BASE HEADER

I understand from Peter Stanworth that the deadline for responses to this part of the new local plan consultation has been extended to midnight 24 January.

I have now had the opportunity of reading the local plan report and have a number of comments on the proposals to develop the Burrow Hill Nursery site in Burton Green.

Although I am in favour of some development in the area, and have a personal interest in such, as my family wish to purchase a house in the village if possible (we are currently in rented accommodation), I have a number of reservations about the scale of the proposed development.

The proposed development of 75 new houses would incresae the size of the village by nearly 30%. This seems totally disproportionate and would have a significantly detrimental effect on the character of the area. The village itself and the area around the proposed site particularly is characterised by open landscape and a rural and tranquil setting. Clearly, concentrating 75 new houses in 2.51 ha would be very damaging. The setting is on an elevated position and such a large development would clearly have a significant visual impact on the landscape. It is difficult to understand why this is the preferred location given that other areas, such as along Red Lane have been discounted due to the high landscape impact.

Other concerns due to the size of the development include the impact on services in the area. The access from the development would be on to Red Lane, which is a poor road in particular in relation to the lack of visibility due to the incline and blind bends at the top end of the road, near to the proposed site. As well as the fact that increasing traffic on this road could endanger road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, there is also the extra congestion that would be caused by such a large development on local roads, particularly Cromwell Lane, which suffers significant traffic at rush hour in particular. The consultation document is also misleading in its description of local transport connections. Burton Green is a linear village, and whereas it is true that it is 0.4 miles from Tile Hill station, this is only in relation to the north end of the village; the majority of the dwellings are at a significantly greater distance of up to 1.5 miles. This includes the proposed site and as a result most people who use the rail network use their car to access the station or, as is preferred by many, drive to the mainline station in Coventry.

The proposal also relies on the fact that the village has a school. However, it is a very small village school and does not have the capacity to accommodate a significant increase in the population which it serves, without substantial consequent investment. A significant increase in the size of the school would again have a detrimental impact on the character of the area and its amenities.

Finally, the area of Burton Green currently experiences significant disruption to its water supply with loss of pressure/supply featuring regularly due to the booster being unable to cope. Extra demand on the service would only exacerbate the considerable inconvenience this causes.

Most of these issues would not be a significant problem if the scale of the development proposed was in proportion to the size of the existing village and the amenities it has. A serious review of the proposal needs to be undertaken to ensure that it is a sustainable development and not one that damages the character of the area and the quality of life of its residents. For these reasons, I object to the proposal as it currently stands.