THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NORFOLK BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND VOTE FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE Norfolk has a new constituency for President Bill Bryson and has the first time in over 25 years and been lobbying our national CPRE Norfolk is keen to know how a leaders to endorse it again. Bill new MP will defend it. The new has been granted Broadland constituency runs in a unprecedented access to David long strip from near Great Cameron, Nick Clegg and Yarmouth in the east, to past Gordon Brown before the Fakenham in the north west. It election, to seek their party’s contains the site of the proposed views on the countryside and new eco-town in Rackheath, the sign them up to the CPRE route of the proposed Northern Manifesto. Distributor Route (NDR) around CPRE wants our leaders to make Norwich, key market towns such as a clear pledge of support for a Reepham, Aylsham and Acle, and strong, democratic planning many rural wards. A new MP will system; adopt a ‘brownfield- face tough choices; to make a Director of Policy and Campaigns, will set first’ approach to new housing pledge to protect the rural character of the scene and the event will be chaired by development; support investment in low the county or to allow Norwich to grow CPRE Norfolk President and the current carbon travel and improved public unchecked into the heart of the Broads Sheriff of Norwich, Professor Tim transport; extend and strengthen our and beyond. O’Riordan. network of National Parks and AONBs; CPRE Norfolk will be testing the resolve of back policies to protect rural tranquillity; prospective parliamentary candidates at a CPRE Manifesto and take strong action on litter and specially organised ‘Hustings’ event at Casting backwards to the 1920s when flytipping. CPRE Norfolk has written to all Aylsham Town Hall on the evening of CPRE was formed, the then leaders of the Norfolk MPs and prospective candidates Monday April 26th, 7.00pm (see inset for Conservative, Liberal and Labour parties asking them to back the Manifesto in details). All the major political parties will (Baldwin, Lloyd George and Macdonald) their constituency. be represented and questions are co-signed a letter to the Times backing The countryside faces many challenges welcome, from CPRE members in advance CPRE principles. Now, in 2010, CPRE has but the coming election gives politicians and from members of the public on the produced an updated ‘Manifesto for the the chance to shape the way we care for night. Keynote speaker Neil Sinden, CPRE General Election’, signed by our current and use it, now and in the future.
Question Time for the parliamentary Panel: Monday 26th April candidates in the new Broadland Stuart Agnew (UKIP) Doors: 7.00pm, Debate: 7.30pm-9.00pm constituency Aylsham Town Hall Allyson Barron (Labour Party) Chair: Professor Tim O’Riordan (CPRE) Free entry, all welcome Susan Curran (Green Party) Bring your question to the Question Keynote Speaker: Neil Sinden (CPRE) Dan Roper (Liberal Democrat Party) Table on the night. Keith Simpson MP (Conservative Party)
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 Who we are Planning Help CPRE Norfolk is the Norfolk Branch of the Campaign to Protect Every year, through its network of local committees and Rural England. Our aim is to promote the beauty, tranquillity planning caseworkers, CPRE Norfolk responds to hundreds of and diversity of rural Norfolk by encouraging the sustainable use planning applications and gives informal planning guidance to of land and other natural resources in town and country. Set up individuals and local councils across the county. Although we in 1933, we are one of the longest-running environmental are not able to personally follow up every case, we are always charities in the county. We have 1,500 members and supporters, ready to hear about local planning and countryside issues, which made up of individuals, families, parish councils, local businesses inform our wider work. Contact our office to be put in touch and other conservation groups. with someone in your area. Support us CPRE also has an excellent Planning Help website for advice on all aspects of the planning system - We are supported and funded solely by people who care about www.cpre.org.uk/planninghelp the Norfolk countryside. We depend on membership, donations and legacies to run our campaigns. If you would like to make a Website - www.cprenorfolk.org.uk donation, become a member or would like further information The new CPRE Norfolk website has sections on all aspects of our about remembering CPRE Norfolk in your Will, please contact campaigning work. You will find details of Norfolk’s greenest Katy Jones, Membership and Events Manager. Your generosity buildings; information on CPRE Norfolk Award-winning projects will help us protect the Norfolk countryside for future from around the county; copies of our latest planning responses; generations. back issues of this newsletter; and biographies of the people CPRE Norfolk is a registered charity, no. 210706 and is registered running the charity. Log on to the site at for Gift Aid. www.cprenorfolk.org.uk and find out more about events near you, current volunteering opportunities, our history, and more… Work with us CPRE Norfolk is a voluntary organisation, with almost all our Norfolk Voice activities carried out by volunteers and supporters. Opportunities Please note that opinions expressed in Norfolk Voice are those of to get involved range from litter picking, event management, individual contributors or of the Editor and do not necessarily research, graphics design, trusteeships and planning. Current represent the views of CPRE Norfolk. The distribution of Norfolk opportunities and placements are posted regularly on our Voice is sponsored by MARSH. Norfolk Voice is designed by website and if you would like to discuss them further, please Roger Askham and is printed by Crowes on recycled paper. contact James Frost, Director. Pass it on… Win with us Please pass on this copy of Norfolk Voice to a friend/colleague or All CPRE Norfolk members are eligible to enter the 100 Club, a take it to your local doctors, dentists or library, to help spread fundraising venture that works on the basis of a lottery. For £12 the word about CPRE. annually, members can choose a number and enter into two prize draws in June and December. The lottery is fully licensed and prizes range from £20 to £50. To buy a number or for further details contact Dinah Berry, Finance and Administration Officer. Winners from the December Draw were R E M Davey (£50), Greg & Alana Peck (£25), Derek & Mary Manning (£25) and Katy Jones, G & M Hemmings, Lady Walpole, Mrs L M Walsh and Mr G T Lloyd (all £20). Numbers still available are: 2, 16, 43, 44, 52, 53, 65, 67, 68, 71, 74, 75, 78, 93, 100.
