Response from Mr Peter Howlett (Individual)
1. Mr Peter Howlett (Individual) : 12 Jul 2017 09:28:00
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Arnside - Hollins Lane A8/A9
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I wish to express my opposition to the proposal to develop the meadow to the north and west of Hollins Lane.
Of all the sites originally proposed in Arnside for additional housing, the Hollins Lane site has to be, by far, the most unsuitable. Hollins Lane is an extremely narrow country lane, with a few pinch points making the road even narrower. There is a relatively sharp blind bend half way along its length. There are no footpaths apart from a very small length of pavement towards Silverdale Road. Vehicles and pedestrians are obliged to share this narrow road, creating a very unsatisfactory and unsafe situation especially for children, the elderly and the disabled. Vehicles are unable to pass each other. One vehicle has to give way and stop often on someone's drive.
From my front garden to the other side of the road is just 4.6 metres. There is very little scope to improve the situation and alleviate current difficulties along the length of Hollins Lane. The dangers to all will only increase with more houses, more adults, more children and more vehicles. The proposed access to the Hollins Lane site is extremely close to the small lane situated on the opposite side of the road. This small lane is the only access to four properties. The owners of these properties have a total of eight vehicles at the present time. Great care has to be taken when attempting to enter Hollins Lane from this lane as I know from personal experience. The position of the access road for the proposed housing development almost creates a crossroads situation, a recipe for even more chaos and danger.
I acknowledge all the important factors that many residents will have raised, such as privacy, security and loss of open environment. In addition there are problems with surface water drainage and sewerage drainage, both of which I have experienced whilst living in Hollins Lane. However, the primary and overriding factor has to be personal safety. I believe that to proceed with the Hollins Lane development proposal will only increase the likelihood of a tragic accident. Movement along Hollins Lane is already a dangerous activity, to make matters worse would in my opinion be lunacy. I have every confidence in the Officers working in the Planning Departments of South Lakeland and Lancaster. I am sure they are competent and qualified some will even be experienced. Surely everyone can see the dangers and risk to life should this development plan go ahead. There can be only one conclusion. The Hollins Lane development is unviable.
