Dear Sir

Ref: Planning Applications Ref: ENV/C/5/2002/5004 and ENV/C/2001/5005

I am writing to object to the recently submitted planning applications for gravel extraction in the vicinity of Horstead.

Having moved to the area some three years ago one of the primary attractions is one of a modern "village" atmosphere combining 21st Century progression with natural beauty and wildlife.

I am not an environmentalist, but, I do have an appreciation that ecosystems rarely re-generate once developed. Having looked at the proposals I must confess to being totally bemused.

Both proposals offer no economic benefit to the area in terms of increased trade or investment. In a time of increasing property prices it is likely that these will be adversely damaged by traffic and environmental noise pollution.

The social and environmental impact is such that it is likely to result in a migration of families and wildlife away from the area, detracting from what is a balanced co-existence.

Re-assurances that the required investment for re-generation of the excavated sites seem to be without foundation. Reference site visits have resulted in large question marks as to the commitment to the environment, and how quickly it can if ever recover .

Congestion will inevitably increase with all of the associated problems ranging from road degradation to road safety for many years to come. Rather than highlight each instance, it may be prudent to ask whether this has been evaluated and risk assessed?

Finally, in terms of political correctness it strikes me that both proposals are huge own goals.

The only 'winners' are those seeking to exploit the environment for sole commercial gain. Inevitably I am sure the committee will consider the proposals on a balanced basis. As a concerned resident I do not accept these applications offer acceptable trade-offs, and ask that you reject them without right to appeal.

Yours faithfully

Graham Hutchinson
Church Barn, Great Hautbois Road, Coltishall