Local Development Framework Consultation

Kirkby Lonsdale

3 (1 of 2) Kirkby Lonsdale

R121M and R697KL

Oppose

Oppose

Oppose

Oppose

Oppose

I am concerned about the size of the development proposed. KL is being asked to grow by about 30% whilst the average growth for South Lakes is slightly above 20%. This means we are in effect being asked to shoulder 50% more than the average.
In answer by E Mail it was confirmed that Kirkby will grow by 31.44% from 2003 to 2025 but because of new build completed and commitments that now falls to a significantly lower figure.
I still believe that just because Kirkby Lonsdale has suffered a portion of the pain early with less to follow, we are still being asked the shoulder more than our fair share of the growth in total over the period in question.

We were also told that the process had been fair and that towns such as KL are more suited to carry more of the burden due to infrastructure already in place. I refute this which brings me to my second point, where to locate the development. The two main areas proposed are to the west of KL and will both be accessed from the Kendal road, presumably near the new Astroturf playing field. This road is already congested particularly when the school is filling or emptying of pupils. Kirby is a small town which is unable to maintain it’s character if increasing by 30%.
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If development is necessary then the area to the south of the A65 (R679KL) would be most suitable as it has excellent access to the A65 and is a few paces from the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists. Yet despite Cowan Bridge our nearest neighbour also having development on both sides of the same road, it is deemed not suitable. One reason was the view to passing cars being spoiled by such development!


In area R127M I would ask that any development is completed sensitively to the houses bordering the proposed sites. In particular ensuring that winter sun is not blocked out by buildings built right up to the boundary. Throughout the winter our house is significantly warmed when sunlight strikes it in the afternoon.

Access to vehicles down Harling Bank should not be permitted due to School Pupils using this frequently.

I don’t think industrial use is suitable (R127M) as lorries mixing with school traffic on Kendal Road would be a safety issue. Industrial use should be concentrated outside town e.g. opposite the existing BP station (EN3?).

Why is the only a narrow strip being developed west of the Astroturf pitch (MN17KL)? If this were wider less land to the east would be required and a green swath protected to the west of Harling Bank maintained, making the development’s impact significantly ameliorated.

I think most of these issues should be addressed and explored more carefully under the Localism Agenda, especially the size of SLDC commitment to grow so significantly.

Convert old railway from Ingleton to Sedbergh to cycle way.