Testun llawn:
Dear Sir/Madam
I write in support of the Revised Local Plan Strategy for Warwick District.
Having studied the internet documentation on the 2013 Revised Local Plan, and attended several Consultation Meetings, I consider that planners have addressed a very difficult task with objectivity and professionalism enabling significant changes which render the revised Local Plan, sound and fit for purpose.
The Revised Plan is evidence based on information supplied for the 2012 Local Plan, together with new evidence derived from assessments made subsequently.
The objective evidence obtained from the assessments and conclusions, is particularly welcome from independent studies based on the Landscape, the Employment Land Review and the 2012/13 updated Strategic Transport Assessment.
The Local Plan now complies with The National Planning Policy Framework. The Strategic Transport Assessment Review evidence, refutes on traffic grounds, any justification for building north of Leamington. It is accepted that there are no 'exceptional circumstances' for building on the Green Belt north of Leamington.
It is vital to preserve this limited green space between Leamington and Kenilworth (which will suffer erosion from the proposed Thickthorne and Coventry Gateway developments). I consider it vital that merging with the West Midlands conurbation is avoided, indeed prevented to retain the essential identity of Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick.
The Revised Development Strategy has removed the proposal to build 2000 houses on North Leamington Green Belt and through better use of existing brownfield sites, only 325 more houses are proposed on Greenfield (not Greenbelt Land) land to the south of the town.
The Revised Development Strategy, proposes that in keeping with the 2012 Plan, a substantial proportion of new development is located close to employment opportunities (south of Leamington and Warwick), thus reducing travel and avoidable exhaust pollution, whilst offering the benefits from acres of greenfield space before the nearest town to the South Banbury.
The traffic surveys show that road improvements will allow the network to cope with more development. The Revised Development Strategy provides both the finance and opportunity, for the essential road network improvement south of Leamington to take place. It will relieve the existing congestion and exhaust fumes whilst servicing the new development. However, it is important that these improvements are well-designed and carried out as part of the coordinated plan.
The Revised Development Strategy makes provision for schools and other infrastructure to support the new development.
I would urge the council to keep the number of houses to a minimum and not accept more. It looks as though the legal requirement to liaise with Coventry and other surrounding towns, does not extend to a legal requirement to agree to their developing land within Warwick District. Perhaps if necessary, Stratford would build houses for Coventry as I understand their proposed settlement site near Gaydon is larger than the present requirements.
The Revised Development strategy has a fair distribution of development throughout the district. The planners are to be congratulated on their success in achieving this, in view of the obvious difficulties faced when trying to plan meaningful development in established areas. Much of the development is in the south of the town, for good planning reasons, which are essential to secure a sound plan.
It is disappointing that a handful of vociferous Community Leaders, have made a less than constructive attack on the Local Plan in its Revised form at Consultation Meetings, and have found the Courier a ready outlet week after week for their adverse publicity. The reporting has been less than objective, and failed to present a balanced view. I trust the legitimate concerns of those living in the affected area can be addressed but more than this, I sincerely hope Planners and Councillors will not be bullied into bad decisions as a result of this.
In summary, planners are to be congratulated on the improvements they have achieved in the 2013 Revised Plan based on objectivity and sound evidence. It is sustainable, complies with the NPPF, is in the best interest of the community, businesses and significantly, the prosperity of the district. I trust that on this basis, Warwick District Council will adopt this Revised Local Plan.