Response from Ms Helen Abbit (Individual)
1. Ms Helen Abbit (Individual) : 14 Apr 2011 23:23:00
Settlement
Storth and Sandside
Map Number
13 Storth and Sandside
Site reference number (e.g. R62) - If your comment is about a specific site you must indicate the correct site reference.
RN22
Housing
Oppose
Please explain your reasons
We wish to object to the proposed allocation of land area RN22, an area of old orchard in Storth, as a site suitable for housing.
We feel that the terrain of this site makes it unsuitable for building. The land dips and rises over limestone outcrops with virtually no flat areas. The costs involved in developing such a site must surely be prohibitive, particularly when a proportion of any new houses must be 'affordable'. We are particularly concerned that the land which lies to the rear of the neighbouring properties, Heron Mount and Orchard View, rises steeply and any development of this area would completely overlook them and destroy the privacy and quality of life of the families living there.
The site has a great deal of wildlife value. The orchard has a thriving bird population, the different areas - the scrub,ivy and brambles as well as the grassy spaces and the fruit trees themselves - providing a good range of food and cover for many species. Rabbits and other small mammals are common, deer are accassional visitors. Bats are active during the summer months, as are slow worms.
The orchard is a vital green space in helping to create the character of Storth as a village and not just a seies of housing developments. It is part of a green ribbon running through the heart of the village linking the woodland flanking the quarry through the playing field and school grounds to the woods and meadow bordering the estuary.
This remnant of an old Westmorland orchard is a valuable and beautiful part of the AONB and should be protected and reinvigorated and most certainly not built over.