Contact us CPRE Norfolk, 42-46 Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1NR Tel: 01603 761660 [email protected], www.cprenorfolk.org.uk
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 2 Chairman’s view Reflections on my time as Chairman
After four years as Chairman of CPRE Norfolk, I have made the decision to step down and give more time to my growing family of grandchildren, my local business interests and the restoration of the water meadow near my home. I am, however, finding it quite difficult to take a step back. It has been a very enjoyable and rewarding four years, with many successes and I am very proud of the Branch’s achievements during my time at the helm. I believe CPRE Norfolk has made a genuine difference, holding up the continuous assault on our glorious Norfolk countryside.
I remember the first few months of my time as chairman were nerve- racking and I had a steep learning curve, getting to understand the complexity of the issues affecting the Norfolk countryside - housing growth, wind farm applications and the looming threat of the NDR – none of which, of course, have gone away. Luckily when I became Chairman I inherited a well organised and successful Branch with a I have met inspirational people too, including so many of the staff at committed team of planning caseworkers, all of whom supported and National Office who work tirelessly under financially difficult informed me during those early days. The continued dedication of all circumstances, lobbying and campaigning, in their effort to protect our staff and volunteers is in evidence when we look at our recent the countryside. And at the other end of the scale, I have been successes at Sheringham and Hempnall, and our extensive input into inspired and moved by the personal stories of individuals whose lives the debate about housing and road development around Norwich. are blighted by unwelcome developments. As a fitting end-note to my time in office, this learning curve was put to the test when I gave evidence at the public inquiry into the There have been regrets of course. I would have liked to have spent Hempnall wind farm proposal. Being questioned by the barrister was more time doing front-line campaigning, but the finances of the undoubtedly the most challenging event in my period as chairman, charity has dictated that my energies were better directed towards but also the most exhilarating. fundraising and attracting sponsorship. However, attracting this income has been vital, to ensure that the resources are available to But my overriding memory as chairman of CPRE Norfolk is of all the allow the campaigning to take place. interesting people I have met – at our events, on litter-picks, in meetings, and through our Green Buildings Open Days and CPRE I will not sever my links with CPRE Norfolk completely and will Norfolk Awards. These people come from all walks of life, some born continue to help the Branch wherever and whenever I can. I hope to in Norfolk, others who have moved here. They may be ordinary remain a Trustee and will continue to work on fundraising; building members of the public or busy professionals. They often come from relationships with existing and future donors and attending our differing ends of the political spectrum. But they all share a common county events. I have full confidence that my successor, whoever he interest - a love of the Norfolk countryside and the desire to keep it or she may be, will take CPRE Norfolk forward and ensure that we special. continue to fight to protect the beautiful Norfolk countryside that we all value so much. It has also been a privilege to meet some famous people associated with the charity, including our national president Bill Bryson, of course, and his predecessor Max Hastings. I was also given the opportunity of representing CPRE Norfolk and being presented to the Greg Peck Queen at St James Palace, as part of CPRE’s 80th birthday Chairman 2006 - 2010 celebrations. [email protected]
Election of New Chairman and 2010 AGM Congratulations... Our Vice-Chair James Parry has taken the role of Acting Chair of ...to CPRE Norfolk’s President Professor Tim O’Riordan, who was CPRE Norfolk until our Annual General Meeting, when a new made an OBE in the New Years Honours List, for his contribution Chair will be elected. The Annual General Meeting will take place to sustainable development. Tim is also the current Sheriff of after the Hustings event on April 26th at Aylsham Town Hall (see Norwich. page one) and is expected to start at approximately 9.40pm and close by 10.00pm.
