More time to say 'No' to quarries
RESIDENTS have an extra four weeks to comment on controversial plans to build new quarries and waste disposal sites across West Norfolk.
Norfolk County Council has extended the consultation period on the proposals until Friday, April 25 to give people more chance to have their say.
Campaigners and parish councils fighting to protect the countryside have welcomed the move following criticism the council had not given residents enough opportunity to express their opinions.
The consultation period was due to finish on Friday, March 28, and in the six weeks since it began, more than 45,000 visited an internet site on the consultation.
East Winch Parish Council clerk Mrs Annmarie Parker said: "I think all the parish councils feel that six weeks was a very short period of time on a matter like this. When you are a rural area, you have got to give everybody a chance to see the plans."
The council has identified 32 potential mineral extraction sites in West Norfolk to meet the county's growing need for sand, carrstone and gravel in the next decade and beyond.
Among the sites, all suggested by landowners and mineral companies, are a number of beauty spots including Roydon Common, Grimston Warren and Pott Row Wood and there are fears the quarrying could have a devastating affect on wildlife, communities and roads.
The consultation document also lists seven potential sites in West Norfolk to accommodate a "thermal treatment" centre for the disposal of waste.
Since the consultation began in February, residents across West Norfolk have held emergency meetings, lobbied their parish councillors, produced leaflets and even formed action groups to register their concerns.
East Winch, Grimston and Leziate parish councils have already lodged their concerns about the suggested sites in their villages and a vote on the Lynn News website in March revealed 66 per cent of readers believed there should be a limit on the number of quarries allowed.
Residents can comment on the plans at www.norfolk.gov.uk or by emailing: Idf@norfolk.gov.uk/ nmwdf
People can also write in to Planning Services, Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich. NR1 2SG.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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