Objections to 491 home development
There have been objections to the plan
Objections have been raised regarding plans for an almost 500 home development.
Developer Story Homes applied in June to Westmorland and Furness Council to build 491 homes on currently open land between Burton Road and Natland Road in Kendal.
Story said the proposals would bring ‘much-needed’ family homes,
affordable homes and ‘later-living accommodation’, structured around a ‘robust green and blue infrastructure’.
Of the 491 homes, 172 would be affordable, a proportion of 35 per cent.
They said the development, which would be of ‘high quality and character’, would also include a ‘green corridor’.
But since the application was submitted, a significant number of objections have been received.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service counted 107 neighbour responses, with a further 15 neighbour response attachments – though not all were objections.
Martian Briaris of Natland objected, saying the development risked turning Natland Road into a rat run and said there was not enough infrastructure given the scale of the development.
The highways department recommended the application not be approved, saying further information was needed to demonstrate the impact on traffic, road safety, public transport and sustainable travel would be ‘appropriately managed’.
Pamela Mansfield of Natland objected on the grounds of Natland Road being used by cyclists, farm traffic and more, adding the road is ‘barely wide enough for two cars to pass’ at points. She suggested the exit points would be better placed on Burton Road, not Natland Road.
Beryl Roberts of Kendal said ‘why do we need more houses’, adding concerns about a lack of hospital appointments, doctors appointments and schools.
Though the council’s education department said the estimated primary school pupils would be able to go to schools within a two mile distance and secondary pupils would be able to go to Queen Katharine, which is within the three mile distance threshold.
Stephen Hitchcock of Natland said conditions should be included that construction traffic not be allowed through Natland and Sedgwick villages and the developers should fund a foot/cycleway along the verge of Natland Road to the village.
Christine Abbott of Natland ‘strongly’ objected, raising concern about the ‘sheer size’ of it, leading to traffic issues, flood risk and the impact on existing residents.
Kendal Town Council raised concerns about transport flows in and out of the site, the design and character of green spaces and the type and layout of the proposed houses.
It said traffic calming measures and a change in priority of the junctions should be included to stop the estate being used as a cut-through from Burton Road to Natland Road.
It also said there should be ‘more play facilities’ and that the nature corridor should be listed as a condition, but ‘commended’ the developer on the proportion of affordable housing.
A final decision on the development by Westmorland and Furness Council is pending.