Response from Mrs Ann Pearson (Individual)
1. Mrs Ann Pearson (Individual) : 27 Apr 2016 22:12:00
Please make your comments in the box below and refer specifically to the reference number of each site you are commenting on.
Site S127 - land west of Bottoms Lane, Silverdale
Whilst putting together these comments I have learned that the above location has been withdrawn from consideration as a possible site for affordable housing. Nevertheless I would still like to add my voice to that of the many others who have made it clear that development on this site would be wholly inappropriate.
My objection would have been based on several grounds:
Need - Before any site is earmarked for development I would like to see clearer evidence that there is a genuine need for affordable housing in Silverdale. What is the exact number of local people, with local employment, who require such housing? If the case can be made for the provision of more of this kind of housing in Silverdale there is no compelling reason why any of the proposed green-field sites should be utilised, given the considerable negative impact which would be the consequence of their development.
Practical difficulties – site S127 would be served by a minor country lane, unlit, never gritted in winter despite tight bends and being located on a hill, a lane where in several places it is not possible for two cars to pass without one needing to pull on to the grass verge. Nevertheless the Lane is regularly used as a thoroughfare by traffic wishing to by-pass the Village centre. Vehicles often travel at speeds wholly inappropriate to the conditions. There would be severe health and safety issues whilst the site was subject to major development. There would be similar issues for subsequent residents.
Any kind of housing would place considerable sewerage demands on this site which it would be incapable of coping with. The drainage fields required by septic tanks or other treatment plants would have to be too extensive if they were to comply fully with building regulations. Treatment plants in particular can have a damaging visual impact since the limestone bedrock can make excavation extremely difficult. Sewerage is now a major issue throughout the Village as a whole.
Undesirable development – any development on this site would be completely contrary to the most important of the A.O.N.B.’s aims and principles. The site is agricultural land and formed part of Bottoms Farm, one of the most important large open green spaces within the Village. No part of the Farm has yet been subject to any new building development. The conversion of redundant farm buildings into dwellings stayed within the footprint of the existing site, was generally sympathetic and subject to tight planning controls. The nearby farmhouse and lime kiln are both listed.
Housing development on site 127 would have an enormous and serious visual impact. This could easily be imagined now by anyone walking or driving down the Lane. In addition the site, which is characterised by exposed limestone, contains trees with T.P.O’s on them and, like similar sites in the area, is home to orchids.
In conclusion, the site’s development is not required and would set an extremely damaging precedent. It might not be a popular view but, if the Village as a whole is to retain its “special character”, it can withstand very little further development, whether that be for affordable or any other kind of housing.
