The Breckland Planning Committee this morning declined outline planning permission for the current proposal for development of the site at The White House.

Going totally against the recommendation of the planning officers, the decision of the planning committee was a very clear, unanimous, 15 to nil for refusal.

It was stated that this kind of estate development was not in accord with the nature of the village of Caston. Positioning an estate such as this, where it is the first housing to be seen when entering the village, could change the whole perception of the village and was therefore felt to be undesirable. Consideration in rural villages to the habitat of wildlife and the rural nature of any area should be considered and it was also undesirable to promote additional commuting from outlying villages by developing high density housing in them. There was also concern expressed that such development at the White House could increase flooding risks.

It further became clear that the developer's petition in favour of the development included names from as far afield as Ipswich. This petition was therefore devalued on that basis.

A burst water main caused most of this problem yesterday (thanks to Tony Ash for the photo) but the area has been awash for quite some days/weeks now due to a mystery eruption of water that appears to be just oozing out of the ground.  Whether it's something to do with the new sewage system or caused by recent house building works in the immediate locality seems to be uncertain at present - let's hope it gets resolved before too long.

(The following letter will be distributed in due course to all homes in the village)

Caston Parish Council

CHAIRMAN: Mr. J. Chapman                                                VICE CHAIRMAN: Mr. P. Hall





A polite request from the Parish Council.

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FLOODING?

Caston Parish Council would like your help to create a detailed map of the areas of the village, which suffer from any form of excess water, either on or around your property.
For example, does the road outside your property become filled with standing water after rain? Does it drain away slowly creating a hazardous area? Do the ditches near your property fill too quickly? Does your garden flood?

We would appreciate any information you would like to give us regarding wet areas.

On the reverse of this page, please state the area of the village in which you live, giving your address if you wish. Describe the problem as clearly as you can or draw a diagram if you prefer.

As you know the area around your property best, with your help we will then be able to determine where the real problem areas are within the village.

We will collect your response one week from today. Please leave it in your post box or in an obvious spot, in the plastic bag provided, so that a member of the Parish Council can collect it.
Alternatively, return it to us at the next meeting on Monday 12th May at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Thank you for your assistance.

 

LITTER BUGS! Caston has been suffering from LITTER BUGS. If you know one or see one, please ask them to take their litter home with them. As a one off happening, a member of the Parish Council recently collected 12 dustbin bags of other peoples rubbish from the verges in the village. This was exceedingly hard work and we thank them for their effort. We would like to have some help so please put any litter you see in a bin. HELP TO KEEP CASTON CLEAN!

CHARMING CASTON! The Parish Council would like your ideas on how we can make Caston a more charming attractive village. Please give us your suggestions on items such as seats, flowers, verge tidying. Is there something that would enhance the village or anything you can think of which would make the village more attractive to you and the visitors. Let us know. We can help make your ideas blossom.

(The above letter will shortly be distributed to all properties in the village)

Interested in playing cards?  The Spring Whist Drive is due to take place in the Caston Village Hall on Friday 18th April at 7:30pm.  Tickets are available from Stephanie Blincow on 01953 488 495 at £5.00 each - refreshments are included.

It's a good evening's entertainment where you can meet others from the village - do come along and join in.  Proceeds will go to the Village Hall fund.

Following an intensive campaign by the HAWITAGE group, the Forestry Commission has withdrawn its plans for a Quarry and Landfill site at Great Hockham.  For more information click the external link shown below.

Withdrawn on February 29th but reapplied for outline planning five days later:

Demolition of existing dwelling and replacement by 6 private & 2 affordable dwellings.

It is confirmed that the Red Lion is to be placed at auction by Messrs Allsop on 19th March at the Cafe Royal in London with an asking price of £300 to £325,000.

The particulars state in part that
" The property could be suitable for a variety of alternative uses, subject to obtaining the necessary consents. Planning enquiries should be directed to: Breckland District Council."

As of 29th February it is noted that Breckland's planning application site for Caston shows that the development application by Miss Anne Bustard for 16 properties has been withdrawn.

No reasons are given but it may be only a temporary withdrawal and could be reinstated at any timein the future with additional or indeed less properties or a different design.  Only time will tell.

Breckland Council's web site is showing a planning application from local builder/developer Co-Dunkall for a further property on land in Dukes Lane.  It is described as a "New 1 and half storey dwelling with garage" and will be situated on land between two existing properties.

Final date for comments to be registered is March 3rd.

I have appealed against some of the houses in Caston not being involved in the new connection to the sewerage system. This appeal is in the process of being looked at by Anglia Water and further questionnaires have gone out to various properties.

I do hope that a good response is given by those properties to enable everyone the opportunity to be connected to the sewers.  It seems that this new sewerage system has been based on the questionnaires that were filled in some 10 years ago - and may I say "a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then!!!!!"
 
Hopefully, I and others, will be hearing from Anglia Water in September. I will keep everyone advised.

posted by Lesley Crosthwaite

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Many hands made light work of producing a delicious and substantial meal for around 50 people in Caston Village Hall on Saturday 2nd February. This was followed by a most interesting presentation by Les and Kathie Craske on an ongoing project in a village in Malawi. Their passion and commitment to bringing hope to a desperately poor community were very evident. Much has already been achieved and new ideas continue to flow.

A grand total of £542 was raised, which included donations and sales of jewellery, cards, aprons etc. This will make a great difference in a country where a little goes a very long way. I would like to thank all those kind people who came along and supported this event, those who kindly gave donations, and of course the wonderful team of cooks and helpers.

posted by Annabel Valentine.