3 responses from Mr Stephen Gibbs (Individual)
1. Mr Stephen Gibbs (Individual) : 13 Dec 2017 13:06:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show that you have read the guidance notes accompanying this consultation.
I have read the guidance notes
Policy Reference
AS01 - Development Strategy
1.1 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be legally compliant?
Yes
1.3 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be sound?
Yes
1.5 Please give details of why you consider the DPD is not legally compliant or is unsound or fails to comply with the Duty to Cooperate. Please be as precise as possible.
If you wish to support the legal compliance or soundness of the DPD or its compliance with the Duty to Cooperate, please also use this box to set out your comments.
First, I wish to congratulate the AONB officers and all those involved from SLDC and LCC for their hard work in producing a balanced and well thought out DPD, which has now been approved by both Councils. It is clear, rational and very positive.
I wholly agree with the vision and aims. In my view it is entirely sound because it reflects national policy and the statutory purpose of the AONB with its primary focus on protecting the landscape which should be at the forefront of all policy.
The AONB is the second smallest in the country. It is unique in many respects and is of international importance. Visitors and residents alike help it to thrive. But it is vital that we preserve it for future generations. At only 75 square kms and with a scattered population of under 8,000, it is fragile and must be protected for the enjoyment of all against those who would abuse it, purely for commercial gain. The DPD if adopted and enforced would achieve that.
1.6 Please set out what modification(s) you consider necessary to resolve your objection and make the DPD legally compliant or sound, having regard to the matter(s) you have identified above. (Please note that any non-compliance with the Duty to Cooperate is incapable of modification at examination). You will need to say why this modification will make the DPD legally compliant or sound. It will be helpful if you are able to put forward your suggested revised wording of any policy or text. Please be as precise as possible.
None.
2.1 If your representation is seeking a modification, do you wish to participate at the oral part of the Examination?
No, I do not wish to participate at the oral examination
Please tick the box if you wish to be notified when the document is submitted, recommendations published and adopted.
Please notify me
2. Mr Stephen Gibbs (Individual) : 13 Dec 2017 13:21:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show that you have read the guidance notes accompanying this consultation.
I have read the guidance notes
Policy Reference
AS15 - Housing Allocations
1.1 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be legally compliant?
Yes
1.3 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be sound?
Yes
1.5 Please give details of why you consider the DPD is not legally compliant or is unsound or fails to comply with the Duty to Cooperate. Please be as precise as possible.
If you wish to support the legal compliance or soundness of the DPD or its compliance with the Duty to Cooperate, please also use this box to set out your comments.
I support the strategy for housing provision. Any additional housing must be governed by local need and be sympathetic to overriding landscape considerations. I note and welcome that none is allocated to Silverdale. There simply are no suitable sites there for any significant development. In particular, any proposals for further development at Whinney Fold are inappropriate on grounds of landscape impact, access difficulties, highway safety, biodiversity, drainage and density of development.
1.6 Please set out what modification(s) you consider necessary to resolve your objection and make the DPD legally compliant or sound, having regard to the matter(s) you have identified above. (Please note that any non-compliance with the Duty to Cooperate is incapable of modification at examination). You will need to say why this modification will make the DPD legally compliant or sound. It will be helpful if you are able to put forward your suggested revised wording of any policy or text. Please be as precise as possible.
None.
2.1 If your representation is seeking a modification, do you wish to participate at the oral part of the Examination?
No, I do not wish to participate at the oral examination
Please tick the box if you wish to be notified when the document is submitted, recommendations published and adopted.
Please notify me
3. Mr Stephen Gibbs (Individual) : 13 Dec 2017 13:58:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show that you have read the guidance notes accompanying this consultation.
I have read the guidance notes
Policy Reference
AS11 - Camping, caravan and Visitor Accommodation
1.1 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be legally compliant?
Yes
1.3 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be sound?
Yes
1.5 Please give details of why you consider the DPD is not legally compliant or is unsound or fails to comply with the Duty to Cooperate. Please be as precise as possible.
If you wish to support the legal compliance or soundness of the DPD or its compliance with the Duty to Cooperate, please also use this box to set out your comments.
As stated, the policy continues the current restrictive approach to caravan development, along with some additional criteria and clarifications, providing a bespoke AONB approach.
I wholly endorse this.
There are someting like 1,700 static and touring caravan pitches in a relatively small area. If all the caravans were parked on the road end to end, they would stretch from Silverdale to Morecambe and beyond. I apologise for this apocalyptic vision, but it makes the point. There are already too many caravans in such a small fragile area, particularly statics. If numbers cannot be curbed, they should not be allowed to increase.
Of course visitors and even caravanners are most welcome in the AONB, but the sites detract from the landscape and cause horrendous traffic problems. The amount of overall economic gain for the area is debateable.
The AONB needs to be more diverse and sustainable in its offering to visitors, with a new focus on true camping, yurts, shepherd's huts and low impact accomodation.
A good example is the Leeds Children's Holiday Camp, where the new owner seeks to create a new site of 25 static caravans plus warden's housing and reception on a grassy and very prominent headland. This involves the demolition of a much loved existing art deco building. With flair and imagination, a diverse visitor offering could be created. It might be an outward bounds centre, or a cycling hostel for the new Morecambe Bay cycleway, or a restaurant with rooms or a boutique hotel or a wedding venue or an educational summer school. It would make an excellent children's camp. But please, no more ugly, inappropriate static caravans. The DPD would prevent this. In doing so, it reinforces current policy. I heartily approve.
1.6 Please set out what modification(s) you consider necessary to resolve your objection and make the DPD legally compliant or sound, having regard to the matter(s) you have identified above. (Please note that any non-compliance with the Duty to Cooperate is incapable of modification at examination). You will need to say why this modification will make the DPD legally compliant or sound. It will be helpful if you are able to put forward your suggested revised wording of any policy or text. Please be as precise as possible.
None.
2.1 If your representation is seeking a modification, do you wish to participate at the oral part of the Examination?
No, I do not wish to participate at the oral examination
Please tick the box if you wish to be notified when the document is submitted, recommendations published and adopted.
Please notify me
