BASE HEADER

I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.

1) The NPPF Guidelines

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

The Greenbelt in Old Milverton and Blackdown fulfils the 5 purposes of Greenbelt set out in the NPPF and therefore should remain as open Greenbelt land for ever. It
* Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north

* Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth

* Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment

* Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)

* Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land


The NPPF states that Greenbelt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances. As there are alternative sites, there are no exceptional circumstances which outweigh the harm caused by altering the Greenbelt boundaries in Old Milverton and Blackdown and allowing development on this land.

2) Recreation & Green Space Strategy
This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists and already fulfils the many ideals specified in the Green Space Strategy

I do not believe that the Social value of the green spaces for local residents has been objectively assessed through a specific public consultation following the advice in the "Draft Green Space Strategy". I, and new residents who have moved here in the past couple of years, have all mentioned the special area as a draw to live.

The greenbelt is a key draw for locals and visitors - groups strolling in hiking boots passed the house at weekends and the parking spaces at this end of Guys Cliffe are regularly occupied as it offers an excellent opportunity for recreational walking to other areas of North Leamington and beyond with through fields to the Saxon Mill (a 20 min walk vs a 10 min drive) and the historic links to Blacklow Hill

The fields are safe and convenient - also recommendations in the Green Space Strategy.

The paths are ready made corridors and networks that offer attractive access for pedestrians (as set out in 4.1.7 of the Green Space strategy).

Both the proposed building development and the "Northern Relief Road" would substantially reduce the amount of land that is available to be enjoyed and have a detrimental impact on the ambience and hence the amenity value of the land. Turning some of it into a maintained park land would detract from, rather than enhance its value.


3) The Projections that are driving the Preferred Options.

Basis for Development - Location and Population Requirements
From the information in the evidence base I do not see similar case for developing on Greenfield site and that the rational for the number of homes required and their location.

I hope that the National Planning Policy Framework is not just being used because it can rather than of necessity.


4) Alternative to Greenbelt
* There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land should be used in preference to the Greenbelt.

The "2009 Core Strategy" land south of Leamington (not in Green Belt), was identified and is still available, for development. The assessment performed by Warwick District Council shows that this land is easier to develop and already has a substantial amount of infrastructure (roads etc) to support the development, and the new residents who will live there. It is close to the M40 and there are existing employment opportunities South of Leamington as well as existing out of town shopping facilities and good access to the town centres.

Consideration of the developers' financial opportunity in developing Green Belt, rather than land available in South Leamington is not a "very special circumstance" to permit unnecessary development in the Green Belt.

The 2009 Core Strategy is direct evidence that there are alternative areas for development other than the Green Belt and that the "special circumstances" put forward by Warwick District Council are wrong.

5)The Proposed New Roads & Transport Strategy

A "Northern Relief Road" (budgeted cost £28m) is not required. Traffic flows tend to be north to south rather than east to west. The road will serve no purpose other than to take new home owners quickly on to the A46 and to jobs and shopping opportunities away from our Towns and to Coventry, Kenilworth or Stratford - which may have more attractive parking for motorists

Turning the A452 between Leamington and Kenilworth into dual carriage way will not help traffic flows. At peak times the delays on the A452 result from commuters wanting access to the Town centre. Building nearly 3000 houses north of Leamington will simply increase the congestion.
* That rail access is further away from the preferred options, with fuel prices and environmental concerns, building developments further from the local rail services seems counter intuitive and could result in more people chosing to use their cars to drive to stations - causing further congestion.

Please reconsider your Preferred Options.