The HAWITAGE Action Group has focussed its activities on Hockham Woods, however we should not forget the proposed waste site at Larkshall Farm, East Wretham, just down the A1075 towards Thetford.
Photos of the proposed site
This site has been proposed by Kew Environment and Training Consultancy Ltd on behalf of Pearsons (Thetford) Ltd and the application states that the proposed uses would be composting, anaerobic digestion, processing of recyclables, mixed waste processing, inert waste recycling, thermal treatment (this means incineration) and waste transfer.
Click here to view just the 2 pages for Larkshall Wretham from the 142 page 'Waste Site Allocations Development Plan Document: Issues & Options' which lists all the proposed waste sites in Norfolk.
Click here to view just the 3 page Site Assessment for Larkshall Wretham from the 217 page 'Waste Site Allocations Development Plan Document: Evidence Base', which lists all the Site Assessments for the proposed waste sites in Norfolk.
Since Pearsons operations began at Larkshall locals report that the verges of the A1075 between Thetford and Larkshall have become more heavily litter strewn and that Pearsons operations have been steadily increasing, both in size, scale and night time light pollution.
The photos above show the rear of the existing recycling/waste site adjacent to the threatened woodland
Currently there are limitations to the waste throughput of 75,000 tonnes a year, with no more than 50 tonnes of non-recyclable waste on the existing site at any one time, however if the proposed additional site is approved then the size of the site will triple, and so presumably will the scale of operations and the lorry movements. The effects of these extra lorries on and off the A1075 will surely be more than it could cope with safely.
Apart from its obvious effect on the wildlife, the proposed waste site will remove over 13 acres of mature woodland (planted after the Second World War as a tribute to the fallen and originally called 'Victory Belt') that currently shrouds the existing site from both the main road and Wretham village.
The proposed waste site will also adjoin arable farmland and overlook several Bungalows which house staff from the neighbouring farms.
Support so far: Breckland District Council has registered a ‘strong objection’, as has Wretham Parish Council.
RG Abrey Farms have put together a brief letter outlining their principal objections to the proposals, together with a standard 'Objection Letter' which you can download here, then print, add your name & address, then sign and send to:
Planning Services
Norfolk County Council Planning & Transport Dept
FREEPOST NC22093/8
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk NR1 2BR
RG Abrey Farms have written to NCC with a very detailed list of objections, read their letter here
Wretham members of HAWITAGE have asked that we point out that they are still fighting the Pearsons proposals for Wretham and requested that we support them by signing their E-Petition against it. Just click on this link http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Larkshall/ to go to their E-Petition and sign up!