BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106090

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Harry Owen

Hockley Heath is a distinct rural village with a strong sense of community. Large-scale developments such as this threaten to erode its unique character, turning it into yet another overdeveloped suburban sprawl. I had understood that the National Planning Policy Framework places great emphasis on preserving existing settlements, yet this proposal appears to disregard that principle entirely.

Healthcare services in the area are already under considerable strain. GP surgeries, hospitals, and emergency services are stretched to their limits, with long waiting times and inadequate resources. The proposal fails to outline how the additional demand for healthcare will be addressed, leaving both current and future residents without sufficient support.

The local schools are already over-subscribed, and there are no clear plans in place to expand educational facilities to accommodate the influx of families this development would bring. Without significant investment in education, local children will be forced to travel further afield, increasing transport demand and disrupting family life.

The local road network is already at full capacity, particularly along the A34, which suffers severe congestion during motorway diversions. The additional traffic generated by this development would lead to gridlock, reduced road safety, and increased air pollution. There is no indication that adequate upgrades or mitigation measures will be in place before construction begins, further exacerbating existing problems.

Hockley Heath currently suffers from limited public transport links. The proposal does not include any commitment to improving bus or rail services, leaving future residents reliant on private vehicles. Without reliable public transport, congestion will increase, negatively affecting both existing and new residents.

The Green Belt was established to prevent unchecked urban expansion and promote responsible planning. Surely there are other non-Green Belt sites within South Warwickshire that can accommodate new housing developments without sacrificing protected land. Alternatives must be thoroughly explored before resorting to the destruction of Green Belt land.

The loss of Green Belt land undermines the principles of sustainable development and climate resilience. Wildlife habitats will be irreparably harmed, leading to a loss of biodiversity. The removal of natural drainage systems will increase the risk of flooding, an issue that already affects parts of Hockley Heath. Any further deterioration would represent a failure in responsible planning.

There seems to be no firm commitment to ensuring that essential infrastructure improvements will be delivered before construction starts. Without a guaranteed plan to enhance transport, healthcare, and education, this development is neither viable nor responsible and will have long-term negative consequences.

It seems that Warwickshire would be placing the burdens of overpopulation, congestion, and strained resources on Hockley Heath and Solihull, with no clear benefits for the local community, making this an unfair and irresponsible proposal.

For these reasons, I strongly urge the rejection of the South Warwickshire Local Plan SG24. The proposal is unsustainable, detrimental to local infrastructure, and will permanently damage the character of Hockley Heath. Development must be approached in a way that prioritises sustainable growth, preserves Green Belt land, and ensures that the necessary infrastructure is in place before any construction begins.