Local Development Framework Consultation

We write concerning the proposed mixed housing and employment building land development planned for the greenfield sites between Grange Fell Road Sub-Post Office and Spring Bank Farm.



We have only just been made aware of the more detailed plans directly affecting our immediate locality, allowing us only 4 days before the response deadline is reached to voice our concerns and opinion.



We feel very strongly that the fields between Grange Fell Road and Spring Bank Lane should not be built on for housing or work units for the following reasons.



1. The fields act as a vital soak-away for heavy rainfall. The relevant authorities warn us constantly that global warming will increase rainfall and flooding. Only last year, several shops in Grange at the foot of Grange Fell Road were flooded after heavy rain. If the fields in question were built upon, this would only increase the risk of flooding in Grange town centre, similar to the problems experienced at the eastern end of Grange on Windermere Road (B5271). It must be remembered that whenever there is an incidence of flooding, we all suffer by way of increased insurance premiums even when we are not directly affected by the flooding.



2. This greenfield area abuts Fell End and Hampsfell, both areas of natural beauty that attract very many walkers, local and non-local, throughout the year, the latter bringing vital tourism and revenue to both Grange and Cartmel.



3. The fields have been in place for centuries and form part of the history of Grange and Cartmel. Once built upon this heritage will be lost forever.



4. If housing and work units were to be erected on these fields this would create a tremendous increase in traffic volume. Grange Fell Road is only a minor road, not even a 'B' road, and residents living in the terraced houses approaching Stone Terrace already have to park their cars on the road. From experience, when driving in the direction of Grange town centre, one is forced onto the wrong side of the road along the stretch from The Crescent to Stone Terrace. Increased traffic flow would only add to the problem.



5. Higher up Grange Fell Road where it narrows there is also blind bend with no footpath at all.



6. In your LDF document you state that many people in Grange are self-employed, in fact a higher number than the national average; many of these people work from home which not only suits their work requirements but also provides flexibility to their family lifestyle. Since the Government is in favour of and likes to promote the 'working from home' ethic and, as it is obviously working well in Grange, who then would want to rent or buy a works unit?



7. If it is still felt that work units are required in Grange, then is this greenfield area the best location for them? We believe the area to be totally inappropriate for such buildings for many reasons, eg access, increase in traffic volume, noise pollution, etc. Surely such units would be better placed nearer relevant facilities - banks, post office, rail network, links to motorway etc.



The greenfield area identified seems totally inappropriate for development purposes and one has to question the credibility of a consultation document that selects such an area when there are more easily accessible, lower lying areas to be chosen.



The LDF document even refers twice to the A690 when it means the A590 trunk road - so much for precise proof reading.



As an aside, Grange-over-Sands is a small town that already attracts families and people of all age ranges, even if the greater proportion of its residents tends to be older. Grange is a tranquil seaside resort, never intended for commercial development. Also, Main Street in Grange was recognised in a survey for the BBC's news programme "North West Tonight" as the best main shopping street in the North West due to its diversity of shops and architecture