Response from Dr Andrew Chadwick (Individual)
1. Dr Andrew Chadwick (Individual) : 29 Aug 2011 23:16:00
Settlement (e.g., Natland)
Levens
Site reference number (e.g., RN298#)
R142#
Please indicate below whether you support, support in part or oppose the suggestion that this site be included in the Land Allocations document.
Oppose
Please explain your reasons/add your comments below
I oppose the suggestion that this site be included in the Land Allocations document.
In terms of effects on Levens itself, R142 would obscure the old village boundary with its 18th century limestone cottages and, because it spans the entire southern boundary of the village, it would impact on the visual amenity of a large number of dwellings, including the village school.
The A590 passes to the south of Levens and provides an exceptionally scenic drive along the northern edge of the Kent Estuary, wholly rural from the M6 junction to Ulverston. The current view of the southern end of Levens from the A590 forms the skyline on the limestone ridge and includes the old cottages and the church spire. This is a striking and unusual view which is enhanced by the fact that the rising field between the A590 and Levens is reputedly the largest in Westmorland. A new housing estate on R142 would destroy both the field and the view, with a consequent loss of amenity to users of the A590.
There is a public right of way through R142. This much-used footpath essentially runs from the church, past the old cottages and through the field mentioned above, ultimately linking to the Cumbria Coastal Way. The proposed development would totally ruin the character of this walk.
R142 would therefore impact in a number of varied ways, not only on the village of Levens itself, but on a much wider community, including people entering the Lake District National Park from the south. In doing so it does not appear to meet any reasonable sustainability criteria.
Please indicate whether you support, support in part or oppose a reduction in the time span of the Land Allocations document
No view
Please indicate which of the options for the future housing and employment land needs of small villages, hamlets and open countryside you would support.
Option A - Allocating sites for houses and employment in the Land Allocations document
Please explain your reasons/add your comments below
Allocation should be an integrated process with a fair assessement of needs and impacts on all communities.