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 3 Campaign News
The big switch off
CPRE Norfolk is welcoming the decision “And there are so many advantages of proposal. by Norfolk County Council to switch to the scheme. It is estimated that it will Norfolk is not the first council to take part-night lighting for many of the save the council, and therefore tax- this step. Essex, as mentioned, has street lights in the county. The Council’s payers, £167,000 per year. It will also already trialled decision, part-night lighting, announced before as have some other Christmas, provoked counties, including a furious debate in Buckinghamshire. the local media Suffolk is about the merits, or considering a otherwise, of the similar proposal and scheme. Many part-night lighting critics were is likely to become concerned about common practice the potential rise in over large areas of crime, whilst others the UK. These protested on the councils are grounds that there undoubtedly was not a proper motivated by the consultation need to make process. carbon and But David Hook, financial savings, CPRE Norfolk’s light Street lights In Norwich Paul Woolnough and are not pollution co- necessarily ordinator, who was among the first to switching off lights to minimise light go some way towards meeting the publicly comment on the proposal, is pollution. But that doesn't matter, Council’s legally-required carbon unequivocal about the benefits of the concludes David, “If this proposal goes reduction targets. But from CPRE’s scheme. ahead, more people will realise how point of view, there is the wonderful the dark night sky can be. “To start with,” David says, “It won’t be overwhelming benefit that it will help They and their children will at last have the case that all street lights will be reduce light pollution.” a greater opportunity to see the stars turned off. The proposal only applies to David is also confident that the reduced again and hopefully will begin to value those lights run by Norfolk County lighting proposal will not lead to the dark skies and dark landscapes, which Council, so that excludes the street rise in crime as some critics claim. after all, is exactly what we have been lights that are operated by town or “There is evidence that shows that campaigning for!” parish councils or the Highways reducing lighting can actually be of Authority. In addition the main street David has also been working with benefit in reducing crime,” he says. “In lights in Norwich will not be turned off, Emma Marrington of CPRE National those areas where Essex County council nor those in high-crime areas. In total, Office, responding to the new Institute has trialled part-night lighting, crime the scheme applies to about half of the of Lighting Engineers Guidance Notes. figures have actually fallen by 18% 55,000 street lights in the county – This crucial document – used by during the period when the lights have primarily those in quiet residential or architects, planners and builders across been switched off. It makes sense if suburban areas. And don’t forget that the country - explains fully what you think about it - street-lights don’t the lights will only be switched off should be considered when introducing just help the innocent resident – they from midnight to 5am GMT, so most lighting schemes to any building or also can help criminals and vandals to people - perhaps on their way home project. David and Emma’s see what they are doing too.” from the pub or walking their dog in contribution will help ensure that the Reinforcing this view is the fact that the evening - will not really be need to minimise light pollution is Norfolk police, who have been part of affected.” considered at the very earliest design the Council’s consultation process, have stages of a project. given their qualified support to their
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 4 Campaign News
CPRE Norfolk campaigners tackle McDonald’s
Last year we reported in Norfolk Voice overflowing rubbish from the bins. He have a greater effect in negotiations that, after successful campaigning from has kept his word. The lay-by is now than emails or telephone calls,” says David Compton-Kemp of CPRE Norfolk’s clear of rubbish. David. “Hopefully this will also Litter Campaign Group, Broadland encourage other CPRE members to see District Council installed two bins at a This is a great example of how what they can do if they have a litter hotspot on the A140/Cromer Road doggedly following a problem through, particular litter problem from fast-food near Norwich Airport. can get results. “It also shows that containers.” meeting people personally can often It soon became apparent however that the new bins were quickly overflowing with rubbish, most of which was from the nearby McDonald’s, as the picture below clearly shows.
Exhibiting impressive campaigning tenacity, David then went to see the manager of the McDonald’s, Martyn Barrett, drawing attention to the problem and asking whether they could help in any way. He also prompted Peter Leggett, Street Scene Officer at McLitter – a problem Broadland Council, to also visit solved by CPRE Norfolk, McDonald’s. The result? Martyn with help from McDonald’s Barrett agreed that every Monday he and Broadland Council would send a McDonald’s member of staff to the site, to clear the
Funding For Litter Campaign
CPRE, working with Keep Britain Tidy, has keep their paths, village greens and Waitrose to Support Litter also been supporting the work of parish countryside clean. However, we wanted Campaign councils around England in their efforts to to encourage other groups to join in and clean up the countryside. Funding was play their part. The Eaton branch of Waitrose near available during the first part of the year “CPRE is working hard with our President Norwich has selected Bill Bryson’s to provide litter picking equipment and Bill Bryson to raise awareness of the Litter Campaign as one of their honorarium payments to establish litter litterbugs, suggest practical solutions such Community Matters Charity Initiatives wardens in parishes across the country. In as bottle deposit schemes and press local Norfolk, the parishes of Banham, for the month of May. CPRE will get a councils to penalise offenders. However, Ditchingham, Narborough, Hoveton, share of £1,000 