BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106772

Derbyniwyd: 02/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Dr James Wilkie

Objection to the Housing Developments B1

I am writing to object to the above proposed development for the following reasons:
1. Reduction of productive farming land and redesignation of ‘Green Belt’ land:
The proposed development will have the effect of reducing the amount of currently productive farming land in Warwickshire and are also a destruction of ‘green belt’ land. The former is important given the potential for the UK to have to feed itself in the future. The ‘green belt’ land adjacent to Warwick should be maintained to protect the natural environment, provide public recreational space and retain the character of Warwick as a historic town and tourist centre.
2. Fundamental change in Residential Amenity and loss of rural environment:
The proposed development will convert a rural environment into an extended urban area and have a very negative impact on the countryside amenities which existing residents, tourist visitors and wildlife currently benefit from. Privacy may well be invaded for many residents. In addition, the wider community will lose a very valuable local green recreational space.
3. Lack of infrastructure locally and within the plans:
The proposals essentially produce an urban area equivalent to Kenilworth but without adequate infrastructure of schools, health centres, shops, and other hubs for the new community of 8000 – 10000 houses. It is evident from an examination of other recent developments in the Warwick/Leamington area that promised infrastructure has not been delivered along with new housing. As a result, existing regional educational, medical and community infrastructure is already at maximum capacity. The proposed development should not proceed until the required infrastructure has been properly planned and put in place by the District Council / Local Government / National Health Service and other relevant bodies.
4. Inadequate Utilities in the proposals:
Significant investments in new drainage and waste services, water supply and electricity provision are needed before any further local expansion in housing goes ahead. Without this, there are likely to be increasing problems of utilities supply to both existing and hew households. In addition, reduction in water runoff land caused by paving over presently open fields will likely result in additional flooding, damage to property and even potential risk to the integrity of the Grand Union canal which is a significant National asset and local tourist attraction.
5. Impact on Traffic Congestion:
Despite claims to the contrary, there are no regular bus services of sufficient capacity across the area of the proposed development. This lack of public transport especially disadvantages those living in the social (affordable) homes within the development. Neither are there safe cyclepaths or pedestrian routes. Because the majority parts of the proposed development are not within a reasonable walking distance of either Warwick Parkway or Hatton stations, each proposed household will require at least one car (likely more than one) to commute to work, take children to school and reach essential services. Such an increase in vehicular usage (10000-plus vehicles) will lead to very substantial delays and clogging of existing routes particularly the A4177 and B4439, both of which already see large traffic queues at peak times. This leads to environmental damage, increased emissions and reduced national productivity, in contradiction of stated Government objectives.
6. Loss of wildlife habitat and country lanes
The countryside included within the proposed development provides a diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife including deer and several species of birds-of-prey. There are also many ancient hedgerows and trees in the development area together with old narrow lanes which are havens for many species of flower and plants. Loss of this habitat to an urban setting will displace these animals and severely reduce the diversity and numbers of animals and plants in Warwickshire.