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objection to the proposed development at Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Council's Preferred Options for the Local plan.

I object to this development on three main grounds:

Firstly, this is greenbelt land. It should therefore be protected from development. I understand that greenbelt may only be altered under "exceptional circumstances". However, alternative sites for new housing exist in Leamington Spa - these were previously identified in Warwick District Council's 2009 Core Strategy - so we are not currently facing the exceptional circumstances that could potentially allow for our greenbelt land to be developed. Many of these existing sites are brownfield, and should be used in preference to green belt land. These areas also benefit from existing infrastructure that could potentially support new housing development.

Secondly, this land has great amenity and recreational value for Leamington residents, offering a place to walk, run, cycle - or just to enjoy being within the natural environment. There is an increasing body of evidence highlighting the benefit of time spent in the natural environment for people's physical and emotional wellbeing. Allowing one of our few green spaces to be developed for housing will deprive residents of an important amenity.

Thirdly, allowing this development will contribute to urban sprawl, significantly reducing the green space between Leamington and Kenilworth even closer together. This development will also have a detrimental impact on the character of Old Milverton, one of the last surviving villages around Leamington. The proposed northern relief road may also encourage further infill development in future.