Building enough houses to make sure everyone in our area has the chance for a roof of their own, while also making sure we protect our rural landscape and heritage, is often a difficult balance.
That’s why I set up my Norfolk Way Project to promote a new model of rural development, protecting our heritage AND driving a ‘Rural Renaissance’ in our towns and villages with improved transport links and new businesses and opportunities.
Since becoming MP for Mid Norfolk back in 2010, I have worked with local community groups and councillors to promote a more local and organic model of development and make sure everyone’s voice is always heard on planning issues. Whether on protecting the Lizard or saving the Tiffey Valley, where there is a danger of large-scale over-development I will always speak out to make sure we protect our landscape and heritage.
What we need is a long-term local plan. That’s why I will continue to work with local councils over this Parliament to make sure they get proper Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans in place, ensuring development is always in keeping with our area’s traditions and heritage.
Please see my latest updates on my work on this issue below.
If YOU are based in Watton, please do take the time to have your say. The Referendum is a key part of the Neighbourhood Plan process and it’s vital local residents take the time to go along, vote and ensure their views are heard.
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.
I have been working closely with Cllrs Bill Borrett and Gordon Bambridge, as well as the c.35 local communities that form the Campaign Against the New Town (CANT) group, to oppose this latest attempt to push through proposals for a North Elmham New Town and dump c.5000 houses in a deeply rural part of Mid Norfolk.
Our Mid Norfolk Market Towns are vital hubs of community spirit and services. After a difficult few years, it’s more vital than ever that we do all we can to help fuel their success and prosperity – and shape positive futures for them – so as to ensure they remain thriving and vibrant.
While the House has returned this week following the Summer Recess, the campaign opposing the North Elmham New Town proposals very much continues – which is why I have been in contact with the Campaign Against New Town campaign group (CANT) again this week.