BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106380

Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Daniel Toth

We, the undersigned residents of Hockley Heath, strongly object to the proposed

development (SG224) outlined in the South Warwickshire Local Plan. Having reviewed the proposals, we find them to be entirely unacceptable for the following reasons:

1. Destruction of Green Belt and Loss of Open Spaces The proposed development would result in the irreversible loss of precious Green Belt land, which serves as a critical environmental buffer, prevents urban sprawl, and provides recreational and

ecological benefits. This contradicts the stated aim of the Local Plan to protect the countryside from

unplanned development.

2. Overburdening of Local Infrastructure and Services Hockley Heath is a small village with limited infrastructure. The proposed development would place

an excessive strain on already overstretched services, including: Schools: Local primary and nearby secondary schools are already at or near capacity. There is

no clear plan for additional school places to accommodate new residents. Healthcare: GP surgeries, dentists, and other medical facilities in the area are struggling with

long waiting times. Increased demand would further reduce accessibility to essential

healthcare services.

Road Network and Traffic Congestion: The A3400 and M42 junctions already experience significant congestion, particularly during peak hours. Additional housing and employment

sites will exacerbate traffic issues, leading to increased commute times, higher pollution levels, and reduced road safety.

3. Increased Flood Risk and Environmental Impact The proposed development would significantly alter natural drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding in Hockley Heath and surrounding areas. The removal of green spaces and increased hard surface coverage will contribute to water runoff problems, threatening local properties and infrastructure.

4. Detrimental Impact on Village Character and Community Wellbeing Hockley Heath is a small, close-knit community with a unique rural character. Large-scale housing and employment developments would fundamentally alter the character of the village, leading to overpopulation, loss of identity, and a decline in community cohesion.

5. Lack of Justification and Sustainable Development

The justification for selecting Hockley Heath as a strategic growth location appears weak. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) emphasises sustainable development, yet this proposal lacks proper public transport provisions, employment opportunities, and community facilities to support such a large influx of residents.6. Alternative Brownfield Sites Available Rather than encroaching on Green Belt land, the councils should prioritise brownfield site development, which aligns with national planning policies encouraging the reuse of previously developed land before considering greenfield expansion.

Conclusion Given the significant detrimental impacts outlined above, we urge the councils to remove SG224 from the South Warwickshire Local Plan and focus on more sustainable, appropriate sites for development. We expect the council to uphold its commitment to protecting the Green Belt and prioritising the interests of existing residents. We request formal acknowledgement of this objection and look forward to receiving updates on the outcome of this consultation.