Harding’s Pits Objection

 

West Norfolk District Committee have joined forces with local civic and amenity societies to campaign against a controversial planning proposal to build over a community green space.  The proposal by Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council is part of a wider plan to create a new marina and would see the destruction of The Harding’s Pits Doorstep Green, a 51/2 acre green space created and managed by volunteers.  Harding’s Pits is currently protected as a public open space by a 25-year covenant between West Norfolk Council and Natural England which protects it from development.  The council now wish to break that covenant.  CPRE West Norfolk have written to the council in objection to the plans.

 

CPRE Hold Talks About NDR

 

CPRE Norfolk have joined forces with the Norwich and Norfolk Transport Action Group (NNTAG) to raise objections to the road expansion proposals for Norwich. CPRE Norfolk’s Policy Co-ordinator, Dr. Ian Shepherd, recently gave a presentation along with NNTAG, to the Department of Transport, Go-East and Norfolk County Council in objection to plans for the Postwick Hub, Broadland Gate Business Park and Norwich Northern Distributor Route (NDR).  Further talks are expected.

 

Light Pollution Campaign Success

 

CPRE Norfolk’s Light Pollution Coordinator, David Hook, was recently invited by Norfolk Property Services (NPS) to participate in discussions about future lighting schemes in Norfolk schools.  He has subsequently advised on lighting schemes at three Norfolk schools and has encouraged NPS to adopt good lighting practice on all their future education projects.  CPRE Norfolk’s Light Pollution Team has also been in discussions with Norfolk County Council over the £25m PFI street light replacement scheme in Norfolk that will see almost 50,000 lights replaced in the coming years.  The Team has worked with the council to ensure that full cut-off flat-glass white lights (the preferred type for reducing light pollution) are used almost completely throughout the scheme.

 

Norfolk Volunteer is Rural Campaigner of the Year

 

Martin Walton, Chairman of the CPRE Norfolk Awards judging panel, has won the Marsh Award for the Benefit of Rural England.  Martin won the award for his long standing commitment to the innovative CPRE Norfolk Awards. Martin was presented with the Award by Brian Marsh, Chairman of the Marsh Christian Trust, at CPRE’s Sharing Success volunteers’ conference at Centre Point in Central London.  The Marsh Awards seek to recognise unsung heroes who aim to improve the world in which we live.

 

Bill Bryson Attends Norfolk Awards Ceremony

 

Author, travel writer and Norfolk resident Bill Bryson attended the recent CPRE Norfolk Awards Ceremony at the Assembly House in Norwich.  As national President of CPRE, Bill gave his views on the twenty five outstanding Norfolk projects that won CPRE Norfolk Awards.  Plaques and certificates were presented to the winners by the sponsors Targetfollow Group.  Bill said of the Awards “the countryside is full of small details, easily forgotten and easily lost, so it is important to reward the efforts of those that preserve it.  We can be really proud of all the people that have made such outstanding efforts and who, professionally or through voluntary effort, treasure the unspoilt countryside around them.”

 

Green Buildings Open Days

 

CPRE Norfolk’s recent open eco-homes event proved once again to be exceptionally popular, with over 600 people visiting 15 sustainable and eco-friendly buildings during four days of guided tours.   Highlights included a new social housing scheme in Lingwood, a low carbon private housing development at Costessey, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust energy efficient visitors centre at Cley and the Greenhouse Environment Centre in Norwich.  Norfolk residents also opened up their own self built properties, barn conversions and home extensions.  The Green Buildings Open Days event is organised annually by CPRE Norfolk and provides a unique educational experience for consumers and professionals wishing to learn more about sustainability.  To join the mailing list for this event, please email your details to info@cprenorfolk.org.uk.  CPRE members will get first chance to book.

 

CPRE Norfolk see off Tesco in Sheringham

 

As encouraging proof that David can sometimes beat (or at least frustrate) Goliath, Tesco’s attempts to build a supermarket on the outskirts of Sheringham continue to be thwarted.  The Planning Inspector’s recent decision to uphold Norfolk County Council’s refusal of Tesco’s planning application has been welcomed by campaigners, locally and nationally.  Along with many other local groups, CPRE Norfolk have been involved in the campaign against the Tesco application for over 10 years, with Dr Ian Shepherd, CPRE Norfolk’s Planning Policy Co-ordinator, called to give evidence at the inquiry.  The application will now go to judicial review later in the year.