Response from Dr Lisa Norton (Individual)
1. Dr Lisa Norton (Individual) : 11 Apr 2011 20:10:00
Settlement
Kendal
Map Number
21 Gatebeck
Site reference number (e.g. R62) - If your comment is about a specific site you must indicate the correct site reference.
R121M, R56, R141, R100, R17, RN154
Housing
Oppose
Please explain your reasons
I previously wrote a letter explaining why I didn't think that development in this part of Kendal is a good idea and now that this area remains a possibility I still hold the same opinions. The proposed area appears to include land to the North of Sedbergh Rd and may also include land to the south of the road, i.e. in the fields opposite the Castle Green Hotel. This is one of the key access roads to Kendal for visitors and contributes significantly to the rural character of the town, both for residents and for visitors. Currently, as you descend into Kendal reaching the top of Parkside road there is a clear open aspect to the town with characteristic stone walls and green fields. Buildings in the vicinity of the hotel are also stone built and and contribute to the character of this approach to town. The estate of modern houses sits low on the horizon and is topped by the view to the castle. The fields in front of the hotel significantly enhance the impression of the town as you enter and undoubtedly for hotel residents also. These fields contain some significant, sizeable sycamore trees which are important roosting and nesting sites for rooks. There is also a highly diverse strip of land behind the houses on Castle Green Close which provides habitats for a wide range species including frogs, butterflies, hedgehogs, birds and a wide variety of native plant species alongside the vegetables and fruit grown by allotment holders. This area is important for both the humans and the wildlife which use it, providing valuable private allotment land to supplement the council allotments.
Land to the north of Sedbergh road is also very important to delineate where the rural land ends and the town begins. The older properties nestle in undulating hills and water filled indentations which do not lend themselves to development but provide significant landscape character for those walking out of Kendal to enjoy a taste of the countryside, for hotel visitors and for people driving into Kendal. The pond in the field adjacent to the hotel drive is a wildlife haven, full of flag Iris, Moorhens and amphibians. It is very likely that development on adjacent fields will impact on the hydrology of the area as well as its accesibility for the wildlife which uses the pond.
Any development in this area will also slow access to Kendal because of the need for road access directly onto the Sedbergh Rd, a significant route to Kendal from the M6.
I think there are too many negative impacts from pursuing a policy of development in this area to make it a viable option.
