December 2024 Update

A planning application for land south of Spirketts Lane has been approved by South Norfolk Council. I was able to obtain clarity that healthcare capacity is based on available floorspace which is the reason for the continued inclusion of Paddock Road in planning assessments; and a change to the lighting condition so that the design must be agreed by the Town Council to retain consistency across the town. However, as this development is totally affordable housing the Town Council will not directly receive any CIL funding, but I was able to secure assistance to help the Town Council prepare an application to the Greater Norwich Growth Board from a central CIL pool. An application to fell a tree at the junction of Straight Lane was approved on 4 November and works should now progress to enable the reopening of the lane.

There have been some successful actions relating to planning compliance within Harleston. However, there is recognition that improvements could be made to the planning compliance and enforcement process. A new Planning Compliance Manager has been appointed and an Enforcement Oversight Board has been established. Both Cllr James Eddy and I have been appointed to the five member board.

The Council have released their Winter Pressures Fuel Grant to help communities support themselves with a focus on aiding more vulnerable residents. I have supported local groups coordinate their plans to create a consolidated calendar and maximise their grant applications. The initiative includes HIP, the Library, Swan Hotel, Foodbank, St Johns Church, Harleston Kindness Help Hub, and the Town Council are all working together.

There are major changes underway to recreate the original Norman layout of Norwich Castle through an £18m project mainly funded from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. As a member of the Norwich Area Museums Committee, I was fortunate to attend a viewing of the ‘JMW Turner and changing visions of landscape’ exhibition with an opportunity to see others. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit and I look forwards to the full restoration being open to the public.

There was a presentation from the Youth Advisory Board to the Scrutiny Committee meeting. It was heartrending to hear messages from children on bullying, how they feel that they are ignored, and pressures to grow up too quickly. It is important they we all listen more.

Work continues with the local nature recovery strategies for Norfolk and Suffolk. The video I mentioned last month, highlighting the community nature recovery work of Harleston, can be seen at: https://www.ournaturerecovery.org.uk/diocese-video.

It was with great pride that I took part in the Remembrance Day parade and laid a wreath at the War Memorial. It was wonderful to see such a large turnout and local support for our armed forces.

I will not be holding a surgery in December but will return on 11 January 2025 at Harleston Information Plus on Exchange Street in Harleston between 10:00 and 11:00. I hope to see you there.

Cllr Trevor Graham

South Norfolk Council

Member for Harleston