Response from Mrs Elspeth Threlfall (Individual)
1. Mrs Elspeth Threlfall (Individual) : 22 Dec 2016 15:56:00
Please make your comments in the box below and refer specifically to the number of each site / policy you are commenting on.
S56
I am very concerned about the site S56 in Silverdale being marked for housing and strongly object to this "nibbling away" of green field sites in the AONB. This site demonstrates part of the first special quality of the AONB: “The small-scale yet complex nature of the landforms gives an intimate feeling within valleys and woodlands which contrasts with the open nature and expansive views from higher ground and along the coast.” and as such should not be built upon.
The field is low lying with attendant drainage problems, contamination from nearby foul water drainage has already affected the shore 200 m away, part of Morecambe Bay special area of conservation (SAC) and special protection area (SPA).
The field is a habitat for birds utilising Morecambe Bay, particularly for wintering wildfowl and waders. Fieldfare and redwing are seen here in cold weather. The surrounding trees and hedges provide food andnesting habitats for many woodland birds, including hawfinches, while these are to be retained, the noise and activity accompanying a housing development inevitably drives away wildlife. Bats, toads, slow worms, fox, rabbits, voles and deer are present in this area; such a development is bound to have a detrimental impact on them and to our pleasure in observing them. Policy DM28 states that proposals that have a significant adverse effect on landscape character or that would harm landscape quality, biodiversity, geodiversity or heritage will not be permitted.
There are still brownfield sites in Silverdale that would be much more suitable and have less detrimental effect.
