Plans to build new nature reserve and holiday accomodation in West Norfolk delayed

The site would be created as part of the expansion of Oakland Garden Supplies in Pentney

The entrance to the Oakland site
Author: George Thompson, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePublished 6th Feb 2023

Plans to build a new nature reserve with a lake and holiday lodges near the A47 have been delayed.

Under an application lodged with West Norfolk Council, the site would be created as part of the expansion of Oakland Garden Supplies in Pentney.

The scheme would also see new warehousing and a house constructed at the site.

But councillors deferred the application at a meeting on Monday, saying they wanted more information on the environmental impacts of the scheme.

Ahead of the meeting, planning officers recommended turning it down, arguing it would have a “detrimental impact” on a neighbouring wildlife site.

Lee Ward, the company director, argued the plans would bring significant benefits to the community, with flood water storage, new wildlife corridors created and hundreds of trees planted.

Vivienne Spikings, the committee chair, said: “This young man is working hard, he’s giving jobs, he’s the future of things, we don’t want to detract from his aspirations but on the other hand we have to get it right.”

The committee unanimously agreed to defer the application.

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