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I write to register my objections to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local Plan.
The reasons for my objections are as follows:-
* The land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.
* The land in question is designated Greenbelt. Plans to build upon it are against the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which 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 purposes of Greenbelt set out in the NPPF by
* Preventing the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
* Preventing the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
* Helping to safeguard the countryside from encroachment
* Helping to preserve the setting and special character of the historic town of Leamington .
* 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 exist 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.
I ask therefore that the options be reconsidered.