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Unfortunately today, I have only just become aware of the plans that are proposed for a large area of Leamington and surrounding areas in which I live. This concerns me gravely, it is my belief that the Council have not adequately informed other residents within the areas of Leamington that will be affected, about these proposals, therefore many will remain in ignorance of this proposed plan for such a vast development within the area in which we live .
I am very concerned that the required and desired CONSULTATION of ALL the residents in Leamington has not been correctly or at least fairly adhered to?. Many I believe will still be unware of this extensive land development and the consequences this will have on the intrastructures, highways and byways, life and health of residents; residents like myself who already live here, have in good faith, duely paid taxes in the expectation that the Councils and Planning authorities wil work on our behalf with our best interests; as individuals and a community to which they have a duty of care. It is also my concern rightly or wrongly; that this proposal for some reason, is not only being pushed through very quickly but without the proper notifcation of ALL residents.
I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan. There are several reasons for my objections in no particular order:
This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.
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.
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 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.
Health: Leamington I understand rightly or wrongly is one of the highest areas of air pollution in the country, therefore it would seem advisable to endeavour to prevent illnesses, and maintain the health of a population and not to introduce vast building developments, highways and vehicles, buildings. etc., that such a proposed development would bring.
There are of course other more subtle problems that over development and not keeping green belt land causes; societies loose identity, crime may well worsen, also please be aware that the population does not only grow by the number of houses, but by the number of people in the houses. This is therefore a VASTER development than it would first seem.
Consequently, with Greenbelt development now and in the future; there is nowhere left for anyone to exercise, enjoy open spaces, no where to live!
Please reconsider your Preferred Options.