Testun llawn:
All of the above proposed developments sites fail on one significant criteria; the stated objective to "Be based on robust and credible evidence". Coventry/WDC research produced to date shows that only if the most optimistic projections are considered will any additional green field sites such as these be required to support development, and even then in significantly lower quantities than indicated by the core plan, as evidenced by even a cursory glance at your own research:
6.25 - [Coventry] "Our research above illustrates that there is sufficient land (i.e. an over supply) to meet forecasting requirements based on economic forecasting to 2011. There is also a sufficient supply to meet that required based on the average between the CE forecast and past take up to 2011."
7.8 "The headline finding of the report is that based on CE and PTU forecasts there is enough land available to meet needs across the sub-region to the end of the current plan periods,2011."
FROM: Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Employment Land Study 2007
Furthermore, even assuming the projections are realistic, the recent history of Coventry and the West Midlands in general (last 10 years) should show just how unpredictable 'predicted' growth can be and how quickly it can turn into very significant declines - see manufacturing in Coventry. Undertaking significant development of this nature based on a best-case-scenario is dangerous, not least because the effects of supply overtaking demand can be very damaging on any community/economy, but also because managed demand is an essential motivation for driving improvements in existing building stock and areas, particularly in the much neglected city centre.
In order for this core strategy to be taken seriously it need to PROVE the demand it seems so keen to base its plans on. Whilst I can appreciate that a certain amount of forward planning is required, it is difficult to take this strategy seriously when there is visibly higher than average unemployment in the region and so many vacant shops and offices even in the city centers [areas of supposed highest demand]. Secondly, there needs to be some consideration given to the improvements that might be bought to the existing neighborhood by developments so that there is positive demand for the development (recent redevelopment in Coventry - Liberty park is a good example of where local residents actually encouraged development rather than opposed it because of the clear positive effect the development would have on the area and because the development was at an appropriate scale for the local residents to accept). Please consider that more dissipated, smaller scale developments that are in keeping with local surrounding and needs are much easier for local residents to understand, accept and support.
Finally, I would ask the WDC to consider what it is that draws so many people from highly developed areas to more rural locations. Warwickshire has some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK; please learn to value it as much as your lucrative new developments.