South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss formally objects to Marshland St James traveller site plans for land off School Road
Village site would ‘threaten local rural character’, MP says
South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss has formally objected to plans to create another traveller site in a village, which she says would “threaten the local rural character”.
Former prime minister Ms Truss has said the proposed development in Marshland St James would also pose “additional dangers” to vulnerable road users.
The proposal to develop land off School Road for the use of residential caravans, along with the building of a utility room and erection of a stable, has also been opposed by parish, borough and county councillors.
The initial planning application was refused by West Norfolk Council in 2021, but applicant Laurence Manning lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
After consulting with Marshland St James Parish Council and concerned residents, Ms Truss is now demanding the appeal be rejected and the borough council’s initial refusal be confirmed.
In formally objecting to the plans, Ms Truss has told the Planning Inspectorate: “As a rural village, access to the new site would be reliant on private vehicles, adding to the existing two-way traffic flow which congests School Road and the village.
“This would pose additional dangers to vulnerable road users, including school children travelling to and from the Primary School just 850m to the northwest of the site.
“To provide space and welcome new residents, Marshland St James has already catered for two existing traveller sites.
“As a rural village best served by its surrounding towns, any further development must be coupled with new and improved services. Until this happens, the village has gone above and beyond its capacity.
“Mobile homes on an open fen landscape and a flood zone are also not conducive to sustainable development.
“Similarly, construction would be outside the village’s agreed development boundaries, threatening existing wildlife and the local rural character.”
The appeal for this application will be held on June 22.
