Land Off Greenways Flordon Norfolk

1. 1.The proposed retention of the vehicle sales business, associated office unit, fencing and related commercial activity represents a new commercial use within the open countryside. The development does not fall within any of the categories of development supported by Policy S5 of the National Planning Policy Framework, and insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that a countryside location is necessary for the operation of the business or that no suitable sequentially preferable sites are available within settlements or established employment locations. The proposal therefore represents an unjustified form of development in the countryside contrary to Policies S3, S5, E2 and E4 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies 2 and 3 of the Greater Norwich Local Plan and Policies DM1.1, DM1.3 and DM2.1 of the South Norfolk Local Plan.
2. 2.The site occupies a highly inaccessible location within the open countryside that is poorly served by sustainable transport modes and is heavily reliant upon travel by private motor vehicle for staff, customers, deliveries and vehicle movements associated with the use. The development therefore fails to promote sustainable patterns of movement and represents an unsustainable location for the proposed use contrary to Policies CC2 and TR3 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policy 2 of the Greater Norwich Local Plan and Policy DM3.10 of the South Norfolk Local Plan.
3. 3.The development introduces a commercial and urbanising form of development that is incongruous within the open countryside. The proposal is out of character with the rural setting and would fail to conserve the character and appearance of the Wymondham Settled Plateau Farmland Landscape Character Area, contrary to Policy DP3 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies 2 and 3 of the Greater Norwich Local Plan and Policies DM1.4 and DM3.8 of the South Norfolk Local Plan.
4. 4.The proposal would intensify the use of Greenways Lane, a narrow rural unclassified road with restricted width, limited passing opportunities, no footways and no street lighting. The unclassified road serving the site is considered to be inadequate to serve the development proposed, by reason of its poor alignment, restricted width and lack of passing provision and therefore the proposal would be detrimental to highway safety. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies TR4 and TR6 of the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy DM3.11 of the South Norfolk Local Plan
5. 5.Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that adequate foul and surface water drainage arrangements are available to serve the development. No details have been provided regarding the collection, treatment or disposal of foul sewage generated by the site, nor has a drainage strategy been submitted demonstrating how surface water would be managed. Furthermore, insufficient information has been provided regarding vehicle preparation, servicing and pollution prevention measures, such that the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the development would not give rise to pollution of land or water resources through the discharge of contaminants, fuels, oils or other automotive fluids. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies P3, F4, F5, F7 and F8 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policy 2 of the Greater Norwich Local Plan and Policies DM3.14 and DM4.2 of the South Norfolk Local Plan.

From the council's decision notice.

Date validated

1 April 2026