Local Development Framework Consultation

Re-SLDC Land Allocations Development Plan – Change of Use for Site Reference RN193 Land off Union Lane (MM072U)

Dear Sir or Madam
I have become aware that the SLDC Land Allocation Development Plan has been very recently changed (through MM072U) from the earlier plans that were made widely available during 2012 and 2013 for Public Comment. I wish to appeal that in order for Ulverston residents to be made aware of this change and be able to form constructive comment that an extension to the date is granted in respect of this particular change to the proposed date of 5th September 2013.
The change to the plan has been made very late in the consultation process with no previous indication of the change in use of the two fields in question (between the Union Lane -Persimmon Homes development and Mowings Lane) from current agricultural use to residential during the Plan’s development. In addition, given the timing of the change which has included the main UK School holiday period and a Bank Holiday, there has been limited ability to contact South Lakeland District Council or Ulverston Town Council for any clarification.
In addition, I would also appreciate being provided a copy of the relevant procedure (Standard Procedure) that identifies the steps to be followed in developing the SLDC Land Allocations Plan and the requirement for Public Consultation; this is in order to ascertain for myself that a fair and equable process has been followed in respect of this latest change to the plan and associated consultation period. My concern being that it appears that an unfairly timed change is being made affecting the residents of Ulverston to whom the SLDC has previously communicated its intention that fair consultation steps would be undertaken. Please be aware my councillor is not available due to their holidays to advise me regarding what process has already been conducted on this matter.

Yours sincerely
Brian White

Re-amendment MM072U to SLDC Land Allocations Development Plan – Referring to Change of Use for Site Ref RN193 (Land off Union Lane)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I wish to object to the change in use identified in the SLDC Land Allocations Development Plan (Reference RN193) through MM072U associated with two fields between the current Union Lane, Persimmon Homes development and Mowings Lane, Ulverston.
I am aware that a previous application for inclusion to the development plan was made by the owner in 2012 which proposed 44 homes and which was rejected by SLDC. As identified in the South Lakeland Local Development Framework Land Allocations Development Plan 2012 regarding the site – the elevated position above the town and potential to increase flooding risk if developed. This could lead to subsequent flooding potential in other areas of the town; the hydrodynamics of the area would suggest either via The Gill, Union Lane, or through Mowings Lane properties down the steep drop to Star Street. In addition, given the recent flooding experiences of Ulverston, it is not just the local area around the development that needs to be considered but also the downstream areas of South Ulverston, including in particular Outcast and North Lonsdale Road. Furthermore, I wish to bring to your attention that GlaxoSmithKline is undertaking a significant new investment in high technology Biotechnology facilities in the short term and a the longer term potential of further development – increased flooding risk may put this £500M investment at risk; there has also been recent local development of the South Ulverston Industrial area next to Dragley Beck – the access to this development currently floods after heavy rain, additional flooding could impact this new development.
As a resident of Mowings Lane and a frequenter of The Gill I am aware of the diverse wildlife of the area and the importance of the field/woodland edge in maintaining this biodiversity. The area is used daily by bats, hedgehogs, rabbits, tawny owls and a variety of other birdlife including hawks. Barn owls, squirrels, roe deer and foxes are also visitors of interest to those who take the time to look for them; even an otter has been seen using The Gill in the past few years. The development proposal previously rejected by SLDC would clearly impact light and noise levels affecting the biodiversity of the area and the close natural environment that can be explored by children living in Ulverston.
The upper field is also part of the ridgeline extending along Mowings Lane and provides a natural visible wooded boundary to the west of Ulverston. Development of the area would therefore detract from this natural boundary should the dwellings rise above the boundary, and this would be further exacerbated if trees were removed from around the development site. Furthermore, if the development is undertaken to include south-facing solar panels as indicated in the previous proposal, the evening reflection from them would be visible to a large part of Ulverston.
As a property owner in Mowings Lane I am also aware through ‘word of mouth’ that a proposal has been made that a one-way system could be used to provide access to the additional development area as Union Lane would not be capable of handling the additional traffic; which presumably is estimated at approximately 80 cars based on 44 dwellings. The one-way system would presumably make use of the Mowings Lane track, Mowings Lane and either Garden Terrace or Old Hall Road – all of which are congested roads with poor visibility at junctions. In addition, I would like to bring to your attention that Upper Mowings Lane (sometimes known as The Mowings) is a very narrow track that turns a 90 degree corner which can only be currently negotiated by cars and Transit van/very small lorry sized vehicles; there is also a very steep hill at the 90 degree corner that is not negotiable in snow or ice as it cannot be gritted by Council vehicles. Furthermore, this proposal does not take into consideration the current legal ownership of the section of Mowings Lane track (and turning point) between the Footpath from Star Street to The Gill and the gate into the field (which runs infront of Bayview and Foxwood) is identified in our Deeds as shared (1/3rd) ownership and responsibility for maintenance. Therefore there is no direct access to the land from Mowings Lane without our consent – I certainly would not agree to this.
I am very concerned that the proposal for inclusion in the development plan has not considered these important factors and has been clearly added at the last moment without any consultation with Ulverston residents, which was previously accorded other residents for proposed changes that were clearly communicated during 2012 and 2013 and therefore raises concerns as to whether an equable process has been followed, this is furthermore exacerbated given the timing of the change in respect of the tight deadline and the Bank Holiday period when SLDC and Ulverston Town Councillors have been unavailable to comment. On a final note I observe that only other amendments around the same timing appear to be deletions from the Plan!
I hope that you will take these points into consideration and remove these these fields from the proposed Development Plan.
Yours sincerely
Brian White