donated by Waitrose it is clear that the problem of litter is not Methwold, Weasenham All Saints, and which is divided between three going to be solved without an enormous Gresham, Great Ellingham and Aylmerton charities. The exact share of the effort to clean it up. Establishing a litter have all taken advantage and a money will be ultimately decided by warden is one way that local groups could nominated person in the village is now customers, who can vote for each get started”, Paul concluded. equipped to collect litter on a regular charity using tokens as they leave the basis. CPRE Norfolk also has sets of litter picking shop. Supermarket packaging is one equipment (pickers, gloves, jackets, hoops Paul Wiley, CPRE Norfolk’s Anti-Litter of the main sources of litter and much and bags) available for groups to hire, free Group Chairman, has welcomed the more needs to be done to reduce it, so of charge. There are collection points in interest from those parish councils. Paul this contribution from Waitrose will be Norwich and North Norfolk (Holt area) - said “I know that many parish councils very welcome in our efforts to keep please contact the CPRE Norfolk office for and resident associations across the details. the countryside litter-free. county already employ a litter warden to
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 5 Financial News
Balancing the Books Last year we made a successful backdated of the recession has been felt throughout claim to HMRC for over £12,000. the voluntary sector and is likely to linger With CPRE Norfolk’s Annual General longer, as individuals and businesses Membership Meeting (AGM) at the end of April (see retain their prudence and reduce front page), our Finance team are Membership subscriptions are the most charitable giving until the economy working with our Independent reliable part of our income and recovers. In response, we have tightened Accountants to finalise the Annual contribute around £14,000 per annum. up our expenditure by freezing staff Accounts for 2009. CPRE Norfolk is yet Many members also take part in our 100 salaries, cutting back on printing costs another small charity trying to make Club, our bi-annual prize draw, which and finding new office space with a ends meet so John Davies, Honorary raises further funds for the charity. We reduced rent. However the reality is that Treasurer, and James Frost, Director, take encourage members to make their money if the charity wants to keep an office a look at where the money comes from work as hard as possible, by signing up to open and staff employed, many of our and how the charity is bearing up in the Direct Debit to reduce our administration costs are fixed. recession. While on the page opposite, costs and by signing up to Gift Aid where As such, although the charity will Katy Jones, Membership and Events the member is a UK taxpayer. As well as continue to take best advantage of the Manager, highlights the importance of individuals and families, we also have fundraising streams available, we are also legacies. many parish and town councils that are appealing to members, supporters and all members, working together with CPRE on those who care about the countryside to Many people do not realise that the common issues and accessing our play their part, in raising money to secure national and local branches of CPRE are planning expertise. all financially separate. Instead, it is the long-term future of the charity. If assumed that money flows from the Corporate Sponsorship you can help, in any way, please get in centre to support the work on the ground touch with the branch office. Although we lobby developers, businesses and that local offices are subsidised by and landowners to revise their the National Office. This is not the case. development plans for the countryside, Instead, each branch of CPRE is a Income (£) we also receive sponsorship from them. separate charity and responsible for This is a tricky area and one in which we Membership 13,949 raising its own funds. So where does exercise caution and due diligence. Legacies 1,152 CPRE Norfolk’s money come from? Generally if we accept sponsorship from a Donations (incl. Gift Aid) 39,549 corporate donor, we make it clear that we Donations Events and Sales 5,881 will not back down on our principles and Over a half of our annual income in 2009 will still fight them in the planning arena, 100 Club 1,008 came from personal donations, proving if appropriate. Corporate sponsors from Bank Interest 93 that even in a time of economic 2009 include the brownfield development Total Income 61,632 downturn, individuals still want to give. company Targetfollow and local business Although people also sometimes assume RG Carter. that CPRE is some kind of government Expenditure (£) quango or Lottery funded organisation, Trusts and Foundations Salaries / Volunteer Expenses 48,405 our current activities are, in fact, reliant Two years ago, CPRE Norfolk employed an Insurance / Auditing / Governance 1,340 on the generosity of personal donors. independent fundraiser Sarah Grieveson Last year we received cheques totalling Office / Stationery 6,893 on a commission basis. Using an around £8,500 from one local Meetings / Events 8,366 extensive list of Trusts, Foundations and businessman, but also hundreds of small Livery Companies and working with our Promotion / Campaigns 4,285 donations, in person, at our Green patrons, Sarah is actively targeting funds Total Expenditure 69,289 Buildings tours. Other individuals have on our behalf. A £15,000 donation from raised money through open garden a Charitable Foundation was received in events, art/craft sales and coffee Balance - 7,657 2009, to be spread over three years, and mornings, proving that everyone can play was a direct result of her work. their part. The table shows the end-of-year figures The Future from the Charity’s CAF bank account and Gift Aid Despite working on these income streams, Barclays Community account. Full sets of Alongside receiving money from the charity has still suffered a loss in the 2009 annual accounts are available donations, the charity can also claim the 2010 (see table) and faces a further from the County Office and will be tax back through the Gift Aid process. shortfall in the near future. The impact available for viewing at the AGM.
