I am writing to object to the new local plan and the proposal to build on "green belt" in the north of Leamington Spa.

My objections are because of

* Loss of local amenity - we live near the cricket pitch and use the green space regularly - often sitting and watching the cricket. The pitch is used regularly with many children participating. Encouraging the young to participate in sports needs to be high on the priorities of both local and national government.
* I disagree with development on green belt land - that is what makes Leamington so special. One of our favourite walks, particularly in winter is to stroll over the field behind Northumberland Road over to Old Milverton and to take have well earned refreshments in Saxon Mill. Green Belt land should mean just that - it's a protection from Urban spoil.
* The level of housing provision seems huge for the amount of land to be developed on
* Traffic and Infrastructure - the current infrastructure struggles already and is not appropriate to cope with any more pressure. The effect of the proposed North Leamington Relief Road would have severe damaging results on Old Milverton
*
I do hope these plans do not go ahead

I wish to strongly object to the building on Green Belt land in Blackdown and Old Milverton.
The Governments National Planning Policy Framework requires there to be "very special circumstances" for development in the Green Belt and for the harm created to the Green Belt to be outweighed by the benefit of the development. Those special circumstances are apparently that there is nowhere else for the homes to be built. Yet land to the South of Leamington has been identified as suitable for development and that land is still available. This land is to the east of the A452 Europa Way and south of Heathcote towards Bishops Tachbrook. A previous assessment performed by Warwick District Council shows that this land is easier to develop and already has a substantial amount of infrastructure to support it and is close to the M40.
A "Northern Relief Road", if built, will encourage further development in the green belt up to this new road. Furthermore it is not required as the traffic flow tends to be north. It would need to be built at considerable cost across the flood plain.
Warwick District Council argues that the land in the South of Leamington is not as attractive to developers because the concentration of development in that area may result in the developers making less profit. Consideration of the developers' financial gain is not a "very special circumstance" to permit unnecessary development in the Green Belt.
Green Belt land is specifically set aside to prevent urban sprawl, stop towns merging together and protect the countryside setting of historic towns. The proposals will reduce the Green area between Leamington and Kenilworth to less than 11/2 miles encouraging the merger of these two towns and will change the character of these towns for ever.
If this development goes ahead there will be a loss of a significant amount of high quality agricultural land in Blackdown and Old Milverton as well as a great loss to a great many walkers, runner, riders, and cyclists.
In recent years there has been exceptional growth in Leamington's population partly because of immigration from Europe. However this growth has now peaked and has tailed off. Further more the student population is declining and is tending to be housed in purpose built buildings and this means smaller houses are now not being rented by students and will therefore be available to the community.
In my opinion this proposed development in the Green Belt is not required. Land to the south of Leamington is more suitable, has infrastructure already in place and is available. Development of the Green Belt land in Blackdown and Old Milverton will be acutely detrimental to the towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth.

I would like to firmly register my protest at the plan of building on the green belt and through Milverton.

I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.
It Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.
It Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.
It Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment it Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town it Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land
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.
There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.

Please reconsider your Preferred Options.

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

This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists and we regularly see various species of wildlife and birdlife across this important habitat.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

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:
* Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
* Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
* Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment
* Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)
* Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land
There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.

Please reconsider your Preferred Options.

Objects to building on Green Belt Land in Blackdown and Old Milverton. This area is an asset to Leamington Spa.It is enjoyed by many walkers, runners,riders and cyclists and should be preserved at all cost.It should be shameful to build here until you have exhausted all alternatives and checked that the number of houses is needed.
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 forever.
please reconcider your preferred options.

Objects to the use of greenbelt land in North Leamington to build over 2000 houses:-

The fundamental aim of Greenbelt policy as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

It requires there to be "very special circumstances" for development in the Green Belt. It also requires the harm caused to the Green Belt by the development to be outweighed by the benefit of the development. I believe that there are many other areas in South Leamington i.e Europa way that could sustain such building work, in the "2009 Core Strategy" (the previous plan adopted by Warwick District Council) land south of Leamington (not in Green Belt), was identified and is still available, for development. The assessment performed by Warwick District Council shows that this land is easier to develop and already has a substantial amount of infrastructure (roads etc) to support the development, and the new residents who will live there. It is close to the M40 and there are existing employment opportunities South of Leamington as well as existing out of town shopping facilities and good access to the town centres. Therefore, the previous plan is direct evidence that there are alternative areas for development other than the Green Belt and that the "special circumstances" put forward by Warwick District Council are wrong.
Warwick District Council argues that the land in the South of Leamington is not as attractive to developers because concentration of development in that area may result in the developers making less profit. Consideration of the developers' financial gain is not a "very special circumstance" to permit unnecessary development in the Green Belt.

