Backlash over plans for new Norfolk bark processing facility

An application has been put forward by TMA Bark for a new site on land to the east of Lyng Road in Hockering.

The supplier is currently based on Weston Green Road in Weston Longville, which is "at capacity".

It argued that the larger site was required in order "to ensure the sustainability of the business".

The proposals drew concerns from locals over the impact on the nearby Hockering Wood (Image: Michael Garlick)

But the plans have sparked backlash from locals and councils over the impact on the nearby Hockering Wood, which is the third largest ancient woodland in the county.

One person said: "The proposed site sits beside an ancient wood. It's a site of historical significance and a conservation site.

"The incidental, day-to-day damage to the wood will be considerable. The increased activity and pollution will no doubt cause significant harm over time.

"It seems hugely ill advised and frankly disrespectful of Norfolk's history, nature and wildlife to even suggest such a development".

Objections were also raised about the fire risk in light of a blaze at the current TMA Bark facility (Image: Mike Page)

Concerns were also raised over the potential fire risk caused by the development.

These come in light of a large fire which took place at the Weston Longville current facility in August 2025, which burnt through 400,000 tonnes of bark.

The incident took place over four days and resulted in hundreds of firefighters being called to the scene.

One local commented: "The existing site at Weston Longville has experienced several fires over the years, most recently in August 2025.

"These incidents generated large amounts of smoke and unpleasant odours, affecting local residents for extended periods and causing significant disruption to those living nearby.

"This highlights the potential risks associated with this type of operation".

The location of the proposed facility on land near Lyng Road in Hockering (Image: Google)

Another person added that any blaze could spread to Hockering Wood and cause "irreversible damage" to the habitat.

The development would include a two-storey office building, a single-storey welfare building, a small substation, a large area for hardstanding, and widened access off Lyng Road among other features.

A total of 40 car parking spaces have also been planned, which is said to be "sufficient to meet the parking needs of employees and visitors to the site".

TMA Bark added that it was anticipated that the facility will employ between 27 and 30 members of staff.

But other objections were put forward regarding the increase in traffic on the A47, particularly by heavy goods vehicles.

One local described the impact on Hockering Wood as 'ill-advised' and 'disrespectful' (Image: Michael Garlick)

One person said: "There are already significant highway safety issues within Lyng.

"Large HGVs entering and leaving the village frequently have to mount the pavement to pass oncoming traffic or force residents to reverse around a blind bend because the carriageway is too narrow.

"This presents an obvious accident risk for pedestrians, particularly where footways are in use especially for children walking to school".

Another added: "The road is already used as a rat run, and additional HGV movements would increase noise, reduce road safety, and have a detrimental impact on local residents.

"In my view, the proposed access is unsuitable for a development of this nature and scale".

Breckland Council will make a decision on the plans at a later date (Image: Newsquest)

In planning documents on behalf of TMA Bark, it was argued that proposed development will result in "no material impact" on the highway network and generate "a similar level of traffic" to the existing situation.

They added there would be "embedded mitigation measures" to reduce the visual impact of the facility, including new native woodland in the north of the site, new neutral grassland, and two new ponds among others.

A decision on the application is due to be made by Breckland Council at a later date.

To view the plans in full, visit the council's planning portal, using the reference: PL/2026/0630/FMAJ.