Response from Ms Larissa Robson (Individual)
1. Ms Larissa Robson (Individual) : 3 Apr 2011 19:28:00
Settlement
Kendal
Map Number
1 (5 of 6) Kendal South East
Site reference number (e.g. R62) - If your comment is about a specific site you must indicate the correct site reference.
R150 and R150M
Housing
Support in part
Employment
Oppose
Retail
Oppose
Community uses
Support
Open space
Support
Please explain your reasons
The land at R150 and R150M has been designated a suggested site for housing. I have indicated on this form that I support this 'in part', as I recognise that land needs to be provided for future housing in Kendal and the surrounding areas. However, as the owner of a property in Howe Bank Close, I have great concerns about the potential significant loss of amenity which would result to residents with houses adjoining the land on R150 (which is directly behind Howe Bank Close).
The geography of the land behind the row of houses in Howe Bank Close adjoining site R150 means that any properties built on this site will be directly uphill from the existing houses. This will result in a considerable loss of light, with the development being to the east and, significantly, sited on the slope above these properties. In addition it will result in a loss of privacy as the Howe Bank Close houses were originally built with large patio doors overlooking this area, as well as upstairs bedroom and bathroom windows which will end up on the same level as the ground floor of future development in site R150. This will change the whole character of the house as occupants will no longer be able to enjoy the view to the rear, being an essential part of the design of the original houses, or continue about their homelife in private. It will inevitably have an impact on the value of these houses, and on the enjoyment of living in them.
On a practical basis, occupants will have to protect their privacy with obtrusive fencing or hedges, or by using net curtains and changing the existing clear glass on the bathrooms to frosted as any windows looking west onto Howe Bank Close will unavoidably look directly into those properties.
If it is decided to include site R150 as an area for development, I would only support this if clauses are included in the developers' contracts to protect the amenity of the residents of Howe Bank Close by ensuring that any properties are low level (ideally single level) and are set well back from existing houses in Howe Bank Close. This is to ensure that existing residents do not need to spend money to protect their privacy from new properties looking into their patio doors, bedrooms or bathroom windows.
Another major concern is the necessary access to R150. With on street parking increasing rapidly in Hayclose Road and already impacting on the ability to access Howe Bank Close, providing suitable access to R150 will create further significant traffic problems to Hayclose Road and the surrounding area. Again, I would only support future developments if careful traffic surveys are undertaken of the whole area, and suitable parking/access arrangements are made which take into account the inevitable increase in traffic, along with the access and parking issues along Oxenholme Road (uphill from the junction with Hayclose Road) from Oxenholme Station users.
In terms of alternative uses, I totally oppose any potential employment or retail use for the site, and would prefer community uses or open space if at all possible.
