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I wish to register my objection to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the local plan.

I am sure you are aware, this land has great recreational value to the local community and is continually being utilised and enjoyed by many local runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.

You will equally know that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states how the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. I wish you to reflect this in your building policy and note that 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 is essential in the
1) prevention of the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
2) prevention of Leamington and Kenilworth merging
3) safeguarding of the countryside from encroachment
4) preservation of the setting and special character of the historic town of Leamington
5) promotes urban regeneration by encouraginh the development of brown belt sites

I feel there are better sites which are better placed to absorb the devopment which don't encroach on the green belt and I would urge you to revisit your original proposals from 2009. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, have exisitng employment opportunities and infrastructure and it is this land which 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.

Furthermore, some of the land in Old Milverton and Blackdown is Grade 2 agricultural ground which must not be squandered.

Our Greenbelt must be protected and preserved. We owe it to ourselves and future generations.

Please, please reconsider your Preferred Options.