11/00713/F - Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

With regard to Bloodgate Hill Fort, which is a Schedule Ancient Monument, it is noted by EH
that it is a designated asset and through meeting the scheduling criteria it is recognised as
being of national importance. The Iron Age works also survive to a reasonable height. In
terms of the Monument at Risk Register, its status has been reduced to low because of the
Norfolk Archaeological Trust's guardianship and the management is positive and beneficial
to the archaeology. There are very few sites of this nature in the East of England, and it is
one of only seven Iron Age ring works or forts in Norfolk. East Anglia does not have the
same type or scale of monument as those in the south and west of the country, which fit the
traditional model of Maiden Castle or Caer Caradoc. This example should therefore, be
recognised for its distinctness and regional rarity, and could be seen to be as important as
the larger and more famous monuments elsewhere in the south and west. It is further added
that the undeveloped rural nature of the landscape around the hill fort should be considered
as part of its setting. The views from the monument, including the sweeping vista from the
north-west through to the south-west are an integral part of the setting. EH have therefore
objected to the application.
Norfolk Archaeological Trust (who own the site) has objected on the grounds of the adverse
impact of the development upon the Iron Age Fort at South Creake; this is discussed in more
depth above.
There are three Registered Parks/Gardens in the wider area: Holkham Park (Grade I),
Houghton Park (Grade I) and Raynham Park (Grade II). It has been concluded by English
Heritage that the development would not affect either Holkham Park or Raynham Park.
However, there remain concerns regarding Houghton Park. Despite the new assessment of
the historical development of the Park and the identification of principal axis and boundary
woodland, the computer modelled ZTV illustrates visual impact upon part of the northern
park and water tower, which falls within the grade I registered landscape. In addition, this
drawing illustrates significant impact upon the setting of the park by direct visual impact upon
land to the north in and around Bircham Common. Consideration of the text, images and
drawings provided by the applicant also suggests to English Heritage that the level of impact
upon the registered park and the setting of specific listed buildings within it could increase.
Based upon the present evidence available, English Heritage concludes that these large
structures with moving blades will visually intrude into the wider setting of the registered park
and listed buildings in a manner harmful to their significance and visitors experience of them.
RESIDENTIAL AMENITY AND NOISE
Noise
The operational noise from the proposed wind farm has been assessed in accordance with
the methodology set out in the 1996 DTI Report ETSU-R-97 'The Assessment and Rating of
Noise from Wind Farms'. This document provides the basis for assessing the operational
noise impact of a wind farm, as recommended by PPS22: Renewable Energy (2004).
The ES concludes that the wind farm would comply with relevant guidance on wind farm
noise and the impact on the amenity of all nearby properties would be regarded as
acceptable. The Council's Community Safety and Neighbourhood Nuisance (CSNN) Team
have negotiated with the developer since the submission of the application acceptable levels
taking into account the rural nature of the site and low background levels.
10/01419/FM Development Control Board
25 July 2011
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