Local Development Framework Consultation

MM052 MM053 MM054 and other affected areas in Grange and the Cartmel Peninsula.
As I and others (including Grange's Councillor Harvey) have said - Grange and the Cartmel peninsula are accessed in the main by narrow, winding and often hilly roads. The residents of the local villages use Grange as the shopping hub of the area.
My main points are:
1. Due to its layout, the centre of Grange does not appear to offer any chance of road widening to accommodate the extra traffic that would be generated by a large increase in local housing. It is hard to see how the traffic study carried out in January can accurately estimate the traffic effects at a time well into the future when hundreds more houses have been built on the peninsula and many more vehicles, private and commercial are added to the number. The traffic flows both now and in the future have to be seen in the light of the road conditions described above. The direct effects on the environment and residents is far greater than it would be if traffic numbers were simply measured on a dual-carriageway away from the town.
2. The talk in SLDCs document of 'sustainability' and 'environment' ring very hollow when put against the actual experience of those that have offered comments so far. The latest worth noting would be a letter to the May issue of 'Grange-Now' which describes the writer's experience when listening to the SLDC meeting of 26th March where the Land Allocation Plan was discussed. This report if accurate, reflects the experience of others - that this is an arrogant council that has already made up its mind and has no intention of listening to the genuine concerns of residents. Difficulties with its plan are simply brushed away and platitudes (if I hear the word vision once more...) offered in place of any real acknowledgement of flaws in the plan or real engagement with criticism.
The use of words such as 'green gaps' just appear as sophistry when the reality of what is planned is looked at first hand - go and look at the proposed 'Berrybanks' development in relation to Allithwaite and Grange. Also view the proposed site of the industrial units. Is Kents Bank really a suitable place for these proposals? The existing industrial units between Lindale and Grange work because they are close to the dual carriageway and screened from residents. It is a matter of appropriateness.
3. Few people deny that housing stocks have to be added to and renewed and that forward planning is a good idea. Berners is an example where most support the idea of extra housing and renewal and updating of public facilities. However in those areas where housing cannot be built in large numbers without seriously damaging the environment and quality of life of the residents then it should not take place. Simply hoping for the best and ignoring evidence that challenges your plan is not good enough. It may well be that by the time Grange and the surrounding area are suffering the adverse effects of this plan those responsible will have moved on or retired. The rest of us will have to live with the consequences of their decisions.