BASE HEADER

I am writing to express my strong objection and disappointment at the proposed plans to develop the greenbelt in Old Milverton and Blackdown for housing. What, after all, is the point of greenbelt if not to protect natural habitats and landscapes?

I fully accept the need for continued, sustainable development, especially for social/affordable housing but find I cannot agree with some of your chosen arguments.

Why has the preferred level of growth been overstated at 10,800 dwellings when 6,986 is sufficient, particularly given the economic conditions and low potential growth? Are you absolutely sure about the housing projections given the economic growth forecasts?

I note that you have opted to develop greenbelt land, at the same time increasing urban sprawl, in preference to infill sites such as Glebe Farm in Lillington. I am at a loss to understand this. Surely that would be a more sensible approach, given the suburban development already completed surrounding this area. What makes this site any less suitable, when the Cricket Club is still listed as a potential site? Why, in addition, were brownfield sites such as the Ford Foundry not allocated for housing at all?

Greenbelt is vitally important and we should preserve it wherever possible for future generations. Warwick and Leamington are highly prized provincial towns and have earned this status through an eclectic mix of an impressive heritage and fabulous architecture combined with multi-cultural communities and a huge amount of facilities. All this surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside. We are indeed lucky to live here and careless planning can devalue and erode the very substance that makes these towns so attractive.

I do not believe we have reached the last resort or 'special circumstances', where there is nowhere else to turn but to greenbelt. Let us revive and regenerate all brownfield first and ensure our town centres are thriving economic centres. Place housing as close as we can to employment to avoid extra travelling and congestion. Given the ageing population, surely town centre locations are even more important. Similarly for social/affordable housing where car use is less prolific.

I very much hope that you reconsider these proposals. As custodians of our towns you have a duty to explore every alternative first.