BASE HEADER

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ID sylw: 105836

Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Peter Bailey

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Hatton development project due to the severe environmental, infrastructural, and social concerns it raises. The proposed development threatens the long-term sustainability of the area and would have a detrimental impact on existing communities, services, and local heritage.
1. Loss of Agricultural Land and Environmental Impact
The proposed development would result in the permanent loss of valuable agricultural land, which plays a crucial role in local food production and contributes to food security. Removing this land will increase reliance on imported food, leading to higher carbon emissions from transportation, undermining sustainability goals. Furthermore, this land provides essential natural habitats, and its loss would negatively impact biodiversity in the region.
2. Encroachment on Green Belt and Impact on Historic Warwick
This development encroaches on the Green Belt, which serves as a vital buffer separating historic Warwick from the expanding West Midlands conurbation. The erosion of this buffer would diminish the unique character of Warwick and harm the town’s historical significance.
Beyond aesthetics and heritage, there are concerns about the social cohesion of communities. Large-scale developments without proper investment in community-building initiatives can lead to social fragmentation and increased anti-social behavior. A clear example of this can be seen in the London Legacy Development post-Olympics, where significant investment in social infrastructure was required to establish a cohesive community. Without similar measures, the influx of new residents into Hatton could lead to long-term challenges related to crime, social unrest, and lack of respect for the local environment.
3. Insufficient Local Infrastructure
Hatton’s infrastructure is not equipped to support a development of this scale. There are major concerns regarding:
• Water, Drainage, and Flooding: The current systems may not be able to cope with the increased demand, increasing the risk of flooding and water shortages.
• Power Supply: The local power grid may require substantial upgrades, leading to potential disruptions and increased costs for existing residents.
Without significant and immediate investment in infrastructure, this development will place an unsustainable burden on local resources.
4. Strain on Healthcare Services
While plans may include additional GP surgeries, there is no clear strategy for expanding hospital services or other critical healthcare infrastructure to accommodate the growing population. Having worked within the NHS ecosystem, I am aware that the current proposal lacks a rigorous understanding of healthcare provision. Consideration must be given not just to hospitals but also to dental surgeries, care homes, urgent access centers, and other private medical facilities. These services are already under pressure, and a sudden increase in population without proportional investment will negatively impact healthcare access and quality.
5. Questionable Connectivity and Transportation
The development’s proximity to Hatton Station has been cited as a benefit, but this is misleading due to the following:
• Limited Train Services: Hatton Station currently has infrequent and inadequate services that would not support a larger population. Many residents already choose to commute from Warwick Parkway due to Hatton Station’s limited parking and irregular schedules. Warwick Parkway itself struggles with parking availability, and there are no proposals to address this.
• Inadequate Road Network: The road network is already under strain, and increased traffic will lead to congestion and safety issues. Even a small development in Hatton Park recently required nearly nine months of roadworks for access, highlighting how unprepared local infrastructure is for expansion. Additionally, access to Warwick for recreational and cultural activities is already challenging due to road congestion.
The lack of sufficient public transport links and road infrastructure makes this development fundamentally unsustainable.
6. Ecological and Environmental Concerns
The proposed development will significantly impact the local environment, including:
• Loss of Countryside and Natural Habitats: This area is home to various species, and construction will lead to a decline in biodiversity.
• Increased Pollution: More housing will contribute to increased waste, air pollution, and light pollution, all of which will reduce the quality of life for residents and negatively affect wildlife.
7. Loss of Recreational Rural Amenities
Hatton provides valuable recreational spaces that contribute to residents' well-being. The loss of green spaces will diminish opportunities for outdoor activities, while an influx of new residents will place additional strain on existing leisure facilities in Warwick, such as children’s activity groups, sports clubs, and community centers. Access to children’s activities is already limited, and increased demand will worsen the situation, leading to potential long-term societal challenges such as rising obesity rates and a decline in community engagement.
Conclusion
The Hatton development proposal presents serious challenges that outweigh any potential benefits. Without robust infrastructure, transport links, healthcare provisions, and community planning, this development will lead to long-term social and environmental damage. I urge the planning committee to reject this application in its current form to preserve the character, sustainability, and quality of life in Hatton and its surrounding areas.
Thank you for considering my objection.