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 6 Financial News
Leave something to your family in your will. A protected Norfolk
The subject of legacies is a tricky one to estate, totalling just over £7,100. Alternatively, you can ask your solicitor broach, unfortunately combining two of Another bequest, expected to be in the to prepare a codicil, which is a simple our culture’s most sensitive issues – region of £14,000, has been left to the document added to your existing Will.” death and money. But the reality is that charity by Jill Smith, who lived near explains Membership and Events many people want to help their favourite Happisburgh. This bequest will come to Manager Katy Jones. charities after their death, but do not do the charity on the completion of a house Another way to support CPRE Norfolk so, perhaps because they do not make a sale and the probate process. Another after your death is, as in the case of Will at all, or maybe because it simply recent legacy was that from our Patron Martin Jolliffe, described below, to ask gets overlooked when a Will is being Sir Bernard Fielden who died last year, that friends and family give donations, drafted. However, the importance of leaving the charity £1,000. Taken rather than flowers at the funeral. Many legacies to charities like CPRE Norfolk is together, these sums total over a third of mourners prefer this too, knowing that enormous and a relatively small our annual income and not only enable their money is going to the long term proportion of an estate can make a us to carry out our current campaigning support of a charity that was important massive difference to a small charity’s activities, but also plan for the future. to their loved one. finances. “Some people may have already written If you would like a leaflet about leaving For example, CPRE Norfolk has just their Will, and are understandably bequests to CPRE Norfolk, please contact received a legacy from Mrs Pat Bawden reluctant to go to the expense and Katy Jones at the Branch office on 01603 who died in 2007. Originally from trouble of getting a new Will prepared, 761660. If you would like to talk to London, Pat moved to Mundesley in the just to make a charitable bequest. someone in more detail about your plans, 1980s and was involved in many of the However many Wills are now held please call Liz Nesfield, CPRE’s National village’s community activities. She left electronically, and if you use your Legacy Officer, on 0207 981 2849. CPRE Norfolk, along with other local original solicitor, it is relatively easy for charities, a small proportion of her him/her to insert the additional bequest. Obituaries Evelyn Smith Martin Jolliffe
CPRE Norfolk would like to express its Another valued and active member of sadness at the death of Evelyn Smith, CPRE Norfolk died this winter. Martin who ran the charity virtually single- Jolliffe, who lived in North Norfolk, was handedly for many years. Evelyn had an instrumental in stopping the interesting background, working as a Letheringsett bypass in the early 1990s, a farmer in Wales and in Australia, before scheme which would have ripped settling down in Hethersett. She joined through the Glaven Valley. He also was CPRE Norfolk when its offices were at an active campaigner against other local Dragon Hall and oversaw various office threats to Holt and the surrounding area. moves, as well as undertaking all the We would like to thank Martin’s family day-to-day administration and finance and friends for their generous donations, issues, editing the Countryside Review sent instead of flowers, and which (the predecessor to Norfolk Voice) and together raised over £200 for CPRE organising the CPRE Norfolk Awards Norfolk. Ceremony at County Hall. After she stopped working for CPRE Norfolk in 2004, she was awarded the CPRE Countryside Medal, CPRE’s highest The River Glaven, accolade, in recognition of her as photographed by the late Martin Joliffe, contribution to the charity. She is who was also instrumental in its protection missed by many people within CPRE Norfolk and within her local community.
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 7 Planning
Postwick Hub Orders - A Unitary Authority for Dr. Shepherd said “This is a surprising U- turn by the Secretary, as a Norwich-only ‘Cart Before The Horse’? Norwich - ‘Jam Without option was discarded by his predecessor at The Doughnut’? the original stages. CPRE welcomes the CPRE Norfolk have written to the retention of the county-district system, Government Office for the East of England Following two years of consultation, the while the retention of Norwich’s existing (GO-EAST), the Highways Agency and the Secretary of State has chosen to ignore boundaries sends a message to planners Minister of State for Transport over plans to the recommendations of his own and decision makers to limit the urban commence work at the Postwick Hub Boundary Committee and make Norwich sprawl of the city. Nevertheless, the interchange. Substantial alterations to the City Council a Unitary Local Authority on division of current County Council services junction near the Broadland Business Park its existing boundaries, while retaining the such as education, health, social services are being proposed by Norfolk County two-tier system of County and and police into a rural-urban system will Council, even though formal consultations City/District Councils elsewhere in the be a challenge for all concerned, with on the Norwich Area Transportation county. little gain, especially for rural areas which Strategy and the Joint Core Strategy for the are likely to fall down the priorities The Boundary Committee had consulted Greater Norwich area have not been further.” concluded. CPRE Norfolk, alongside NNTAG on two approaches - ‘The Doughnut’ (one and other local objectors, are calling for the unitary authority for a Greater Norwich Although the announcement has been issues to be discussed fully at a Public and another for the rest of Norfolk) or made, there is some way before the Inquiry. ‘One Norfolk’ (one unitary authority for results are implemented. Norfolk County the whole of the county). After Council have launched a legal challenge James Frost, Director of CPRE Norfolk, said, recommending a ‘One Norfolk’ approach to the result, and the results of the “A Public Inquiry into the Postwick Hub to the Secretary of State, the result was of General Election may see the plans revised Orders is vital. Local people deserve it, local surprise to all concerned. by a new Party. CPRE Norfolk will councils deserve it and the local continue to monitor events. countryside deserves it. Without it, Norfolk County Council runs the risk of hijacking the proper planning process and causing a backlash. “On face value, there is no need for such significant changes to the junction and the plans will simply cause congestion and emissions. Only when you see the Postwick scheme in relation to a proposed Northern Distributor Route (NDR) do you see the purpose it is serving. But consultations on the NDR have not been concluded and no decision has been taken, making the Postwick Hub Orders woefully pre-emptive. You would think that the Highways Agency, out of everyone, would recognise a case of ‘cart before the horse’”, James concluded. NHBT news Denver Mill Mediation Process CPRE Norfolk has a role in the stewardship detailed comment during he mediation financial year and is committed to resolving of the Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust, process, they would like to give the following repair and maintenance issues at the site. alongside Norfolk County Council. As assurance to members and interested parties. The Trust has also offered a one-off goodwill reported in the local press there has been a payment to the tenants of the Mill in the dispute between the Trust and the tenants of The Trust is doing everything in its power to hope that it enables them to continue their Denver Mill. Both parties have entered a work with the current tenants to resolve the business. Whatever the future of the current mediation process to resolve the issues and dispute. The Trust has already committed to tenants, the Trust committed to keeping the whilst the Trust has refrained from making spending almost £100,000 on the site this Mill open.
