Testun llawn:
Is this Development really needed?
Your plans indicate that up to 8,350 new homes would be built between 2014 and 2029 which is massive growth by any standards. Where is the evidence that this housing is needed? I have some sympathy regarding the need for social housing where it is a well known fact that affordable housing is in short supply nationally. However, all around Warwick and Leamington, there are empty houses and flats as well as developments that started but which have never been finished. One example would be the housing development on the old Pottertons' site by the River Leam between Warwick and Leamington. If properties are in short supply, why have these properties not sold and why have developments of this type not been completed?
I note that new student accommodation is included within the proposals. Surely the Council is actively trying to stop any further growth in student accommodation in Leamington? If so, why has this been stated as a reason for this type of expansion?
Why build on the Green Belt?
The District Council is proposing building on green belt land such as the Gallows Hill area, Thickthorn, Milverton and Blackdown. Why have these areas been targeted when there are alternative sites which have already been identified as being developable but which have been omitted from the Local Plan? One such area is south of Heathcote and contains Grove Farm. The impact on the surrounding area here would surely be far less than it would be if the Gallows Hill development went ahead because the latter is much closer to the centre of Warwick and effectively fills in the open space between Warwick Gates and Warwick?
Milverton is a well known walking area with paths that have been used by locals and visitors for many years. These walking routes that bring you out at the top of Northumberland Road would be wrecked forever. In addition, the planned new link road would destroy the whole character and tranquility of Old Milverton which is used by many walkers going from Leamington down towards the Saxon Mill area.
The Kenilworth Road between Leamington and Kenilworth is already a very busy road. By building on the land at both ends of this road, you are not only eating into the green belt that currently separates these two urban areas but you are also increasing the level of traffic significantly.
In summary, I accept there may be a case for some new housing in this area between 2014 and 2029. However, I believe this should be focused on locations that have already been identified as being developable rather than green belt land which you should be protecting. Most importantly, where is the evidence that a development on this scale is required, given that Warwick and Leamington already has a substantial quantity of housing that has been empty for a long time and other developments that have not been completed due to lack of demand?