Local Development Framework Consultation

Land Allocations Emerging Options Consultation Document *

23

3.2

Oppose

I do not support the 35/65% split of affordable/non-affordable houses.

I do not support the blanket allocation of land around South Lakeland for development up to 2025.

I am concerned about the proposed 35/65% split for housing developments, whereby 35% is going to be ‘affordable’ for local residents. Such a lot of houses proposed to be built on mainly Greenfield sites and 65% will be attracting migration of people into the area along with all the problems associated with a rapidly expanding population, i.e. traffic pollution and congestion, services unable to cope, adding to already overcrowded, sprawling housing estates which add nothing to the character of the area. New houses being built on sacrificed green land should meet the needs of local people only, not 65% of the open market.

The blanket allocation of so much land in one go will help a small number of local residents in the housing market. What it will also do is hinder many other local residents who have already purchased houses at over-inflated prices, mortgaged themselves up to the hilt, and are struggling through these difficult economic times. They will find that the allocation of land for development near their hard-earned property will devalue that property, potentially for the next 15 years.

Do these unfortunate residents also not deserve to be looked out for by the SLDC, or do they not matter? As long as the SLDC are seen to be helping some members of the community, it doesn’t mind if other members are trodden upon as a result. Many people could fall into negative equity as a result of the proposed land allocation for development. In fact any one of hundreds of houses in South Lakeland that are nearby or overlooking development land on Greenfield sites.