BASE HEADER

Dear Sir, I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown as detailed in Warwick District Councils' preferred option for the local plan. The land in question has great recreational value to the local community - being used and enjoyed by many walkers, cyclists, and runners. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to the Greenbelts - they are designed to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. Old Milverton's fulfils the 5 purposes of Greenbelt as set out by the NPPF and should remain open forever. It prevents the unrestricted urban 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 the historic town of Royal Leamington Spa; helps urban regeneration by encouraging recycling of derelict and other urban land. There are other sites and plenty of empty properties which can be developed, which are not in the Greenbelt. These sites have already been included in the Warwick District Councils' 2009 Core Strategy Plan. The infrastructure and employment opportunities are already in place and these options should be used in preference to the Greenbelt. The NPPF states that only in exceptional circumstances should Greenbelt be used. There are no exceptional circumstances which outweigh the harm caused by altering the Greenbelt bounderies in Old Milverton and Blackdown and allowing development of this land. Please reconsider your preferred option.