BASE HEADER

I write to lodge strong objection to the proposed plans for development of the Green Belt north of Leamington.

The Core Strategy Plan of 2009, which was adopted by WDC, did not involve this north of Leamington Green Belt. The main alternative sites south of Leamington have infrastructure to support development, have much more space and are not as close to other towns/villages as this north of Leamington proposal is.

There is a very small area of green belt between Leamington/ Blackdown/Old Milverton/Kenilworth and it is totally unsuitable for further development, which would forever ruin a delightful characterful area. There is already an enormous volume of traffic, particularly at rush-hour, along the A452, and increased traffic flow with a dual-carriageway would add further and really begin to join up two historically diferent towns, namely Leamington Spa and Kenilworth. Once this area, enjoyed by cyclists, riders, walkers, nature-lovers, peaceful countryside lovers is eroded it can never be reclaimed. I often think of Leamington's wonderful landmark Town Hall, which 'people' were so keen to pull down, but fortunately escaped through public pressure.

Any additional out of town stores would further deplete the footfall and trade at already struggling town centre shops.

The enormous cost of a development of this nature would inevitably lead to further 'use' of it, bringing ugly modern urbanisation to what is currently one of the few really attractive, original areas left. If there is to be up to 40% of social housing there would either be very bored, unfilfilled people, or there would need to be plenty of town-centre type facilities, which, for this area, is both unsuitable and impractical.

This is not a case of being a NIMBY: I do not live in any of the afore-mentioned places, but live close enough to be able to enjoy them. It is a case of practicality and appreciating what we already have and looking at more viable alternatives for development.