Letter: Normandy Proposal Needs A Proper Services Audit

Published on: 14 Jul, 2025
Updated on: 14 Jul, 2025

From Jim Allen

In response to: Normandy Housing Plan Reignites Concerns Over ‘Damage To Our Community’

Regarding the proposed development in Normandy, while the site ostensibly, because of the proximity of a branch line railway station, might satisfy the “no car needed” transportation requirements, it falls short in several critical areas that could have been addressed within a Neighbourhood Plan.

Specifically, I have identified the following deficiencies:

1. Lack of local retail facilities
2. Insufficient potable water supply
3. Overburdened sewage infrastructure and treatment capacity
4. Inadequate electrical supply.

In essence, this presents as a pristine greenfield location situated remotely, lacking essential infrastructure across all relevant sectors. This mirrors the situation at the Bramshill plantation (Foxley Wood) circa 1984, (never built!) which ironically led to the emergence of the term NIMBY, as exemplified by Nicholas Ridley’s effigy being burned at Heckfield that year.

Having been involved in the sensible development process for the past 40 years since the Bramshill plantation appeal, I trust that during discussions with GBC planning, a thorough and accurate audit of all services will be conducted before any attempts are made to utilise this site in such an unsuitable manner.

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