Response from Mr Brian Catterall (Individual)
1. Mr Brian Catterall (Individual) : 16 Jul 2017 21:01:00
Please use the drop down menu to indicate which of the following sites you are commenting on. Please use a separate form for each site.
Arnside - Hollins Lane A8/A9
Please use the box below to make your comments.
We are responding to the proposal to build behind Hollins Lane. We object to the proposal for the following reasons:
Access comments
The primary vehicular access to the proposed development is earmarked from Hollins Lane which is one of the narrowest roads in Arnside. At best Hollins Lane is a rural lane of single carriageway width with passing places to allow two-way flow. This road already has more traffic than it was designed for (being used as a 'rat run link' between Silverdale Road and Briery Bank and Black Dyke Road via Swinnate). There are no pavements so pedestrians and cyclists have no safe refuge. Hollins Lane is certainly a route that school children use both ways daily to access bus stops on Briery Bank.
Any development would see further increase in vehicular traffic increasing safety risks for all road users. The proposed access to the new development is at one of the narrowest points on Hollins Lane so how can the existing carriageway be widened satisfactorily to meet current highway design standards whilst providing required visibility splays and sight lines to benefit all users and pavements to ensure safe walking routes.
Any development here would suggest that this lane will change from its rural character to an urban one which seems to be at odds with the ANOB management plan and the clear concerns raised over the urbanisation of villages and rural roads and the avoidance of this outcome.
Site comments
Previous descriptions from earlier survey work describe site A8/A9 as forming part of the historical development of Arnside and forming an integral part of the urban mosaic which defines this part of Arnside. If development did occur it would seem to conflict with a number of existing management plan policies. How would resident’s access village services safely given the relative distance and limitations of both Hollins Lane and Silverdale Road?
The privacy of properties on both Silverdale Road and Hollins Lane would be adversely affected by the proposed development. Silverdale Road properties have gardens which would be overlooked by any development. Two properties to the NW corner have narrow gardens meaning these houses are much closer to the proposed development site with the risk that any new houses are overbearing.
The angle of the proposed building site means that residents in the new properties will have look directly into the properties on Hollins Lane thus invading on their privacy.
The development and open public space suggested makes houses bordering the development site on both Silverdale Road and on Hollins Lane vulnerable to crime as anyone walking along the public space will have a direct view into homes creating an opportunity to seeking unlawful entry. The public open space created within the proposed development also creates potential for other low level crime such as littering, vandalism and nuisance behaviour.
Home Housing planned to build 8 houses on the same site a few years ago; they found the plot completely unsuitable for development. The underlying bedrock is limestone with very shallow topsoil above so there is no natural drainage on the site.
Foul sewer capacity and highway drainage are further cause for concern in any proposed development. Previous potential developers have concluded that existing drain and sewer infrastructure is running at full capacity. Surface water discharging from Silverdale Road down Hollins Lane during wet weather is an existing problem. How would any development which introduces more impermeable surfaces adequately address such foul and surface water drainage concerns and deal adequately with potential displacement issues?
Policy and need comments
The AONB management plan has clearly identified policies which seek to provide levels of protection. Relevant policies in respect of this proposal would seem to be the following:
• AS07 – this policy protects areas of land within settlements that are not publicly accessible but which are important to the settlement character and the wider ANOB landscape.
• AS08 – requires new developments to protect and enhance the historic environment, historic character and heritage features of the ANOB.
• AS511 – ensures appropriate new infrastructure is provided where needed in the ANOB but any new infrastructure does not harm the ANOB’s landscape character. It also gives priority to support walking, cycling and public transport.
• AS13 – ensures that consideration is given to the management of water quality, sewerage systems and drainage.
There are sites that are far more suitable in Arnside that have previously been identified which could provide this need. These sites have more suitable infrastructure access to local amenities such as the primary school, doctor’s surgeries, public transport and local shops.
Mr and Mrs Catterall
