Since becoming MP for Mid Norfolk back in 2010, I have actively worked with local community groups and councillors to promote a more local and organic model of development – one that doesn’t allow aggressive out-of-town developers to abuse the planning system and keep on dumping large, inappropriate and unsustainable developments on our towns and villages. (For full details, please visit my website here).

However, planning doesn’t just mean houses. It can also mean local businesses and industry. While I am a strong supporter of local business and light industry in our local communities and want to see our local economy thriving (especially those traditional sectors that our area is so closely tied to), we need to ensure that growth is done positively, rather than at the expense of the rural way of life that we all hold so dear – and which makes Mid Norfolk such a wonderful place to live, work and visit!

That’s why, after conversations with local residents, the Griston Community Group, the Parish Council and local councillors, I have written to Breckland to signal my shared concern and opposition towards a group of connected applications at the Coughtrey Industrial Estate.

See my letter to Breckland below.

As explained, although the site in question currently has historically permitted light industrial use, the proposals put forward would bring about a much heavier industrial usage (as evidenced by the change of use being sought) which I agree would not be appropriate in a small rural village community – especially one that has in fact already seen increased residential development and growth around the proposed site.

Rest assured, I will continue to monitor these applications closely – and look forward to visiting concerned residents and councillors in the village soon.