Response from Mr David Smithson (Individual)
1. Mr David Smithson (Individual) : 19 Apr 2012 14:59:00
Policy/Site No.
LA1.3 Housing Allocations - RN213-mod BRIGSTEER LAND OPPOSITE THE WHEATSHEAF
2.1 Do you consider that the South Lakeland District Council Land Allocations DPD is sound?
No
2.2 If NO please identify which test of soundness your representation relates to by selecting the relevant option(s) below and completing section 2.3.
The DPD is not justified in that it is not founded on a robust and credible evidence base and/or is not considered the most appropriate strategy when considered against the reasonable alternatives.
2.3 Please give details of the change(s) you consider necessary to make the South Lakeland District Council Land Allocations DPD sound, having regard to the test you have identified at question 2.2 above.
It would be helpful if you could state your proposed change to the DPD and the reasons why you think it is necessary.
The allocation is unsound in that undue weight has been given to the opinions of Helsington Community Land Trust which is an unelected unrepresentative body.
This allocation is unsound in that SLDC has given undue weight to the support
given by Helsington Community Land Trust (HCL T).
HLCT is an unelected body, membership of which includes many who are NOT
residents of Brigsteer. Few residents have been invited to join.
At a parish meeting on 2 March 2011, HCLT was castigated by a majority of
attendees for their undemocratic formation (few residents were even aware that a
body purporting to represent them was being formed) and their presumptuous
proposal to SLDC of previously unconsidered sites, including RN 213.
SLDC (lan Withington) attended ,
Opposition to RN213 was confirmed by a village wide opinion survey in March 2011,
which showed 78% of return against development of that site.
This opposition to the site and to the machinations of HLCT was further displayed at
a parish meeting on 10 Apri12012, again attended by lan Withington.
lan Withington is listed on the HLCT web site as being co-opted onto the board of
HLCT to represent SLDC. He is stated to be a previous resident of Brigsteeer
3.1 If your representation is seeking a change, do you consider it necessary to participate in the oral part of the examination?
NO, I do not wish to participate at the oral examination