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Housing Location - Kenilworth

57% of land identified for possible development is within the Green Belt. This is in stark contrast to Coventry where Green Belt is unaffected. The areas selected in this plan tend to be large and would facilitate easier management, the imaginative planning of larger integrated schemes and, I imagine, be attractive to developers. However, I am concerned that the focus on effective delivery of a significant number of houses will too easily override the need to maintain our Green Belt.

Regarding Thickthorn, development here will not reduce the need to travel. Being adjacent to the A46, it would appear to be a good location for commuters and other trunk road users. It is not handy for the town centre and, so , driving in would further stretch car park capacity. Kenilworth is basically residential. How will the need to travel be reduced for these new Thickthorn residents. ?

I am not convinced of the need to build any houses at Thickthorn. However, if there is and for reasons of Green Belt protection, the preservation of a local amenity (the cricket ground, which I understand members do not want to sell) and the lack of work opportunities within Kenilworth, I would prefer a smaller development halting at Rocky Lane, which should be preserved in such a way as to give the impression that it is truly the beginning of a country walk.

Whilst it may not be so cost effective or convenient, more sites outside the Green Belt should be considered, examining the possibility of transfer of usage to improve effectiveness of facilities and the quality of life in our towns.