The proposals ignore Warwick District Council's study of the Green Belt land at Old Milverton and Blackdown, which concluded that these areas had high Green Belt value
The Greenbelt land identified for development in the Preferred Option carries out the five purposes of green belt land set out in the NPPF and its development would therefore be contrary to the NPPF.

The proposals will reduce the" Green Lung" between Leamington and Kenilworth to less than 1 1/2 miles encouraging the merger of these two towns and their loss of independent identities.

The land at Old Milverton and Blackdown is enjoyed by many walkers, runners, riders, and cyclists. It provides a countryside environment close to the centres of Leamington and Warwick. Both the proposed building development and the "Northern Relief Road" would substantially reduce the amount of land that is available to be enjoyed and have a detrimental impact on the ambience and hence the amenity value of the land. Turning some of it into a maintained park land would detract from, rather than enhance its value.
Old Milverton is one of the last surviving villages close to Leamington that has not been absorbed into the greater conurbation. If the proposals go ahead it is only a matter of time before it is also absorbed byLeamington.
Turning the A452 between Leamington and Kenilworth into dual carriage way will not help traffic flows. At peak times the delays on the A452 result from commuters wanting access to the Town centres.
Building nearly 3000 houses north of Leamington will simply increase the congestion.
The dual carriage way will have a detrimental effect on the picturesque northern gateway to Leamington and southern gateway to Kenilworth.
A "Northern Relief Road" (budgeted cost £28m) is not required. Traffic flows tend to be north to south rather than east to west. The road will serve no purpose other than to take new home owners quickly on to the A46 and to jobs and shopping opportunities away from our Towns. If the development does not go ahead the road will not be required.
A "Northern Relief Road" will form a natural barrier and encourage further development in the green belt up to this new road. It will need to be built across the flood plain (at considerable cost) and will violate an important nature corridor along the River Avon.
If the proposed development is concentrated in the South of Leamington there is an existing road network that could be upgraded at considerably lower cost than the £28m allocated to construct a "Northern Relief Road".
* New Out of Town Stores
The proposed "out of town" retail operations will be another blow to independent retailers in Leamington, Kenilworth andWarwick who make the area an attractive place to live. Further "out of town" shopping will take trade away from the Towns.

Loss of Agricultural Land
There will be a loss of a significant amount of high quality agricultural land in Blackdown and Old Milverton

Warwick District Council has added nearly 1400 homes to the number that it anticipates will be required so as to include a "buffer" in the forecasts. If this "buffer" is removed from the forecast there is no need to include the land at Old Milverton and Blackdown in the proposals.

I strongly oppose the house building project in Blackdown Milverton areas.

The green belt land there has provided a green walking, running, and cycling area for the past 40 years I have lived here.

The green belt should not be decreased between Leamington and Kenilworth to a unnoticeable field.

There are many other areas within the town boundary that could be developed that already have sufficient road access to and from the major link roads.

I have been following the proposed plans for building on the GREEN BELT area of Blackdown & Old Milverton as shown in the 2012 Preferred Options Plan. I spent my childhood in the area & although I no longer live there I am familiar with the area under threat of development. I, like many others understand the importance of preserving such an area of rural beauty which is enjoyed not only by residents but also by those who live in the adjacent towns & cities.

Although there are public reports of a shortage of houses, often originating from "interested parties", I am also familiar with another argument which demonstrates the existence of a large number of vacant properties & unused buildings. It would be a tragedy to start new building projects on GREEN BELT areas if there in fact is not the need for them or alternatives can be found.

Please can you register my objection to the proposed building on GREEN BELT land in Blackdown & Old Milverton as shown in the 2012 Preferred Options Plan

Old Milverton, Blackdown.....

