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ID sylw: 106463

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mike Sperrey

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of 6,000 homes on sites C1 and B1 as outlined in the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP). My objections are based on several key concerns:
Impact on Green Belt Land:
Both Sites are located on designated Green Belt land. The development would lead to the irreversible loss of this protected area, which serves as a crucial buff er against urban sprawl. The Green Belt Review Stage 1 has not suffi ciently justifi ed the "exceptional circumstances" required to release this land for development, and there are other proposed sites that are not within the Green Belt
Loss of valuable Agricultural land:
Preserving England’s agricultural land is crucial for food security, environmental sustainability, and rural economies. With increasing pressure from urban development, maintaining farmland ensures a stable domestic food supply, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing national resilience.
Agricultural land also plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and fl ood management. Once lost to development, it is almost impossible to restore, threatening future generations' ability to produce food and maintain ecological balance. Protecting farmland is essential for sustaining both the economy and the environment.
Environmental Concerns:
The development poses signifi cant risks to local biodiversity.
The proposed development includes Rowington Coppice; an ancient woodland.
Rowington Coppice is home to various protected species, and the destruction would disrupt their natural habitats. The environmental assessments provided do not adequately address these impacts or propose suffi cient mitigation measures.
Infrastructure Strain:
The local infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, is already grappling with the existing demands of the community. The addition of 6,000 homes would undoubtedly amplify these issues, potentially leading to a cascade of negative consequences.
Traffi c Congestion: The infl ux of new residents would inevitably result in a signifi cant increase in traffi c. Roads, particularly those leading to and from the development, would experience heightened congestion, especially during peak hours. This would not only lead to frustration and delays for commuters but also hamper the ability of emergency services to respond promptly to incidents. The
resulting gridlock could have life-threatening implications in critical situations.
School Overcrowding: The local schools are already operating at or near capacity. The sudden infl ux of families with school-age children would strain the system further. Overcrowded classrooms would lead to a diminished quality of education, as teachers struggle to provide individual attention and resources are stretched thin. This could have long-term consequences for the educational attainment and future prospects of the children in the community.
Healthcare Strain: The healthcare facilities in the area are already experiencing high demand. The addition of thousands of new residents would place an even greater burden on the system. Patients would likely face longer wait times for appointments, procedures, and emergency care. This could lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments, potentially jeopardizing the health and well-being of the community.
B4439 "Old Warwick Road" Bottleneck: Both proposed development sites (B1 and C1) are solely reliant on the B4439 "Old Warwick Road" for access. This road is already notorious for its congestion at both ends (Hockley Heath and Hatton) during rush hour, where waits exceeding 20 minutes are becoming the norm rather than the exception. The additional traffi c generated by 6,000 new homes would exacerbate this issue, turning the road into a major bottleneck. This would not only inconvenience residents but also have a ripple eff ect on the surrounding areas, as traffi c diverts to alternative routes, causing congestion and disruption elsewhere.
Environmental Impact: The increased traffi c congestion resulting from the development would also contribute to higher carbon emissions, negatively impacting air quality and the environment. This would be further compounded by the strain on public transportation systems, potentially leading to greater reliance on private vehicles.
Emergency Services: The increased traffi c congestion and road blockages would also hinder the ability of emergency services to respond eff ectively to incidents. Delays in reaching those in need could have devastating consequences, particularly in cases where every second counts.
Overall, the strain on the local infrastructure resulting from the addition of 6,000 new homes would have a signifi cant and detrimental impact on the quality of life for existing and new residents alike.
Reduced Access due to fl ooding:
The Old Warwick Road is regularly closed due to rainwater fl ooding near The Boot Inn, and also at the edge of Rowington at the Hatton side. This often paralyses movement in, or out of Rowington.
Sustainability Issues: The proposed site is not in close proximity to essential services and public transport links, which contradicts the sustainability goals outlined in the SWLP.
The railway station at Lapworth is confi rmed to be at capacity in terms of frequency of trains, and the length of train stock, so additional capacity cannot be found. In addition there are just 16 car-parking spaces, with no ability to expand this. This would likely result in increased car dependency, further contributing to carbon emissions and undermining eff orts to promote sustainable living.
Community Impact: The scale of the proposed development is disproportionate to the existing community, potentially altering the character and social fabric of the area. The consultation process has not adequately engaged with local residents to address these concerns.
In light of these points, I urge the planning committee to reconsider the inclusion of sites B1 and C1 in the SWLP. I believe that alternative sites with less environmental and community impact should be explored.