Response from Dr Christopher Payne (Individual)
1. Dr Christopher Payne (Individual) : 28 May 2008 17:18:00
Please state as clearly as you can the exact part of the Report you are commenting on by quoting the page number (if known), paragraph number, option name or number, or the number of the map, figure or table.
Page numbers: 119 to 138
Paragraph number: 6 East Natland
Table number: 3 para 10
Do you support, oppose or have an observation about this part of the Report?
Oppose
Please write your comment or explain your reasons for supporting or opposing this part of the Report. You may also wish to refer to the tests of soundess in the glossary of the Preferred Options document before making your comments.
The proposed housing development will compromise further the difficult road access to Natland, with the increased volume of traffic that such a development would inevitably bring. Road access through the single-track roads of Helm Lane and Oxenholme Lane are not suitable for further development in Natland. The existing passing places in the upper part of Oxenholme Lane, for example are predominantly on private drives. The main road access to the village from Kendal, via Natland Road is also compromised by the very narrow single-track bend at the northern entrance to the village. As a resident of one of the houses adjacent to this part of the carriageway, I have particular concerns about the dangers to pedestrians (there is no footway), and other road users at this point. Any increase in traffic that would inevitably arise from the proposed housing development will only exacerbate present difficulties, which are compounded by very limited parking facilities in the centre of the village.
In 2004, the Natland Parish Plan was published, and I quote from one section of it "South Lakeland District Council indicated that the next 10 year Plan will restrain residential development in Natland. There will be no change to Natland's existing development boundary and only 'affordable' housing will be permitted as infill within it." The proposal within the new Core Strategy runs counter to this. I am strongly of the view that Natland has been developed extensively and any further development will destroy this village, which already serves the wider community by providing a quiet route for pedestrians and cyclists to escape into the countryside south of Kendal.
What change(s) would you suggest for this part of the Report?
Delete