I object to the proposals for this area because :-
1. Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth will soon be one town!
2. Traffic volumes will escalate beyond a sensible level at both quiet and peak times.
3. It will destroy what little countryside exists between Leamington and Kenilworth.

Why squeeze all these buildings into this area when there are wide open spaces East of Leamington with no risk of joining up with Southam. The propsers and their supporters must think again before it is too late.

Proposed housing on greenbelt land

I would like to register my objection to the proposed housing development on greenbelt land at Blackdown. The area is a wildlife haven for all manner of species including barn owls. There are other brownfield sites within a 5 mile radius that are far more suitable.

I am writing to voice my objection to the new development plans to the North of Leamington Spa (Milverton and
Blackdown area) on the grounds that the land provides an important local amenity for walking. There are very few
public walks nearby.

My family and I strongly oppose the planned Blackdown and Milverton for many reasons- overcrowding/crime/ruining our semi-rural setting/ being joined to yet another town etc

Scanned Response Form

I object to the proposals to develop land in the Old Milverton and Blackdown districts because of the fact that this area is of great use as a recreational area and has some beautiful aspects. When I visit my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter we frequently walk from Leamington, through the fields to Old Milverton and on to Saxon Bridge. It would be very sad if part of this area was developed. Once gone it is gone forever.

I cannot understand why land designated Green Belt is then threatened with development. Surely the very aspect of being a Green Belt is to protect the area from development such as proposed.

Please could you reconsider your Preferred Options.

This is a formal objection to the proposed green belt housing in the North Leamington area. The objection is on the following grounds:

1. Local Amenity - the Green Belt is substantially used for recreational purposes and there is very little other accessible recreational area space in this area. The fields proposed for building are well known across Leamington as an ideal area for exercise and recreational purposes. I used to live in Canterbury, Kent, which used to feel like a small town but increasingly became an urban sprawl and has lost much of its personality as a result. As a result of this experience I note that there are many ways in which the proposed loss of accessible green space would affect residents throughout Leamington as well as the very reputation of the town itself, which would become a far less desirable place to live.

2. Green Belt - further to the recreational use of the land, it happens to be Green Belt land and the proposals do not meet the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework. Other suitable sites have been identified outside the Green Belt and should be the focus of the Council's priorities. The need to build on Green Belt land has NOT been demonstrated.

3. Overall Level of Housing Provision - The Green Belt build is not required to meet the future housing demands of the Leamington area in light of the other building proposals.

4. Coalescence of Urban Areas - There is a real danger of a future merging of Leamington and Kenilworth through Old Milverton. Again, the loss of Leamington's personality would be permanent, irreversible and extremely damaging to the reputation and desirability of the town.

5. Infrastructure - the proposals could not be supported by the existing infrastructure. Aside from the foolish destruction of the Green Belt countryside, the chaos that would be caused by the Northern Leamington Relief Road would be astonishing. There are better ways to spend the people's resources than to destroy its Green Belt to create bland urban sprawl and traffic chaos.

I write to register my obection to the propsition to build on the green belt land in North Leamington Spa.

My objection is to the possible loss of the valuable fields at the bottom of Guys Cliffe Road . I live in The Fairways and work as a nurse at Warwick Hospital. My son attends Brookhurst School. When workingon a late shift I regularly drop my son off at school and pop to the fields around the corner to take my two golden retrievers for a long walk across the fields, either up to the bridge or across the fields to the meadow beyond the allotments. This provides the dogs with a good long walk in a safe environment before I leave them on their own for the hours whilst I am at work.

I also use this land to regularly walk my dogs on a day off and with my son after school. My son loves the walk, we walk up to the bridge and wave at the trains or walk the other way to the meadow beyond the allotments and look at the plantlife and birdwatch. We always bump in to fellow dog walkers who are enjoying their walk. We also bump into joggers and families without pets just enjoying the ourdoors life.

The loss of this valuable recreational land would have a huge impact on me and my family and to many other families in this area. I write to ask you to reconsider and opt not to build on this valuable recreational land.

