The story so far

Norfolk County Council has been working on locating new sites for mineral extraction and waste landfill for several years. The ‘Mineral Site Allocations: Issues and Options’ document was published by NCC in February 2008.This listed 104 possible sites for sand and gravel extraction. The parallel document dealing with waste listed 64 possible sites for landfill. Bintree Woods has been listed as an option for both mineral extraction and waste landfill (MIN97/WAS59).

Public consultation on these documents took place in February and March 2008. This was not widely advertised or adequately publicised. Due to public concern the original six-week period was extended by Norfolk County Council until April 2008. Feedback was via a form, which could be posted, faxed or emailed. The process was neither clear nor easy to follow. The number of responses on the NCC website expressing concern over the Bintree/Billingford sites (834 under ‘landscape’, 1,221 under ‘other’ is far higher than for other similar sites. Many local residents, local groups and parish councils have objected to these proposals. These objections are summarised on the Norfolk County Council website. http://norfolk.jdi-consult.net/ldf/

The parish councils of Bintree, Billingford and North Elmham and the County School Residents Association are working together in the Combined Parishes Group to oppose these proposals. A large amount of work has been carried out to make everyone aware of the proposals and to encourage people to voice their views. (Greg Link to CPG web page County School Residents Association)County School Residents Association have written extensive representations to Norfolk County Council.

In spring 2008 the Eastern Daily Press covered well-supported protest barrow marches through the villages of Billingford, North Elmham and Bintree.

The national press has also picked up the story. Pieces in Private Eye and the Guardian have concentrated on the hypocrisy of the Forestry Commission in portraying itself as an environmentally friendly organisation while simultaneously trying to destroy one of its own woods.

Breckland County Council is strongly opposed to the Bintree Woods site.

The Forestry Commission has withdrawn two of the three sites it origially proposed, Hockham and Wretham, but not Bintree Woods. Representations have been made to the Forestry Commission. The Forestry Commission has justified the destruction of Bintree Woods on economic grounds.

In December 2008 the two proposed mineral extraction sites adjoining Bintree Woods (MIN103 & MIN 106) were withdrawn.