Response from Mr Andy Hampson (Individual)
1. Mr Andy Hampson (Individual) : 4 Jul 2017 11:05:00
Please use the drop down menu to indicate which of the following sites you are commenting on. Please use a separate form for each site.
Silverdale - part of S50
Please use the box below to make your comments.
With reference to the proposal for the development of site S50 at St John’s Avenue we would wish to record the following objections:-
1. Silverdale and the surrounding area are characterised by a mosaic of relatively small and discrete residential developments interspersed with areas of woodland and pasture. Open spaces such as the meadow which constitutes this site are a key element of this diversity. Any development which encroaches upon the meadow must compromise this feature of the landscape which the AONB status is intended to protect and there must inevitably be concerns that once compromised, the area is vulnerable to further and larger scale exploitation.
2. The age and architectural style of the existing buildings around the proposed site, particularly the church and the cemetery, are very much consistent with the character of Silverdale and the area as a whole. Any new development would seriously compromise the integrity of this part of the village.
3. The public footpaths that cross the site are well used by both local residents and visitors. Even if they can be preserved, much of their amenity value will be lost if the views of Eaves Wood and the surrounding area are obstructed by new housing.
4. There are very limited employment opportunities in the immediate area and there is little evidence of a realistic and realisable demand for housing from local people.
5. Traffic volumes and parking facilities within the village are already problematic, particularly at weekends and school holidays. Any increase in the number of vehicles would only add to these problems.
6. Access to and exit from St John’s Avenue and St John’s Grove from Emesgate Lane is often restricted due to parking for the local school at drop-off and pick-up times. The exit point is very close to a bend with poor sight lines. Again, any increase in the volume of traffic would only exacerbate these problems and use of the junction by construction traffic would create serious health and safety concerns.
7. Issues around the lack of mains sewerage and surface water drainage in Silverdale are well documented and must represent a significant obstacle to any proposed development at this site.
Taking all these factors into consideration it is our view that the site identified at S50 is not suitable for residential development.
