Response from Mrs Elizabeth Bloomer (Individual)
1. Mrs Elizabeth Bloomer (Individual) : 9 Apr 2011 15:04:00
Settlement
Grange over Sands
Map Number
30 (3 of 4) Grange South
Site reference number (e.g. R62) - If your comment is about a specific site you must indicate the correct site reference.
R672M
Housing
Oppose
Employment
Oppose
Retail
Oppose
Community uses
Oppose
Open space
Oppose
Other (please specify)
agricultural 'green gap' extension to adjacent existing SSSI
Other (as specified above)
Support
Please explain your reasons
As already identified in the site visit notes made during the consultation on emerging site options, this greenfield site is immediately adjacent to an existing SSSI. There are a number of ecological and geological issues that should be carefully assessed, if necessary with professional quantitative surveying:
Ecological issues centre mainly on wildlife. The natural woodland provides habitats for birds of prey, jays and woodpeckers, among other species. There are deer, badgers and foxes. Bats circle the perimeter of the site at dusk.
Geological issues are significant. The protected Kirkhead/Wartbarrow Limestone Pavement outcrops at the eastern perimeter of R672M. Furthermore, the shallow soil cover in this area provides only a thin protection to the underlying buried limestone pavement. Infrastructure such as sewerage would have to penetrate this bedrock, an expensive and damaging process.
I would also reiterate comments from other respondents about increased traffic flow along Allithwaite Rd/Risedale Hill. Emerging from side roads is already hazardous, especially in the vicinity of Cardrona Corner. Topographically, the elevation of this site encourages car ownership since all shopping destinations are relatively distant and downhill. With local authorities mandated to assess the carbon impact of development, this is a significant factor.
