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I am writing to you to express my strong opposition to the plans to develop the Green Belt Land in Old Milverton. The Green Belt land is an area of protected countryside and it is important that it remains as such for future generations.
The Green Belt land plays a significant part in the lives of many people. I myself have had the privilege of being able to enjoy the area since I was a child and continue to do so as an adult. Some may think that I am writing because I do not wish the development to be in 'my back yard'. However, I also know many other people from Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth and Coventry and further afield who come to enjoy this Green Belt Land. Many of these people live in built up urban areas and rely on this land for their outdoor recreation. They would regard this area as their 'back yard' as well. We all enjoy using the land around Old Milverton for many different activities; walking dogs, cycling, horseriding, painting, photography. We appreciate the peace and quiet and enjoy spending time with our families and friends in the countryside. Outdoor recreational activities are so important for our mental health and well-being in our busy stressful lives. Developing on this land will therefore significantly affect the quality of all of our lives. This is something that is very valuable, but unfortunately unable to be quantified in monetary terms.
It is imperative that the Green Belt land should remain protected. In addition to the personal affect that developing on the land will have on myself and many others, the Green Belt land is specifically protected for several important reasons and building on it will not comply with the Government's National Planning Policy Framework.
* The land is designated to prevent neighbouring towns merging into each other - If the Green Belt between Leamington and Kenilworth is built on, the distance between the two towns will decrease to less than 1.5 miles, adding to the urban sprawl that is ever increasing in the West Midlands.
* The Green Belt land is protected to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns and villages - Old Milverton is an historic village that is part of our English heritage and should remain in the countryside.
* The Green Belt land is also designed to protect natural habitat for wildlife. The land north of Leamington is a large area with a variety of habitats that will be destroyed including fields, hedgerows and a river.
Whilst I recognise the need to support plans for future housing and infrastructure, it is clear that the plans that have been proposed the Green Belt Land in North Leamington are wholly unnecessary. There are other areas of land in Warwickshire that are more appropriate. The plans from the 2009 Core Strategy Plan did not include development in the Green Belt Land. Alternative sites were identified in South of Leamington which already have road networks and other infrastructure to support development. I would urge you to review the plans to develop the Green Belt Land North of Leamington and reconsider the alternative identified sites.
The Green Belt land north of Leamington is a beautiful example of English Countryside that should remain protected. I urge you to reconsider the plans to develop this land, so that we can continue to appreciate this very special place in Warwickshire.