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, 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 have written to Breckland Council to highlight my concerns 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 had numerous pieces of correspondence from local residents, parish councils and local district councillors, I know the strength of concern about the proposals that have been put forward. On the Breckland Planning portal, I understand that several hundred submissions have already been made as well.

To see my views in full, please see the letter I sent to Breckland below.