Response from Professor Nigel Edward Simmonds (Individual)
1. Professor Nigel Edward Simmonds (Individual) : 6 Dec 2015 16:43:00
Discussion Paper section
6. Options for Meeting the Objectives and Delivering the Vision
Please make your comments below on the section you have selected. Where appropriate, make reference to the paragraph number you are referring to, your preferred option, the question number asked in the Discussion Paper and the reference number of the site you are commenting on.
Question 27.
Site Y103 Land west of Footeran Lane.
The development of this site would not only constitute a clear instance of ribbon development into the strip of open countryside separating the villages of Redmayne and Conyers, but would also cause irreparable harm to the setting of an important cluster of historic Grade 2 listed buildings on the southern edge of the village (Storrs Farm, Storrs Holme and Storrs Grange). The location of these buildings at the perimeter of the village makes them an especially important part of the village aesthetic, and this area of the AONB, since they are the most visible feature of the village as one approaches from the south along the road, or from the footpath descending from Cringlebarrow.
The development would result in a loss of productive agricultural land, and of a green space currently separating the two villages. The proposed site borders a very narrow lane, and any widening of that lane would damage the rural character of the village still further.
Are there any topics or issues that you think we have missed or that you wish to raise?
The beautiful historic buildings of the AONB are a most important feature of its landscape, and must be respected in themselves, but also in their setting. Their construction from local limestone makes them one of the most distinctive and attractive features of the area. There is little point in imposing severe restrictions upon the owners of these properties if inappropriate developments are to be allowed in very close proximity to them.
