Volunteers vow to help save Tud river valley in Costessey

Tom Bristow Thursday, September 6, 2012
8:26 AM

Volunteers hope to protect a river valley, where 62 homes are due to be built, by starting their own conservation group.

John Newby from Carrs Hill Close in Costessey is drawing up a plan to help protect the Costessey area of the Tud river valley.

At a Costessey Parish Council meeting on Wednesday night, councillors decided to support Mr Newby’s plan.

Chairman of the parish council Vivienne Bell said the community had shown how much they valued the valley, in their opposition to a planning application to build 62 homes off Townhouse Road. On Friday, a planning inspector overturned a decision by South Norfolk Council to reject the application.

Inspector Christina Downes decided to give the homes the go-ahead, as the area covered by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP) – South Norfolk, Norwich and Broadland, had not earmarked a five-year supply of land for housing.

The management plan looks at ways the valley can be protected, maps wildlife and tries to increase access to private land.

Mr Newby said: “The plan came about as part of the campaign to stop the Townhouse Road homes.

“We value the landscape and the natural beauty of the valley.”

Councillor Tim East said: “The reason for establishing this is because we want to protect it from future development.”

To get involved in the group contact the parish council on 01603 742958.

Do you have a story about Costessey for the Evening News? Contact reporter Tom Bristow on 01603772313.