The case for enabling green belt land to be used for housing development north of Royal Leamington Spa is flawed for the following reasons:
1) If there is no local plan agreed, such development would not be allowed under the new National Planning Policy Framework.
2) The concept of green belt was established to maintain sufficient space between urban areas to contain them within specific boundaries and prevent smaller villages, hamlets, and local communities from being overwhelmed by urban spread. The current proposals significantly weaken this approach. They narrow further the space between Leamington and Kenilworth and would set a precedent for further relaxation of the boundaries in the future. The other factors given below do not provide a strong enough case for this policy to change.
3) This northern area is used for recreational purposes by a significant proportion of people and is one of the key 'lungs' for urban residents in this area. Whilst it is also a farmed area, there is more potential to develop this area for greater recreational use than for other areas around the conurbation of Warwick and Leamington.
4) The specific blocks identified for development in the north are not high in biodiversity value at present, but it is one of the wider areas identified for improvement. It can be argued that there is an opportunity to achieve some improvements within a well planned housing development, but there is no evidence that this will be made mandatory in any planning consents and in the present economic climate (now predicted to continue for many years) this will be difficult to enforce. Warwickshire is already a highly fragmented county in terms of biodiversity, with only around 2% of high quality assets. This is well short of the Nagoya Commitment of a 17% national aspiration for 2020 - it requires a further 38,200 ha of high quality habitat in the county along with greater connectivity, rather than the further fragmentation that this plan would indicate.
5) This is particularly relevant where the plan also includes provision for new roads in the area, one of which will have an impact on the Avon valley. The route identified at present appears to threaten valuable wildlife areas; and, along with the proposed housing will cause yet further fragmentation, rather than improved connectivity.
6) The services needed to support new housing have been developed far more extensively south of the conurbation. New retail sites are already in development. The road and rail network is better developed and, as has already been shown, attracts far greater housing demand for those commuting to the Birmingham and London areas. It is also the area where light, high tech businesses wish to locate for the same reason.
7) The need for more retail services north of the river Leam is now becoming even more debatable. For instance, the data and evidence used to argue the case for the 'Clarendon Arcade' used poor estimates of 'Desired Sales Density' even when prepared in 2009. Current evidence shows that retail patterns are changing rapidly. There is little evidence for a demand for more retail space - no sign of shop rentals increasing or even for vacant promises to be taken up. In fact more are becoming available and the foreseeable trend is for this to continue - e.g. the impact of internet shopping.
8) The argument that housing should not be concentrated in bigger blocks to the south because of possible difficulty in selling larger numbers at any one time is pure conjecture and not evidence based. As stated above, the existing services in that area have been attractive to a wide range of potential house buyers in the past. If there is a demand, houses will sell. If not, then the rate of building should be set to match. The figure for 1100 houses per year is an economic calculation and not a scientific one. Housing is probably over-priced for current economic factors and will need to fall further to enable sales to take place in any numbers. The only correcting factor to this is if there is a policy to compel more 'affordable' housing to be built to meet social needs - but this will require public finance, which we are told will be in short supply.
So green belt should not be sacrificed to make life easier and more profitable for developers. There really must be a proper balance from now on between economic, social and environmental considerations. 31% of UK citizens carbon emissions arise from their housing; the UN estimates that $4.5tn will be the economic loss annually resulting from environmental degradation in the world - all planners must re-read our Government's Natural Environment White Paper of 2012 and the National Ecosystem Assessment report before setting out further housing proposals. Our natural resources must be conserved in ways that were never prioritised in the past if we are to prevent mankind being overtaken by a global eco-disaster. The land to the north of Leamington must be considered in that context.
9) A final thought - I wonder whether there is a developer who wants to develop a certain type of property in the north area that appeals to a certain sector of society, rather than having mixed development in the south. That would certainly not be a valid reason for altering the green belt - there should be a clear statement in the plan to ensure this doesn't happen.

Dear Sirs,

I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown specified in Warwick District Council's 'Preferred Options for the Local Plan.

I am a resident on Leicester Lane(no. 64) and have lived on this road for the past 10 years. I regularly enjoy walking and running in this area, along with many of the other local residents, whereby many families can be seen walking dogs or cycling. This land has great recreational value to many families and locals. If this land is built on, it would mean having to get in my car and drive to somewhere for recreation. Some people will not have the means to do this. Removing local recreaction would have a negative impact on health and well being.
Building on this Green Belt would not only encroach on the beautiful countryside to deprive us of recreational use, but would encourage the sprawling of Leamington to the north side, allowing it to merge with Kenilworth. I fear Leamington will lose the charm and character that make it a special and beautiful town.

