BASE HEADER

I object passionately at the complete disregard WDC has for the views of the residents of Whitnash. What was a really pleasant village, was developed into a town and it is now planned to become absorbed into the Leamington/Sydenham/Radford Semele conurbation which robs Whitnash residents of their identity.

The developments of past decades have continued to rob Whitnash not only of its green places but the wildlife also find their habitats increasingly threatened. There appears to be no stop to this urban sprawl in this area.

Furthermore, I note with disgust that only 11% of new development will take place on brown-field sites under this plan. This demonstrates that there is too little willingness on the part of the council and developers to change land use and make a contribution to the overall well-being of the district by removing these eye-sores and putting the land into good use. The development at the Tachbrook Road/Old Warwick Road junction shows what can be done.

I do not agree that more shops and commercial premises are required, there are already many standing empty; in some areas up to 20% of the stock. Why therefore is it not possible to restrict commercial development and place the emphasis where appropriate on residential dwellings, rather than the easy option of green field exploitation.

There are many areas of derelict land around Leamington, Warwick and Keniliworth that have remained in this state for years. Why has no attempt been made to change the use for social housing, for example. Whitnash has had more than its fair share of development. It is time to say no more!