With the approach of Christmas it would be nice to think that we can all start to wind down, relax and look forward to the festive season. Sadly in the world of developers and development this is often the time when planning applications are submitted – timed so that the public consultation runs over the Christmas break and un-suspecting residents miss responding to the consultation all together.
The original Northstowe planning application was submitted in late December 2007 and what a surprise SCDC, have recently received a planning application to develop some of the Longstanton conservation area paddocks. The suggestion of how much has already been spent on this site is concerning – local residents who wished to purchase the paddocks were prevented from doing so by a developer that appears determined to push through development on this site, despite the fact the area should be protected under SCSC Conservation Area policy.
This development is a serious threat to the conservation area and the integrity of the historic landscape that lies between the churches of All Saint’s and St Michael’s. At least part, if not all, of these paddocks are thought to be associated with the Anglo-Saxon Longstanton Domesday site and it is not impossible for there to have been much older habitation here. I would question how extensive the pre-application archaeological excavations were and whether they were carried out at sufficient depth to reach the pre- medieval levels. This is a question that I intend to raise with the CCC archaeologists.
Not only does development of these paddocks undermine the whole value of the LS conservation area itself but any approval will set a precedent that could result in the indiscriminate and piecemeal development of all our conservation area paddocks; with the exception, ironically, of those protected by the Northstowe development. The Northstowe developers were not allowed to damage or development OUR conservation area and this should mean that no other developer should be treated differently. The proximity of the LS conservation area to Northstowe means that there can be NO JUSTIFICATION for this proposal and in fact development of the conservation area will reduce its amenity value for both Northstowe and Longstanton residents. HCA have mentioned at various public meetings that they will consider allowing some of phase 2 to be self-build plots, so there is no need to build on a valuable and irreplaceable heritage asset.
I know its Christmas but please do take time to respond to this planning application and come to the Parish Council meeting on Monday 12 December. If we wish to save the conservation area for future generations we must say NO TO LONGSTANTON CONSERVATION AREA PADDOCK DEVELOPMENT
The information you need is below.
http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=S/2482/16/OL
Application for 10 dwellings:
Planning Application Ref:
S/2482/16/OL
Registration Date:
24-Nov-2016
Decision Date:
Application Type:
Outline Planning (Small Major)
Extension of time to:
Parish:
Longstanton CP
Main Location:
Land at Mills Lane, Longstanton, CB24 3DT
Full Description:
Outline Application for 10 No. Self-Build Dwellings
Status:
Out for Consultation
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