From: Carolyn Ramsay [
Sent: 16 June 2008 21:18
To: Planning
Subject: Planning Application 08/01187/F

I would like to object to the above planning application for the change of use from Agricultural to Equestrian use to include the creation of new access onto Rattlecombe road.

1. The most important objection is in the change of use of prime agricultural land, of a signifant size,(e.g.not just a paddock) to equestrian use. As there is already a world shortage of food and crops and with spiraling prices, I think it would be quite wrong to ignore the fact that the land has been, and still is,used for crop growing. I believe that good agricultural land is at a premium now due to shortage of crops.

2. I cannot understand the need for access onto Rattlecombe Road when there is a perfectly good entrance gate to the field already up Stocking Lane. Tractors use that entrance and indeed there is now hardstanding on the entrance next to the field entrance already. I understand the residents in Stocking Lane are rightly keen to minimise any more traffic since the building of the school and another five houses up Stocking Lane,but I can see no reason for any particular increase in traffic except possibly an owner accessing their horse(s).

3. Rattlecombe Road has become, in the last few years that we have lived here, an extremly busy and more importantly,a fast road. I live in The Level and frequently have had to brake hard as I am pulling out of The Level, as a car has raced up around that blind corner, from the direction of Shenington Airfield. 30mph signs seem to have no effect whatsoever. It seems that is how many people drive with total disregard to safety.

4. It would therefore be an entirely unsuitable access onto Rattlecome Road for any horses, due to the blind corner and car's speed, particularly for them to come from the field onto the road. An unsuitable access for motor vehicles too for the same reason.

5. I believe that the old stone wall that borders the field and Rattlecombe Road is worth preserving as part of the village and it was a great shame when part of it suddenly 'fell down' a few years ago ( with the possible help of a digger!?) and I had understood it was to be restored.

7. As the field is at a considerable higher level than Rattlecombe Road, it would mean that the cottages over the road would be looked down into by users of the field.