BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106764

Derbyniwyd: 01/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr James Kerr

Objections to Planning at SG17

I am general agreement for government policies promoting more housing, particularly social housing and affordable starter homes. However, I raise objections to the proposal of building 1,600 houses on the Fell Mill site (Ref-148, 747, 552) for several reasons:

1. Employment: Shipston on Stour lacks sufficient local employment, meaning residents would need to commute long distances, primarily by car, which would increase carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and delays. There is no railway station and public transport not fit for purpose.

2. River Stour: The development lies mostly east of the river, with inadequate infrastructure to support the increased traffic. The two existing bridges servicing the site—one narrow and congested on B4035 and at Honington, a grade 2 listed, single-lane bridge—and are totally unsuitable for the potential increase in commuter traffic. A new large, elevated bridge with upgraded roads would be required on the Fell Mill site further complicating and adding vast expense to the development.

3. Flooding: Recent years with advent of global warming and higher rainfall, the area floods several times a year, with the river acting as a large flood plain on the Fell Mill site. The development would exacerbate flooding issues, affecting surrounding areas. Additionally, it will harm precious local riverside habitat and ecosystem. Fell Mill site is within the 3km buffer zone of CNL (AONB) and is part of Feldon National character area.

4. Infrastructure Needs: The massive population increase would overwhelm local infrastructure, such as schools, medical services, sewage, and roads.

I am opposed to the development unless these concerns—related to bridges, flooding, and infrastructure - are properly addressed and paid for.