Archaeological Objections

Archaeological objection

Conservation Area objection:

I wish to strongly object to the proposed planning application on the following grounds:

It is claimed by Border Archaeology in the supporting evidence of this application, that the impact of the proposed housing development on Slyne Conservation Area and Slyne Hall is ‘slight.’ This conclusion cannot be upheld and I disagree strongly with it.

The Slyne Conservation Area Appraisal document of 2009, section 1.4 states:

The Slyne Conservation Area was first designated in 1981 by Lancashire County Council under the provisions that are now contained in Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

This defines a conservation area as 'an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'.

A development of any kind on land that provides the setting to the adopted Conservation Area cannot enhance its setting in any way and would only result in its erosion.

The proposed development is therefore in direct conflict with the purpose of the Conservation Area and in conflict with Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

To provide more specific information as to the reason for the direct conflict, In section 1.7 of the Slyne Conservation Area document, Summary of Special Interest’, it is stated that:

‘The special interest that justifies the designation of Slyne Conservation Area can be summarised as follows:’

‘Enhanced by the open pasture and woodland that forms the backdrop to most of the properties in the conservation area.

‘Enjoying panoramic views westwards across Morecambe Bay to the Barrow-in-Furness peninsula.’

The proposed development is in direct conflict with the formally adopted special interests of the Conservation Area due to erosion of two such special

Interests, the open pasture backdrop and panoramic views.

Finally, the Council’s own notification of a planning application advertisement sign also states :

PUBLICITY FOR A MAJOR PLANNING APPLICATION WHICH IS A DEPARTURE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND IS AFFECTING THE SETTING OF LISTED BUILDINGS AND A CONSERVATION AREA

The Council itself therefore admits that the proposed development is in direct conflict with the Council’s Development Plan. The Council also admits that the proposed development ‘is affecting the setting of listed buildings and a Conservation Area.’ As Conservation Areas are areas where it is desirable to preserve or enhance, the proposed development is totally inappropriate.

The proposed development, or indeed any development in the future that may be proposed for the land between Slyne and Bolton le Sands is inappropriate in terms of Slyne Conservarion Area’s adopted ‘special interests’ and should be strongly rejected on these grounds.

Slyne Hall

I wish to object to the planning application on the following grounds.

The accompanying evidence supplied by Wrenman homes regarding Slyne Hall concludes that the proposed development would only slightly affect this listed building. I disagree with this conclusion.

Slyne Hall is a grade II listed building. Entry number 1071856 and as such. the settings of grade II listed buildings are protected in the UK.

Slyne Hall is in a commanding position, looking over the agricultural fields between Slyne with Hest and Bolton le Sands to its front and backed by fields to its rear. Looking out from Slyne Hall you are provided with uninterrupted beautiful views to the west across undulating farm land to Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells and to its west, south and north sides also rolling drumlin topography so typical of the local area..

When the development of Slyne Heights was passed it was on the premise that the setting of Slyne Hall viewed from the front was not compromised. The development plan was based on original farm buildings and the context of open fields was not negatively impacted.

The fields to the west of Slyne Hall are also an important part of its country setting. The proposed development will severely harm the rural setting of this listed building and have a detrimental impact on its significance and historical character within the local setting., the development is therefore contrary to Slyne Hall’s listed designation.

The negative impact from the proposed development on the views from this listed building outward across to Morecambe Bay will be very severe. The views both toward and away from grade II listed buildings are also protected.

The development proposal therefore should be rejected due to the severe harm it will cause to the rural setting and views from Slyne Hall.