BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106233

Derbyniwyd: 03/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Terry & Jacqui Jefferson

Nifer y bobl: 2

Please find below my comments to the South Warwickshire Local Plan Consultation. My focus and associated comments are targeted at the development south of Kenilworth, SG04. It is understood and accepted that there is a need for development of sustainable housing in the area. SG04 has been identified as one of the areas, but I believe there are significant issues around this identified land as it is currently identified as green belt, therefore should not be utilised:
1. Environmental Preservation: Green belt areas are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, providing habitats for wildlife, and serving as green lungs for urban areas. Developing these lands can lead to habitat destruction, loss of wildlife, and a decrease in natural green spaces.
2. Urban Sprawl: Kenilworth is relatively spread out currently, and this development on green belt land can encourage urban sprawl, leading to uncontrolled and unsustainable expansion of cities. This can result in increased traffic congestion, longer commutes, and higher carbon emissions.
3. Flood Risk: Green belt areas often act as natural floodplains, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the risk of flooding. Building on these lands can increase the likelihood of flooding in nearby urban areas, particularly towards the castle and ford, causing damage to homes and infrastructure.
4. Agricultural Land Loss: This is prime land utilised for agriculture, providing local food and supporting rural economies. Developing these lands can reduce the amount of available agricultural land, impacting food production and local farming communities.
5. Community Impact: This green belt land is utilised by the community with a number of footpaths, walkways, bridal paths, cycling routes from Kenilworth areas for local communities, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and improving the quality of life. Building on these lands can limit public access to these spaces and reduce the overall well-being of residents.
6. Heritage and Landscape: This area and this green belt identified in SG04 contain historic sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage that contribute to the identity and character of a region. Development on these lands can lead to the loss of these valuable assets and diminish the area's cultural significance.
7. Access and Increased traffic level: There will be a significant detrimental impact on the traffic and highway usage. The access into and out of this area (predominantly via Rouncil Lane, Rounds Hill and Leek Wooten) are at times extremely busy and congested presently. The proposal for development on SG04 will add to this already congested area and due to the restrictions of the current infrastructure and housing locations, make increasing assess extremely difficult. This will also impact on potential health and safety concerns due to increase in traffic levels.
8. Sewerage and Public Services: There are currently significant issues with the sewerage, drainage, etc around Rounds Hill and Rouncil Lane. The development of SG04 will make this significantly worse.
9. Access to Amenities, Shops, Schools: SG04 is significantly away for the main hub of the town and therefore away from the associated amenities such as shops, schools, etc. This will have a detrimental impact on sustainability and the green requirements moving forward as the distance will necessitate greater use for vehicles for access into the town as walking difficult due to the distance. Also, the greater usage of vehicles will add to the congestion within the overall town.