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ID sylw: 107308

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Campaign to Protect Rural England - Warwickshire

CPRE Warwickshire are giving their support to objections raised by local residents and businesses in Blunts Green to the proposed mixed use development at Little Hallend Farm, Blunts Green, Henley in Arden, included in the South Warwickshire Local Plan Preferred Options Consultation (ID: 737).

1. Introduction
This document presents a formal objection to the proposed mixed-use development at Little Hallend Farm, Blunts Green, Henley-in-Arden, as identified in the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) (RefID: 737) and included in the South Warwickshire Local Plan Preferred Options Consultation.
The site is currently under assessment and has not yet reached the formal planning application stage. However, its inclusion in the Local Plan Preferred Options would significantly increase the likelihood of future development. Given the numerous constraints identified in the HELAA and other supporting planning documents, this objection sets out the key material planning concerns that justify the removal of the site from the Local Plan.

2. Access Constraints and Highways Impact
The proposed access to the site is via Hall End Road, a single-track road, only accessible via another single- track road with a 4.1m railway bridge, restricting larger vehicle access. It is wholly unsuitable for increased traffic volume associated with a mixed-use development. Key concerns include:
Limited road width: Hall End Road is a narrow, single-track rural lane, making it unsuitable for construction traffic, delivery vehicles, and the increased number of residential or commercial vehicle movements.
Equestrian Facilities: The lane serves existing equestrian facilities and a veterinary practice, with regular use by horse riders, making increased traffic a significant safety risk.
Lack of pedestrian footpaths and lighting: The road has no pedestrian infrastructure, making it unsafe for increased pedestrian movement that would result from development.
Impact on emergency services access: The limited width and lack of alternative routes would severely impact emergency service response times.
Conflict with Local Transport Policies: The proposal conflicts with policies requiring safe and suitable access for all users under National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Paragraph 110 and 111. The potential for increased vehicle movements along an inadequate rural lane is contrary to Warwickshire Local Transport Plan and Stratford-on-Avon's adopted Core Strategy Policy CS.26.

3. Environmental and Landscape Impact
The site is currently pastureland and contributes to the open countryside character of the area. The proposed development would:
Harm rural landscape character, conflicting with NPPF Paragraph 174, which requires the protection of valued landscapes.
Impact biodiversity: The site is within proximity to Local Wildlife Sites, as identified in the HELAA assessment, and development would result in loss of habitat and hedgerows.
Increase flood risk: Any development would need to ensure no adverse impact on local drainage patterns, given Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment considerations.

4. Lack of Infrastructure Capacity
No local public transport connections: The site lacks bus or rail access, leading to increased car dependency, contrary to NPPF sustainable transport objectives.
Limited school and healthcare provision: Local primary and secondary schools are oversubscribed, and additional housing would place unacceptable strain on healthcare services.

5. Non-Compliance with Planning Policies
The proposed site allocation conflicts with multiple planning policies, including:
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Paragraphs 110, 111, 174 (regarding access, landscape, and environmental impacts).
Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy Policies CS.1, CS.5, CS.9, CS.26 (protecting countryside, transport access, and rural character).
Warwickshire Local Transport Plan (promoting sustainable transport and road safety).

6. Conclusion
The inclusion of Little Hallend Farm (RefID: 737) in the Local Plan should be reconsidered due to severe highway constraints, environmental concerns, infrastructure inadequacies, and policy conflicts.
Given the material planning issues outlined above, it is requested that the site is removed from the Local Plan Preferred Options to prevent significant adverse impacts on the surrounding area and local community..