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 we 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 I wrote to Breckland Council this time last year to highlight my concerns for about the application for eight new poultry sheds with associated admin blocks, feed bins and ancillary development on land off Swangey Lane in Rocklands – having been made aware of overwhelming local opposition. That application was withdrawn by the applicant shortly before it was due to be heard by Breckland Planning Committee.

Shortly before Christmas, I became aware of a second, almost identical application that had been submitted, along with another groundswell of local opposition. Having read through everything carefully, I have now submitted the below letter to Breckland Council to highlight those concerns and formally place on record my opposition.

To see my work with the local community in relation to the previous application, please click here and here

Rest assured, I will continue to support sustainable development in our local area – working with our dedicated local councillors and communities to oppose those that are not appropriate or unsustainable in our part of the world.