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This is a rare opportunity where your say can truly count. To learn more about the campaign and why it's critical to oppose this project, visit Stop the Wensum Link.
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Despite growing Norfolk County Council has proceeded to publish its planning application for the controversial Wensum Link road project. SWL is concerned that the consultation allows only a five-week window for concerned members of the public to register their objections with over half of that period being during the election period.
Stephen Pearson-Jacklin from Wood Norton and representing SWL says: “As someone who’s had an eye on this project since the beginning, I find that the timing of the public consultation for the full planning application coinciding with the UK General Election to be suspect at best. Many people will be understandably preoccupied with the election which could mean that the application and the Council do not get the objective scrutiny that democratic processes should allow.”
Further, and upon an initial review, it is evident that the application is lacking in several crucial aspects, and Stop Wensum Link is determined to ensure that these weaknesses are brought to light and vigorously contested.
David Pett, Lawyer for Stop the Wensum link says: “During the forthcoming five-week objection period, Stop Wensum Link encourages all concerned individuals and organisations to voice their opposition and register their objections. Together, we can ensure that the true concerns of the community are heard and that the inadequacies of the planning application are not overlooked. The Wensum Link road project has faced mounting resistance from local communities and environmental groups. It will now be met with renewed opposition as the planning application is officially unveiled. From the outset, it is apparent that the application falls short in addressing significant concerns and fulfilling essential requirements. Furthermore, the latest consultation results from 2023 reveal a significant decline in public support for the project. This decline underscores the diminishing confidence in the initiative and highlights the disconnect between the council's aspirations and the community's desires. Stop Wensum Link firmly believes that the publication of this planning application represents a desperate last-ditch effort by the council to salvage a project that is rapidly losing public favour. We are committed to shining a spotlight on its deficiencies and weaknesses, and challenging its validity through a robust and comprehensive objection process.”
You will find full submission documentation of the above planning application on the Council's web page on the Norfolk County Council Planning Portal at: PLANNING
You can comment on the application by either:
- Accessing PLANNING and following the online instructions
- Writing to Planning Services, Communities and Environment, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2SG 3. Emailing your comments to nwlplanning@norfolk.gov.uk