PR98/11
For immediate release
19 April 2011
South Lakeland under threat from Land Allocations Proposals
Landscape charity Friends of the Lake District has raised concerns over the proposed development of numerous large greenfield sites, which have been identified by South Lakeland District Council in their recent ‘Allocations Emerging Options’ consultation.
The consultation, which began in January, finished last week (April15),.The ‘Allocations document identified the major new sites the Council proposes to allocate for development for housing and employment for the next 14 years. The majority of the locations are currently greenfield sites across the district.
Planning Officer Richard Pearse said: ‘The council is proposing a level of development across the district to 2025, which is unprecedented in modern times. They have set themselves very high targets for housing and employment development, which will necessitate the release of numerous major greenfield sites.
‘Virtually all the towns and villages in the district will be affected by the proposals. Some areas have the capacity to accommodate the change proposed. We are concerned however, that a significant number do not. Kendal in particular will be fundamentally altered if all the development planned goes ahead. The town retains a very rural character at present – its development edges are softened by green fields and undeveloped valley sides. These new developments would change that.
‘A number of the proposed sites are unsuitable because, given the size of settlements, local facilities will not be enough to sustain the additional population, so residents would have to drive to access employment, shops and services. We could see smaller settlements in South Lakeland becoming dormitory towns for people commuting to bigger towns and cities for work.’
‘We recognise the need to provide land to accommodate housing and employment development for local people. We have not raised objections to a great many of the sites proposed in acknowledgment of this. Our concern remains however that the council has set an overall target which is too high, and has not sought to balance the need to deliver appropriate sites with a recognition that the landscape has a finite capacity to absorb development. This is a particularly important consideration in an area such as south Lakeland, which is renowned for its outstanding landscape and townscape character. A healthy economy is dependent upon a high quality environment. The district has got a lot to offer in this respect – but it’s important to recognise the limits this imposes.’
Next the council will consider all responses that have been made, and will draw conclusions on where the allocations for development should be made. This will be followed by a public hearing, in late 2011, chaired by an independent planning inspector, who will make the final decision.
Friends of the Lake District are keen to work with concerned residents and action groups in regard to the planning allocations proposals. Please contact us via email info@fld.org.uk or see www.fld.org.uk for further details.
Dawn Groundsell
Communications Officer
Communications Officer