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 8 Planning
Visit your Local Farm affect those shops within walking and Tesco fall short again cycling distance of the local community. Shop(ping centre) CPRE Norfolk welcomed the recent Farm shops do not actually require decision by North Norfolk District West Norfolk planning caseworker planning consent, providing they sell Council to refuse planning permission Rosemary Bryan faced an interesting produce grown on the owner’s farm. But for a Tesco supermarket in Sheringham dilemma recently, when asked to in some examples, as in the case in West and grant permission to an alternative comment on an application for a farm Norfolk, the planning application may 'eco-supermarket' and Food Academy. shop near King’s Lynn. In some ways, the claim to be for a farm shop, but is The most recent planning application for application was to be encouraged. It effectively for a comprehensive retail an edge-of-town Tesco store was appeared to assist farm diversification, centre, in the middle of the countryside. dismissed by councillors in March for its offered job opportunities and would sell This enables the owner to benefit from size and impact on the town centre. local produce. However on closer relatively cheaper rural land prices, Although the rival application, the examination the application was compared to retail land, and also Greenhouse Community Project, is at an somewhat less sympathetic to the rural sometimes sidestep planning controls. out-of-town location and incorporates a environment. Fortunately, following objections from Waitrose supermarket, it combines retail The plans included a 750m2 building, a car CPRE and other bodies, the West Norfolk with a focus on education, local park for around 140 cars on agricultural application was recommended for refusal sourcing of produce, diet and allotment land in the countryside, and the produce and the planning officers also recognised space. to be sold there would in fact have to be that the proposed development James Frost, Director of CPRE Norfolk, brought in by delivery vehicles from the contradicted planning guidance on says “This is a big decision from the owner’s farm 10 miles away and also sustainability of development in the council, but a landmark decision for all involve other retail suppliers. It could only countryside. There were strong objections campaigners across the country. Tesco very loosely be described as a farm too on access and highways issues and have been eyeing up Sheringham for diversification project. The size of the specific concerns regarding the visual over ten years but have not had their building, and the proposed number of car intrusion that a development of this size way. Now an alternative solution has spaces clearly indicated that it was less of would have in the flat Fenland landscape. been found. Although the Greenhouse a farm shop and more of an out of town Community Project has its challenges, it retail enterprise, which would only be offers a joined-up 21st century accessible by car, and would adversely Keep It Local - CPRE Norfolk supports local approach to food sourcing, education producers and retailers and retail. It’s a victory for local food networks and a victory for local democracy.”
CPRE Norfolk have campaigned for over 7 years on the retail future of Sheringham, fighting four planning applications from Tesco and a Public Inquiry. Dr Ian Shepherd, CPRE Norfolk Policy Co-ordinator, once again spoke at the most recent planning hearing and said of the result, “The Tesco store has always been too large for Sheringham and would have caused a serious impact on local traders, the town centre and tourism. Sheringham has been a test case for the new planning policy statement PPS4 which asks councils to look at the size of stores in terms of gross floor space and impact on the wider local economy. Once again, Tesco have fallen short.”
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 9 All Quiet on the Countryside Front? Hardly.
