[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 compelled to write to you to express my deep-seated concerns regarding the proposed development, with an emphasis, first and foremost, on the profound ecological impact it would have, followed by significant access issues and the detrimental transformation of Cocker Lane's character. I respectfully request written acknowledgment of this letter and earnest consideration of the matters I raise herein.
Ecological Concerns:
At the heart of my objections is the irrefutable ecological value of the proposed site, which is currently a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including bats, foxes, hawks, owls, and even deer. The area's ecological significance appears to be grossly underestimated in the planning proposal's Ecological Statement, which inaccurately asserts the absence of bats among other discrepancies. Such a stance not only undermines the current biodiversity but also disregards the essential ecological functions these species perform within our local environment. The proposed development threatens to disrupt these delicate ecosystems, potentially leading to a significant loss of biodiversity. It is imperative that a thorough and accurate ecological assessment be conducted to fully understand and mitigate the potential impacts of this development on local wildlife habitats.
Access and Infrastructure Limitations:
While the ecological impact remains my primary concern, the issues surrounding access to the proposed site are also deeply troubling. The site's exclusion from residential development in both the 2015 Local Plan and the Lancashire County Council's Emerging Local Plan is primarily due to unresolved access challenges. Cocker Lane, already at its capacity, cannot support the substantial increase in traffic that 23 new dwellings would entail. The prospect of introducing an estimated 45 to 55 additional vehicles into this constrained area raises serious safety and congestion concerns, particularly given the lane's narrowness, inadequate surfacing, and poor lighting. Furthermore, the physical and legal constraints associated with widening the road, due to the presence of essential utilities and communication lines, exacerbate these access issues, rendering the proposed development not only impractical but also hazardous, especially in proximity to Moss Side Elementary School.
Transformation of Cocker Lane's Character:
Finally, the character of Cocker Lane is at stake. The development would irrevocably alter the landscape from a serene and verdant lane to a densely populated residential area. This change threatens not only the aesthetic and historical value of Cocker Lane but also the sense of community and belonging that defines our area. The construction of this development would replace natural vistas with urban sprawl, undermining the unique charm and identity of Cocker Lane and its surroundings.
Given these pressing concerns, particularly the potential for significant ecological damage, I urge you to reconsider the proposed development. The preservation of our local wildlife and their habitats, alongside the maintenance of Cocker Lane's character and the resolution of access issues, should be paramount in the planning process.
I anticipate your written acknowledgment and a comprehensive evaluation of these critical points.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]