Development at Taverham Norfolk 1500 buidlings

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Alistair

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May 15, 2026, 3:49:05 AM (9 days ago) May 15
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Hello 

Just reading The BBC this morning and came across this development https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-67590198

I had a quick look at the application and could only see passerine boxes mentioned but I could have missed swift boxes but I’ve emailed the local councillors and the planning committee in the hope that some may be included…

So the councillors are Caroline  and Tony  email addresses attached with Caroline the chair of the planning committee.   cllr.c.kari...@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk.   cllr.tony...@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

The planning committee email address is commit...@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

I sent this response ( though did mistakenly ask for 1570 boxes instead of 1500 which has now been corrected).


REQUEST FOR THE INCLUSION OF A MINIMUM OF 15O0 BUILT IN (INTERGRAL) SWIFT BOXES (A UNIVERSAL NEST BOX THAT PROVIDES HOMES FOR MANY BIRD SPECIES AND INSECTS!)

 

Swifts are red listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern i.e. face extinction in the UK with over a 50% decline in their population in the last twenty years (https://www.bto.org/our-science/publications/birds-conservation-concern).This is due to loss of their nesting habitat, the nooks and crannies in the eaves of buildings, as modern buildings are sealed boxes while traditional nest sites are destroyed as renovations seal up the eaves on old buildings.

Swifts are the ultimate urban bird as all they need is a place to nest with all other activities carried out on the wing.

SOLUTION - FIT SWIFT NEST BOXES!

Please fit at least 1500 integral swift nest boxes (also known as universal nest boxes) into the north, east and west elevation at the eaves of buildings to match the number of residents that will occupy the new homes. (The southern elevation could be included too if the boxes are located in the shade line of the eaves at midday).

I would recommend Action for Swift (AfS) integral nest boxes https://www.actionforswifts.com/afs-s-brick for reasons of cost, a third (£36 or £38 per box) of the cost of Green and Blue (£95.14) and also aesthetics. The AfS boxes have a brick slip so they will blend in with the brick work (the slips are made from bricks that are sent to manufacturer or contact the Action for Swifts for further guidance).  Swift Conservation lists other boxes suppliers such as Manthorpe or  Ibstock https://www.swift-conservation.org/Shopping%21.htm

Other users include overwintering insects (butterflies and moths), bats, blue tits, great tits, nuthatches, a true universal nest box that also reduces the need (and cost) to specify different boxes across the development.

Please help swifts!


It  may be too late but you never know and at least it raises the plight of swifts.

Thanks

Alistair

Kingsteignton Swifts

Jean Stafford-Baker

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May 15, 2026, 11:12:24 AM (8 days ago) May 15
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Hi Alistair, 
I live in Taverham but have not been very active in recent years on SLN. THE lib Dem councillors you mentioned are active in the area and good ppl. If there is anything I can do to help gove me a shout.     I have a few health things ( nothing life threatening, thankfully) and I backed out of being active on SLN as I just couldn't cope!

However, this is on my doorstep & if I can help please let me know. 

All the best

Jean Stafford-Baker (Taverham Swifts)

P.s I have had communications with Charles Judson the Planning Officer before. Don't know if he is dealing with the new development?
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Alistair

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May 15, 2026, 11:29:12 AM (8 days ago) May 15
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Hi Jean 

I think if you could just ping an email to the planning committee it may raise the profile.  I do see their are people in Norwich putting up boxes too so may contact them as well….

All the best and nice to hear from you.

Cheers

Alistair

bar...@virtuallyhome.co.uk

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May 17, 2026, 3:36:43 AM (7 days ago) May 17
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Message for Jean re above

 

Hi Jean - Apologies I failed to find your email address on the google groups, hence using the Group email….but I have found the details of the 3 planning applications Alistair refers to and the closing date for comments is 22nd May. I have commented on all 3 but if you are able to comment …and other ‘locals’ too it will probably add more weight.

 

I have the details of each and happy to send you my comments if it would help.

 

Regards

 

Camilla

bar...@virtuallyhome.co.uk

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Jean Stafford-Baker

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May 17, 2026, 4:01:27 AM (7 days ago) May 17
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Hi Camilla,

Thank you. That's kind of you. Yes please. My email address is:


Best wishes,
Jean

Mike Priaulx

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May 18, 2026, 4:57:12 AM (6 days ago) May 18
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Hi all,

If you haven't commented yet I suggest you include the following, but don't worry if not as I'll comment by 22nd.

Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy states:
"Part C Table 38b Starling/ Swift: Developments should include integrated nest boxes (commonly known as
swift bricks) and artificial nest cups for house martins where possible, with the general aim across a development of a minimum of one nest box per
unit."

South Norfolk & Broadland draft design code states:
"N15.3 Should also include measures to support
resident engagement with wildlife (in appropriate
locations), such as: ...
- Integrated bird boxes at the equivalent of 1
box for every home..."

All the best,
Mike

Member of SLN Swifts & Planning Group 

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FW: [SLN] Development at Taverham Norfolk 1500 buidlings
<bar...@virtuallyhome.co.uk>: May 17 08:36AM +0100
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