By CPRE Norfolk Acting Chairman open countryside are usually ranked rise. As market towns and villages James Parry highly, along with a sense of space soak up their share of the new and places in which natural sounds are housing, so our countryside will Getting away from it all used to be so not drowned out by man-made ones. become busier, less rural and easy. Load up the car, head off out of Where you can hear the birds sing and potentially less agreeable to live in town on a Friday evening and soon the bees buzz. and less pleasant to visit. enough you’d be in the countryside, where there was Down on the farm nothing to things have disturb you but Noisy off-road activities can threaten rural tranquillity iStock changed, too. Much the gentle cooing of our countryside is of doves and the now an clink of ice in industrialised your gin and landscape, dedicated tonic as you sat to the intensive outside a pub production of food overlooking a and largely managed village green. by machines. These Time to recharge days it is easier to your batteries, hear the 24-hour relax, and enjoy whirr of air- the sounds of conditioning units in nature. Hmm, a poultry plant than think again. As the cluck of a real CPRE tranquillity chicken. Farm maps have made diversification might abundantly clear, help to secure jobs our countryside is and keep rural being communities vibrant increasingly and viable, but it shattered by the can also bring intrusions of modern life. In many Yet perceptions of tranquillity are potentially intrusive activities such as places you are more likely to hear the strictly relative. I recently went to see paintball games, go-karting and blast of a butane-powered bird-scarer a friend who lives in a village south of motorbike scrambling to our than the song of a skylark. With the Cambridge, in an area of great country countryside. Complaints about rural rural landscape increasingly walks. “I love coming up here,” she noise and disturbance are on the mechanised, congested and noisy, are said as we climbed the hill behind her increase, and Britain’s various we in danger of losing one of the cottage, “It’s just so peaceful.” Yet all I mediation services are reporting a 50 main assets of the countryside – its could hear was the hum of traffic on per cent increase in countryside role as a haven of peace and quiet? the nearby M11 and planes roaring disputes since 2005. overhead from Stansted, reminding me Never an easy thing to measure, that concepts of peace and quiet are As a nation we need to decide what tranquillity means different things to infinitely more subjective and personal sort of rural landscape we want, different people. Even so, some threats than one might imagine. because we’re at a countryside to a peaceful and quiet environment crossroads. Is a tranquil playground would seem to be no-brainers: the One of the main reasons our and ‘green lung’ for city-dwellers rumble of heavy traffic, for one. countryside is less tranquil is that it’s incompatible with a living, working Airplane noise overhead. Heavy filling up. The Government insists that rural landscape that provides industry nearby. A tranquil place is three million new homes are needed prosperity for its permanent understood by most people as by 2020, more than have been built in inhabitants? Probably not, but clever somewhere away from built-up areas any equivalent period since the footwork is required to ensure that and the presence of ‘eyesore 1918–39 period. An area almost the both these objectives can be met, with infrastructure’ like overhead size of Leicester is already CPRE perfectly placed to lead the powerlines and – to many people – disappearing under bricks and mortar debate on how to strike the right wind turbines. Views over unspoilt every year and the figure looks set to balance.
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 10 Publication visitors, this hardback book is edited by improves and adds to wildlife habitats Ian Scott and Richard Worsley, with a while broadening the scope of paths and The return of the tide...On the forward by Lord Butler. Copies cost grassy areas for the delight of human Saltmarsh Coast of North Norfolk £16.95 (incl p&p) and are available from users.” JJG Publishing, Sparrow Hill, Hindringham, CPRE Norfolk keep in contact with a wide A panel of distinguished local writers – Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0DP. Email: range of conservation groups across the including CPRE Norfolk President, [email protected]. county, often rewarding their work Professor Tim O’Riordan – has been Tel: 01328 878198. assembled to write about their chosen through our Awards scheme (see below) field, sometimes in a national and global and supporting initiatives to breathe new context, but always with a focus on the Barrow Common life into forgotten landscapes. If you are eponynmous Saltmarsh Coast. In this part of a community group that manages CPRE Vice President and chairman of the beautiful and fascinating book, illustrated a special part of the Norfolk countryside, Barrow Common Management we would be happy to hear from you. Committee, Maurice De Soissons, extols the beauty of another part of North Norfolk – a genuinely wild place with a Wanted: Outstanding diversity of landscapes and which Countryside Projects includes the buildings of a second world war radar station overlooking the sea..... Landscape projects such as Barrow Common, or buildings or education “Overlooking the Brancasters, the 80 acres projects that truly enhance the rural of Barrow Common today provide environment are being sought by CPRE parishioners and visitors with a choice of Norfolk, as potential winners of this year’s wide grass trackways through copses of CPRE Norfolk Awards. The scheme is now oak, hawthorn and birch, over expanses of one of the longest running environmental grass, by stands of gorse and bracken, into awards schemes in the county and has woodland and skirting a sand gravel grown over time to include restoration quarry and several pits. Within this projects, building conversions, innovative common are many short views and new building design, landscape differing landscapes and along the management projects and environmental northern ridge is a panorama of the work in schools. To be considered for this villages, marshes, Scolt Head island and year’s Awards, all applications must be the sea. received by June 11th 2010. Application with drawings and lino cuts by artist The Brancaster Enclosure Act of 