Response from Ms Sandra Walsh (Individual)
1. Ms Sandra Walsh (Individual) : 1 May 2013 19:40:00
Please add your response below, quoting the main modification reference number: (limit 3000 words)
MM007, MM008, MM015, MM051,MM052, MM053.
The proposals under land allocations in respect of Grange over Sands and area, run counter to the objectives stated in the core strategy: Grange is an Edwardian town its character being central to its tourist industry, this, local traders and residents will be disadvantaged under the proposals.
The area does not have the infrastructure to support the development proposed. Under the plans Grange will lose its remaining green areas – I understand that a number of these have already been sold for development, while small pockets of brownfield land are ignored.
I would point to the 2007 regeneration plan that proposed a balanced and holistic development for the town – and provision of affordable homes. A plan which better meets the Core Strategy than the current proposals.
I would also like to draw the councils attention to the example of Hornby council, who are making small developments of 10 houses to be sold on a shared ownership basis to locals.
More specifically:
Sustainability considerations - Grange is not a key service centre as it does not meet the definition of such in the core strategy - public transport links are poor, both to other towns/villages and within the town itself
- walking and cycle links from the proposed developments dangerous for pedestrians particularly those with young children.
'Heritage considerations -the erosion of green land will have a significant impact on our natural habitat and local species. Much of the development planned is on land currently used for agriculture I do not believe that the destruction of our green spaces can ever be 'organic and sympathetic' to the town. Our green spaces are in fact a key feature of our town and are vital for the wellbeing of residents and the tourist industry.
'Landscape and Settlement, Community Infrastructure, Other demands: the developments proposed will siginificantly increase traffic in the local area. The road networks in the area were not designed for the current level of car use. Grange, Allithwaite, Flookburgh and onward rely on the B5277; a road incapable of absorbing the additional traffic that would result. Some local bottlenecks and access routes to the proposed sites eg Risedale Hill on Allithwaite Road,junction Cart Lane/Cartmel Road and Kents Bank Road are already dangerous. Flooding remains a problem throughout the area, despite the holding tanks installed by United Utilities.
