Response from Mrs Helen Rawsthorn (Individual)
1. Mrs Helen Rawsthorn (Individual) : 11 Apr 2012 17:23:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show you have read the 'Guidance Notes for Making a Representation'
I have read the guidance notes
Policy/Site No.
LA1.3 Housing Allocations - M9M2-mod MILNTHORPE NORTH WEST OF MILNTHORPE
1.1 Do you consider that the South Lakeland District Council Land Allocations DPD is legally compliant?
Yes
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 scale of proposed development is grossly disproportionate to the size of the site in question and would cause unacceptable negative impact on the village landscape.
As an elevated site, the buildings would be highly visible not only from the neighbouring Dallam Chase and Grisleymires Lane but also from Church Street, Kirkgate and the area to the north of the village and from Dallam Tower Estate and the area to the south, meaning that the impact would be visually intrusive on a wide scale.
The nearby Booths development and the proposed commercial sites next to Houghton's coachworks already detract from the appearance of this corner of the village and more development would only serve to further destroy the character of the village.
Access to this site is already a safety issue due to the business traffic via Grisleymires Lane, that includes many large lorries to both the coachworks and Booths. Further development here would serve to exacerbate the problem.
Drainage and sewerage systems are already highly temperamental and placing any number of houses on this site would add further unnecessary pressure.
This greenfield site is also in constant farming use (for the grazing of both cows and sheep and for silage, cut here several times throughout the year) so is already an active working part of the village and necessary to the essential village character of Milnthorpe.
The hedgerows are full of wildlife and are essential for the bats and birds, which nest and feed. It is vital that they remain in place. Surely there are alternative places and empty buildings available for housing without using vital farmland and wildlife habitat.
