Re: Golden End Farm

I don't think this area is an appropriate solution. I viewed the plans for this site with the Grandson of the owner and couldn't see how this scale of development could ever look appropriate within an historic conservation area, and overlooked by the hill on which Barston Village is built. I was also surprised how close the properties backed onto mine, which I explained would mean that the view from my garden would be the back of the houses instead of fields and hills leading all the way to Barston. This would devalue my home, not just in financial terms but also aesthetically, as the views from my home would be lost.

The area of Kixley Lane leads into several footpaths, and this area is a popular walking area, including the Grand Union Canal towpath and the path leading up to Barston. Both of these areas overlook Golden End Farm, where you can see the Parish Church of Knowle in the distance. Any development would block that view and change this historic route into Knowle. This footpath at the end of Kixley Lane was once the main route that the early Christians used when they went to Church at Hampton in Arden, so it would been a view that hasn't changed since 1396, when a Church was built in Knowle. Many people in Knowle feel an affection for it's historic buildings and the Knowle Society are active in trying to prevent inappropriate development or changes that would impact on the "Village' appearance.

The fields proposed for this development have never been fallow in the last 25 years, they are fertile, with a clay subsoil and well maintained. I consider the land to be good quality agricultural land.

The plans also suggested some solutions to parking for the School in Kixley Lane, but I feel this has been resolved with the town car parks now only half full, following the charging system introduced by the Council and the consequent closure of many of the High Street Shops.