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I strongly object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.


This land is rich and agriculturally productive. We need this land to safeguard our country's food security.

It has great recreational value to the local community and gives Leamington its special personality. A great small town with already excellent facilities and with easy access tot eh surrounding countryside. Do not throw the baby out with the bath water!


The Greenbelt in Old Milverton and Blackdown fulfils the 5 purposes of Greenbelt set out in the NPPF and therefore should remain as open Greenbelt land for ever. It

* Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north

* Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth

* Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment

* Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a
historic town)

* Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of
derelict and other urban land

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 exists 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.


Please reconsider your Preferred Options.