targets such as net-zero by a certain date if carbon produced by a project isn't calculated properly. Full instructions at the bottom of this email - it is quick and simple to do, we promise!

Speaking of dodgy carbon calculations....

Thanks for your support for the A47 legal crowdfunder - it has reached over £12,000!

This is an amazing start, but unfortunately as litigation is so expensive much more is needed. This is potentially incredibly important for all national road projects, so do keep sharing - it is relevant to people beyond Norfolk.

For more about why this is important both nationally and for the NWL please watch this video

Or read more on the crowdfunder

Help the 'Alternative Consultation'

NCC start a public consultation on the NWL on 15th August.
They will have their own agenda - steering people to the questions they want to answer.

Greenwashing about carbon and 'ecological net gain'.

Not addressing the likelihood that the cost will keep rising. Implying that the road will solve all traffic problems.

We will give you help on how to take part in the consultation so that you don't get pushed into answering the questions the way they want them answered. So hold fire when it comes out - we will share some advice with you soon.

We intend to be there at their 'roadshow' plus do a location or two of our own to ensure access to information for the public.

But for this to work we need volunteers

The core SWL members won't be enough, so we need you!
Can you attend any of the dates below? (we will only do 5-7pm approx unless people are keen to do more)

Full briefing and support will be given, so don't feel you need to be an expert on the NWL.
If you don't want to man a stall you can come to the briefing to get info to ask pertinent questions of NCC staff at the one of the venues.
Briefing dates will be announced soon.

Barnham Broom Village Hall on Friday 2 September (12 - 8pm)
The Costessey Centre on Friday 9 September (1 - 8pm)
Weston Longville Hall for All on Thursday 15 September (12 - 8pm)
Felthorpe Village Hall on Thursday 22 September (12 - 8pm)

+ 1 or 2 more dates in September/October

Please reply to this email if you can help

Thankyou team SWL!

Responding to the LLCON consultation

Background:

This consultation is about the policies which Councillors and the NCC Planning department have to give regard to in planning decisions (including the upcoming NWL planning application). Formally, LLCON is “Local List for Validation of Planning Applications Consultation Draft, 2022”

The consultation period ends on Monday 22 August 2022, and the document being consulted is at: http://eplanning.norfolk.gov.uk/Document/Download?module=PLA&recordNumber=17735&planId=63752&imageId=3&isPlan=False&fileName=20220513%20Reg%203%20Local%20List%20Final%20Draft.pdf

What to do:

1. Go to the page to make your comments http://eplanning.norfolk.gov.uk/Planning/Comment/LLCON/2022/0001

2. Fill in your details. Under “Response Type”, select “Objection”.

3. Insert your objection into the Comment box (note 1000 character restriction):

“I object to the LLCON because it is out-of-date on assessing carbon in developments. Under both the “Climate Change, Energy Statement, Renewable Energy, Sustainability Statement” and “Net-zero Carbon” sections, references should be included to the Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP), the Net Zero Strategy (NZS), and the Council’s Local Transport Plan 4.

Both sections should include a requirement for a statement on a) how the proposed development aligns with national and local policies for achieving net-zero, and b) how the environmental statement (EIA) complies with the EIA Regulations and the NPPF (noting NPPF footnote 53) which says planning should be in line with the objectives and provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008.”

4. If you wish to write a longer statement then attach a file as suggested on the form.

5. Thank you!

9/11 Lower Goat Lane
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