[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Date]
The Planning Department
South Ribble Borough Council
Civic Center, West Paddock
Leyland, PR25 1DH
Subject: Objection to Planning Application 07/2024/00102/OUT for Land At North Of Cocker Lane Moss Side Leyland Lancashire
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to formally object to the planning application referenced above, currently proposed for Land At North Of Cocker Lane Moss Side Leyland Lancashire. As a resident of Moss Side, I have significant concerns about the impact of this proposed development on our local community, environment, and quality of life.
Reasons for Objection:
Traffic and Safety Concerns:
- The east part of Cocker Lane from Birchwood to the boundary of Schleswig Way is a narrow country lane with a typical carriageway width of 3.0m-3.5m with grass verges of approximately 2.0m-2.5m on each side. The proposed development would totally destroy the character of this part of Cocker Lane by creating passing places for vehicles and the construction of footways on the narrow grass verges.
- The carriageway of Cocker Lane is used as a regular walking route for residents and children attending local schools and provides access to Paradise Park for pedestrians and cyclists. It is also used by people exercising horses, particularly at weekends. The use of the existing carriageway by these groups is completely safe because vehicular speeds are very low. The additional volume of traffic generated by the proposed development would be encouraged to travel at greater speeds due to the provision of passing places. This would create greater risks for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
- Heavy plant used in the construction of the proposed development would inevitably destroy the grass verges and damage the existing carriageway surface that was never designed to carry heavy vehicles. The noise nuisance and dust would be unacceptable to the residents of Cocker Lane. Fibre-optic cables are located in the grass verges and there would be a significant risk of heavy vehicles damaging these.
- The junction of Dunkirk Lane and Paradise Lane is the only means of vehicular access to the proposed site. The traffic generated would create additional safety risks and congestion at this junction. The increase in traffic, particularly during construction, would also present a safety risk to children attending the local primary school on Paradise Lane. The school crossing patrol warden on Dunkirk Lane, close to the junction with Paradise Lane would be subject to greater road safety risks particularly during the construction period.
Impact on Green Spaces:
- The field forming the proposed site has significant ecological value and is a habitat for local wildlife including bats, foxes, owls and other birds of prey which is indicative of a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. The development risks disturbing these and other species, leading to a loss of biodiversity. The proposed development would destroy this haven for wildlife which is under threat from nearby developments like the former Leyland Vehicles Test Track housing site.
- South Ribble Borough Council has already exceeded its target of allocated housing development for the next 5 years and the proposed development falls outside the current Local Plan that was adopted in 2015. The existing South Ribble Local Plan is set to be replaced by the Central Lancashire Local Plan which is already advanced and is likely to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for review in 2024. The Cocker Lane site is not included in the Central Lancashire Local Plan.
Community Character:
Cocker Lane and its surroundings are distinguished by their tranquil, green environment and semi-rural charm, deeply cherished by the residents. The proposed development not only risks altering this serene character but also starkly contrasts with the architectural and environmental ethos of the area, particularly not being in keeping with the existing properties that border the site entrance. Such changes threaten to diminish the area's aesthetic and cultural value significantly, thereby impacting the community's overall quality of life and eroding the unique identity of Cocker Lane.
Drainage and Flood Risk:
The area's unique geological composition, particularly its clay soil, makes the top soil a natural water sink, mitigating flood risks in the area. The proposed development does not adequately address how it will manage surface water drainage with the erosion of top soil the development will cause, potentially exacerbating flood risks for the area, walks, and surrounding properties.
I urge the planning department to consider these objections and the detrimental impact the proposed development would have on our community, environment, and safety. It is essential that any development in the area preserves the green spaces, ensures the safety and well-being of its residents, and maintains the ecological balance.
I am available to discuss these concerns in more detail if required and look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]