Local Development Framework Consultation

We request that the Field or Green, as it is known, which is part of the Silverdale Village Institute, Spring Bank, Silverdale, Carnforth LA5 0TE should be protected as a Local Open Green Space from any development (including any form of permanent fixture). People have moved to Silverdale because of its AONB setting and diverse range of facilities and activities covering all ages. The Field’s long history and peaceful, visual amenity have attracted people to reside by it. Any dramatic “change of use” proposals such as there are at present for MUGAs or Combi/Skate Bowls would be totally out of character for its rural setting and would cause great stress and anxiety for neighbours. Since 1908, the land and buildings have been held in trust with the object of providing and maintaining a village hall to improve conditions of life for villagers. The Field is a village green – a tranquil open space for retreat and reflection - a natural recreational and leisure time amenity – where one can sit, relax, play, run, jog or walk. Occasional village fetes and cricket matches have been part of this village green’s tradition. It was never and should not be allowed to become a commercial sports park. The Field was never conceived as a formal and compulsory urban-style sports park. The urban hazards of hard surfacing, fencing, netting, meshing, edging, walling, floodlights and “dawn to dusk” noise would have a serious adverse impact on close neighbours, pets AND the Field's ages-old turf and tree dependent ecosystem. Song birds, pigeons, crows, magpies, terns, finches and rabbits prevail in this natural amphitheatre. We've also seen owls, sparrow hawks, deer, pheasants AND three protected species - hedgehogs, bats and swifts. 50 bat movements have been recorded in half an hour. Local and migrating swifts, for long periods, swoop high and low over the whole open Field. The whole vital Field has been foraged for a century. It has important wildlife links to other local habitats. This special and valued heritage Local Open Green Space and village green must be protected. Its traditional, physical, wildlife and ambient circumstances are unique.