1755, forms are available from the CPRE Norfolk Nicholas Barnham, you will also find whilst removing rights to rent strips in the website www.cprenorfolk.org.uk, or by reflections from chef Galton Blackiston of medieval open fields, gave parishioners contacting the CPRE Norfolk office. Morston Hall, architect and CPRE Norfolk common rights on the marsh and on Award winner Nicholas Hills, MPs Norman Barrow Common, allowing them to White House Orchard at Walpole Highway - a Lamb and Henry Bellingham and poet and pasture two beasts each, either cattle or CPRE Norfolk Award Winner in 2009 author, Kevin Crossley-Holland. Their horses, and cut gorse for firing in their subject areas may be diverse, but running own hearths. But by the late 1950s both through the book is an obvious love and rights had largely ceased to be exercised deep understanding of this unique part of and by the turn of this century the the Norfolk coast. Theirs is not a common was largely unused. nostalgic, rose-tinted view, however. The authors may have a deep affection for the In 2003 the owner of the common area, but they are realistic - looking at the together with the Barrow Common present and the future, and confronting Rightholders Association set up a the problems and dangers that affect this management committee whose aim was precious piece of coastline – expensive to make the common much more housing, eroding fish stocks, coastal accessible to humans for fresh air and change, pollution, threats to birdlife, exercise, and to wildlife. With moneys schools and windfarms. from local charities and from DEFRA, the committee protects the common and Recommended reading for residents and
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 11 Out and about in Norfolk
Pensthorpe Nature CPRE Norfolk Events be followed by tea and cake and then a conducted tour of Heydon Church. The Reserve and Gardens Public Talk: Living on the Edge – event takes place by kind permission of the Shoreline Management of the Wash owners of Heydon Hall, Mr & Mrs Bulwer- Long. Tickets cost £10, include refreshments Wednesday April 7th, 7pm and are strictly limited in number. Further Those interested in coastal matters will wish details and tickets from Mr Richard Harris, to attend this talk at the Green Quay in Tel: 01603 409799. King’s Lynn, organised by CPRE West Norfolk District. Nigel Woodton, Coastal Advisor ‘Sand, Sea and Steam’; an archive with The Environment Agency, will be film show discussing and taking questions on ‘The Thursday July 8th, 7-9pm, Hunstanton Town Pensthorpe in Autumn Mike Page Shoreline Management of The Wash’. The Hall talk will start at 7pm and be followed at 8pm CPRE members will now be able to benefit by the AGM of CPRE West Norfolk District. Take a nostalgic look at the coast of North from discounted entry into one of Light refreshments will be served from Norfolk, with archive footage from the last Norfolk’s most popular, and arguably most 6.30pm. For further details phone Pat century, at this film show presented by Geoff famous, visitor attractions - Pensthorpe Robinson (01553 776442) or Tony Kendall Osborne of the East Anglian Film Archive. Nature Reserve and Gardens near (01553 631539). Parking is available at St Part of the Hunstanton Festival and Fakenham. Host to BBC’s Springwatch for Margaret's House next door to Green Quay. organised by the CPRE West Norfolk District, the past three years, and seen on TV by tickets for the event cost £5 and are available millions, Pensthorpe is the latest attraction Guided Walk of Raveningham on the door or in advance from Hunstanton to join the CPRE Houses and Gardens Gardens Town Council Offices or from Rosemary scheme which offers discounts for CPRE Bryan, 25 Checker Street, King's Lynn, PE30 Tuesday 18th May, 1.30 to 3.30pm members. It will undoubtedly be a popular 5AS. Cheques to be made payable to CPRE addition. A walk around the lovely Raveningham West Norfolk District (please enclose a Gardens, considered by many to be a 20th Priding itself on being The Natural Centre stamped addressed envelope). For further century masterpiece, is always a delight, but of Norfolk, Pensthorpe has a wide appeal. details, contact Rosemary on 01553 760166. being shown around by ‘someone in the It is well-recognised as a birdwatchers’ know’ is undoubtedly even more special. This paradise, with 171 wild bird species walk, with head gardener Joe Whitehead, will recorded there including redshanks, take visitors around the walled kitchen greenshanks, lapwings and even the gardens, where 35 sorts of vegetables are occasional bittern. grown; the glasshouses, peach houses and There is also a choice of gardens to melon pits; the arboretum, and the extensive explore, including the famous Millennium borders, where early herbaceous varieties, Garden which has recently been such as oriental poppies, can be seen. Tea redesigned by world acclaimed plantsman and home-made cakes will be served after Piet Oudolf, the romantic Wave Garden the walk. Booking is essential and tickets, and the Wildlife habitat garden, and for including refreshments, cost £8.50. Please Young at heart? East Anglian Film Archive children there are lots of fun and send SAE and cheque, made payable to CPRE Green Buildings in Norfolk - Open educational activities. Norfolk, to Barry Porter, 9 Blackthorn Way, Days 2010 The reserve, Courtyard Café and Gift Shop Poringland, Norwich, NR17 7WD. Thursday 23rd- Sunday 26th September at Pensthorpe are open every day except Tour of Heydon Hall, Gardens and Christmas Day and Boxing Day, from This popular event offering tours of Norfolk’s Church 10am-5pm (4pm closing from Jan 1st to greenest buildings returns for its fourth year. Feb 28th). Entrance to the reserve cost £9 Wednesday June 9th, 2.30pm CPRE Norfolk members will automatically for adults, £7.50 seniors and £5.50 for receive the event brochure at the end of July CPRE Broadland District have also organised children - although bring your CPRE and have a priority booking period. Other a tour of a beautiful Norfolk garden, and one membership card to ensure you benefit interested individuals should contact the which is rarely open to the public. The tour from a 2-for-1 offer. CPRE Norfolk office to be added to the of Heydon Hall and Gardens will take place mailing list. on Wednesday June 9th at 2.30pm and will Printed on Greencoat Offset recycled paper Offset recycled Printed on Greencoat
CPRE Norfolk Registered Charity No. 210706 Norfolk Voice Spring 2010 12