Testun llawn:
I have read with interest the new local plan for housing and other developments in the Warwick area, particularly the green belt land north of Warwick and Leamington. I understand that the Council is planning to develop housing on three large areas of green belt: Blackdown, Old Milverton and the Woodloes Estate. I have some concerns about these proposed developments.
In my understanding, land set aside as "Green Belt" is set aside for the very purpose of keeping it from development, except from in "exceptional circumstances". In this case, I do not consider the exceptional circumstances given as justifiable for the developments. Firstly, the projected population growth that the Council gives is based upon outdated calculations from a period of growth which exceeds current figures. I have noted particularly that the Potterton Estate in Warwick, which was started four years ago and has only half been built, is still noticeably unfilled at the present, despite more being allocated to social housing than originally planned. This would indicate a considerable slowdown in the need for extra housing.
Secondly, any extra housing of the volume proposed would create a need for more facilities, such as extra schools, roads and shops, which would in turn require further land space. This extra space would no doubt also have to be Green Belt land. Of particular concern is the Council's assertion of the need for a North Leamington Relief Road, which I consider as entirely unnecessary due to the adequacy of the Warwick Bypass (A46). There are also not enough public spaces in the area to cope with such a rise in population; present footpaths, which are set across private farmland, provide limited access to outdoor space.
Thirdly, with employment prospects in the northern area already limited due to the economic slowdown and a lack of industry, the previous plan of development in the south of Leamington would be a far more suitable option. This is due to the employment prospects created by the Tachbrook Park industrial area and other new developments, such as the new Morrisons Supermarket. It is also worth mentioning that the road infrastructure in the south of Leamington is more substantial and better suited to cope with a population increase.
In conclusion, it is my understanding that development in the south of Leamington, particularly west of Europa Way and near to the present Warwick Gates estate, would be far more suitable than the north, due to better existing infrastructure and more employment opportunities, provided that enough consideration is given to accessible green space. The south, also being not designated Green Belt, would be easier to get planning permission for and would save valuable Green Belt land from development. Merging Leamington Spa and Kenilworth into one large urban sprawl with this development would harm the character of the area, which is what the Green Belt land was originally set aside to prevent.
I sincerely hope that the Council will take into account my concerns about these proposed developments.