ELF Submits Objection on Behalf of Local Residents to Proposed Development Near Protected Nature Sites

By Elf

Community Response and ELF’s Involvement

In response to alarming development proposals near the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in Norfolk, the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) was recently contacted by distressed local residents living near these significant protected sites.

The plans to construct 20 new Intensive Poultry Unit (IPU) sheds and associated pig finishing facilities near these protected habitats have sent shockwaves throughout the community. ELF fields numerous environmental concerns each year, but the potential repercussions of these applications are particularly worrying, especially due to their proximity to the SPA and SSSIs.

Key Environmental Threats to Breckland SPA and SSSIs

Relying on expert advice from Helen Hamilton of Marshes Planning, we undertook an in-depth review of the Environmental Statement (ES) and associated documents for these applications. This exercise revealed a range of inconsistencies and, crucially, highlighted two main threats to the Breckland SPA and the SSSIs: the risk of avian flu affecting the SPA’s protected birds and the potential air pollution endangering their habitat.

On behalf of the concerned residents, ELF has lodged an extensive objection to the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, outlining these and other issues associated with the proposed development.

Learning from the Past

The potential for more IPU clusters has left local communities understandably nervous. The damage caused to the River Wye by similar clusters should serve as a cautionary tale.

Helen Hamilton emphasizes, “Local authorities should turn their attention to the Welsh borders, where authorities are now dealing with the after-effects of IPUs sanctioned over the past 10-15 years. It’s crucial for local campaigners to educate themselves about these developments’ impacts, and what has transpired elsewhere, to effectively challenge the environmental statements.”

Helen Hamilton has given an informative talk on how to object to IPU applications, which can be viewed here. For all who are interested or affected, and we strongly recommend giving it a watch.

 

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