Local Development Framework Consultation

grayrigg

RN257 RN258

Oppose

I completely oppose this Document and the proposed development of this site. Not only will the proposed development have an adverse affect on us, the existing residents of Grayrigg, I believe it will also be an unsustainable strain on the resources of the local area.

Furthermore, Page 17 of the STRATEGIC HOUSING LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT tells of 50 locations surveyed for feasibility. Grayrigg was not one of them and, therefore, should not even be on the list for consideration. The proposed development has not been sufficiently advertised, and we, the residents of Grayrigg have not been properly informed of the proposal. I also believe the projected figures of 13,518 dwellings to be built in South Lakeland in the next 15 years is completely unrealistic given the hilly surroundings.

Despite being a recent arrival in the village, I have lived in the South Lakeland area for many years and spent more than two years searching for a suitably quiet, peaceful rural location such as Grayrigg before purchasing my property. I now find out that this proposed development will not only impinge upon my privacy, but threatens to ruin the quiet, peaceful setting that myself and my fellow villagers cherish.

Housing from the proposed development will overlook directly into my home and garden completely obscuring the view I have of the surrounding countryside. The value of my property will also be adversely affected. Had I had known about the proposed development at the time, I would not have proceeded with the purchase of my property.

The unique rural location of Grayrigg makes it completely unsuitable for such a development – as well as the personal affect it will have on my property, a sudden influx in residents will have a devastating affect on local resources and wildlife. The village currently has very little street lighting and has, at its centre, a Grade II listed church that will be adversely affected by the proposed development.

Due to its aforementioned rural location and the lack of services it is more often than not the case that only families with vehicles can live here, so any increase in housing will inevitably lead to an increase in traffic in the village and surrounding areas. Such an increase, coupled with the area’s high and exposed location (making driving often hazardous in winter) would be a real danger to residents, particularly children.

I doubt very much if the services that this proposed development require can be met by the current levels of infrastructure in Grayrigg. Both waste and fresh water services will be put under severe strain.

I also believe that the proposed development will have a devastating affect on the wildlife that is currently abundant in the area – such dramatic change to the natural habitat of these animals will result in irreconcilable damage to the environment in which they currently thrive.

I completely stand by and support all other respondents who are against this proposed development.

Support

Option B - Communities and/or developers bringing forward sites for housing and employment for consideration under relevant Core Strategy policies, through neighbourhood plans and/or other local initiatives

Residents have control of where they live.