Response from Mr Les Stewart (Individual)
1. Mr Les Stewart (Individual) : 5 Mar 2012 15:28:00
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.
LA1.8 Local Employment Allocations - E13M MILNTHORPE LAND ADJ MAINLINE BUSINESS PARK
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.
My comment firstly relates specifically to the designation of the Mainline Business Park(ref E13M on map) as being suitable for B8 uses in that:-
1.No evidence has been put forward that more storage and distribution facilities are required in this location.
2.The HGV's of the three large trucking companies already operating from this site pass south through the villages of Ackenthwaite and Milnthorpe 24/7,adversly affecting residents,shoppers and road users. Highway improvements were specified in the PREVIOUS LOCAL PLAN but apart from the painting of white lines to help prevent the stone rampards of the canal ridge to the north from being knocked down by HGV's, nothing has been done.
I submit that a policy that exacerbates an already unsatisfactory situation is wrong and therefore unsound.
3.The site specific problem can be resolved by improving the northern access, which readily links up with the major highway network, in conjunction with restrictions on HGV travel through Milnthorpe. While there is a vague reference to possible highway improvements in the Document, without a firm strategy,commitment and local consultation the Document cannot be considered sound.
Secondly,on a District basis, the document is unsound by failing to allocate APPROPRIATE land for B8 storage and distribution uses. The reasonable alternative, if such need is identified, being land for depots which have close access to the major highway network which the HGV's using their depots invariably require.
3.1 If your representation is seeking a change, do you consider it necessary to participate in the oral part of the examination?
YES, I wish to participate at the oral examination
3.2 If you wish to participate in the oral part of the examination, please outline why you consider this to be necessary.
To ensure my objections are recorded.
Please tick the box if you wish to be notified when the document is submitted, published and adopted.
Please notify me
