BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106119

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr Jon Redhead

1. The Protection of Green Belt Land.
SG04 is, and remains, designated Green Belt, and should only be developed if exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. This area of Green Belt has existed throughout my lifetime here at this address, to prevent urban sprawl, and keep the district identity independent, as well as protecting precious natural habitats for much wildlife for all, young and old, to enjoy and benefit educationally from.
2. Loss of Wildlife and the Corridor that exists within (SG04)
The policy of protection of green spaces to preserve ecological connectivity affecting wildlife movement must be respected, as regeneration would not happen once destroyed.
3. Grade 1 Listed Castle Character loss
The protections act: (Listed Buildings and Conservation areas 1990), requires preservation of the setting of listed buildings, of which Kenilworth Castle is Grade 1 listed. The area of land (SG04), is within the landscape and sight of Kenilworth Castle, and any development here would substantially alter the impact of the Castle, with light pollution, noise, and general ambiance, affecting the whole visitor experience, and Kenilworth’s rich Historic Character.
4. Destruction of the District Boundaries
Building on SG04 would be a further big erosion of the boundary which retains Kenilworth’s identity separate from Leek Wooton, Warwick, and Leamington. More building work has already compromised boundary in North Kenilworth, and is getting close to the merging of Kenilworth to Coventry threatening urban sprawl. With Kenilworth’s rich Historic Character and unique identity, this development would alter forever the landscape which has made this the Town that it is.
5. Very questionable Boundary Mapping
Any proposed change of use, and severe increase in movement of traffic, and/or people using this driveway for anything other than for what it serves as, would impact my own, and other neighbouring properties’ environment. I would again stress that the boundary line as it appears mapped, crosses my property, and the width, as such, would not support anything but an existing driveway, as it has done since my property was built in 1954. Any development that would be taken on in the Green Belt to the rear of my property, and would seek to occupy land shown on my deeds, would incur a dispute, and be inherently problematic.
6. Public footpath Preservation
The Public Footpath which has run through SG04, and is not very prominently displayed on the interactive map, is widely used by members of the public, dog walkers, ramblers, as well as being a wildlife haven, bordering ancient hedgerows, providing precious viewing of greatly reducing species.
7. Existing Infrastructure would not cope
Present road network is already crowded, and struggling to cope with increased traffic, brought on by existing completed new house building in Kenilworth South, as well as building on the former Sixth form Castle High School site, for which the increase in traffic has yet to be factored in. Public transport links are poor here, and at present, would incur a 47-minute walk from the proposed site. Any Healthcare and School services are already overburdened, and even with proposed plans to accommodate more places at schools like St John’s, and the all-new Kenilworth Academy School in Glasshouse Lane, whose places are at near full capacity, the proposed wider building of dwellings cannot be justified, as the relevant infrastructure criteria would not be met.
8. The HS2 work through Kenilworth
The impact that HS2 has had on the character of Kenilworth, cannot be overstated, but has hardly been mentioned in all of the proposals concerning the need for new sites. This ongoing railway networking has led to the irreplaceable loss of wildlife habitat, Green Belt land, and has proven, before completion, that it will have done little or nothing to serve the people of Kenilworth, or surrounding villages. The financial cost as well as the greater loss of wildlife habitat, is yet to be fully realised.
9. Housing Allocation can be easily accommodated without the destruction of Green Belt
Conclusion
The development of SG04, is not justified, and I urge Warwick District Council to reject the proposal, and protect the Green Belt, that is so precious, and irreplaceable around Kenilworth. As well as serving the wishes of the majority of our neighbourhood in protecting Kenilworth’s Historic character, for future generations. Alternative Brownfield sites must be a priority, and there are more than adequate numbers of these in order to meet the needs of allocation.