It is my understanding the Government's National Planning Framework requires there to be "very special circumstances" for development in the Green Belt. It is also my understanding that Warwick District Council state there is nowhere else for these home to be built. I would like to contest this as it has been brought to my attention that there are other areas of non Green Belt land still available to build on as identifed in the "2009 Core Strategy". This previous plan and assessment by Warwick District Council showed it was easier to develop with more infrastructure already in existence. This area is closer to the M40 with existing employment opportunities South of Leamington, along with existing out of town shopping and good access to the town centre. So why haven't these areas been persued? Surely this negates the "exceptional circumstances" to build on Green Belt.

This proposal concerns me because even more Green Belt would be lost to implement the necessary infrastructure, which does not currently exist. The financial cost to build roads etc. would surely be greater if this plan were to go ahead in preference to the sites in South Leamington.

I believe that Warwick District Council argues the land in South Leamington is not as attractive to developers as they would not make as much profit. I feel this does not make for "very special circumstances" to build on Green Belt! Financial gain for developers is not a reason to destroy our Green Belt.

Whilst I fully understand the need for new housing, I am surprised by the number of homes proposed. I understand that Warwick District Council have added approximately 1400 homes as a "buffer" for future needs. I have to query whether this number is actually too high, especially given the current climate of recession. If this "buffer" were to be removed, there would be no need to build on Old Milverton and Blackdown. Building on Green Belt would have a detrimental impact on the ambiance and therefore the amenity value of the land.

In the wake of the latest floods and amounts of rainfall lately, my thoughts have been drawn to the fact that the Green Belt offers the facility as a floodplain. If the land was built on, surely there would be more "run off" water that would contribute to increased local flooding.

I urge you to please reconsider your Proposed Options,

Yours sincerely,

Linda Castle

I am writing to object most strongly to the development of 1170 houses with additional employment and community facilities proposed for the Blackdown area including Leicester Lane. All of this area is designated Green Belt land north of Leamington Spa which constitutes a vital environmental asset preventing urban sprawl towards Kenilworth and providing a valuable resource for peoples' health and opportunity to pursue leisure activities.

As land south of Leamington Spa has already been identified as suitable and available for development within the 2009 Core Strategy Plan, it is monstrous that Green Belt land is being offered up for development as a viable option. The south has a substantial amount of infrastructure already in place to support growth. It is closer to the M40 and employment opportunities currently exist. Building north of Leamington Spa would create a traffic nightmare. There would be a greater dependency on cars and buses, therefore higher carbon emissions detrimental to health, and severe congestion as the narrow roads would not easily accommodate the increased traffic. Development would require an improved road system at considerable expense on additional land, again destroying the character and local value the area naturally provides.

In order to develop on Green Belt, the Council has to show that there are 'exceptional circumstances'. As suitable land has clearly been identified east of the A452 (Europa Way) and south of Heathcote towards Bishops Tachbrook, the Council do not lack alternative sites outside of Green Belt. These are areas that should be given first consideration to new development.

At a recent meeting I attended, the Council indicated the need to 'spread the development' around the region. According to the National Planning Policy Framework, this is not a planning policy criteria and therefore not an acceptable argument for developing on greenbelt to the north of the town. I felt the Council were completely in favour of encouraging urban sprawl at any cost. Green Belt land is a vital planning policy to safeguard countryside and prevent the ultimate merging of towns and loss of identity.

I value my local community, countryside and green spaces. They must be preserved for future generations. I trust the Council will reconsider its proposals for development and not invade the Green Belt particularly when other more feasible and economic alternatives are available.

Dear Sir / Madam,
>
> I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.
>
> This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.
>
> The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.
>
> 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
> * Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
> * Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
> * Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment
> * Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)
> * Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land
> There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.
>
> Logic and rationale aside, finally, this area is loved by all the residents as it is and provides great pleasure to this very close community. Given the more appropriate development sites I truly hope that the voices of this community are heard and that you reconsider this disasterous proposal. Please reconsider your Preferred Options.

I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.

This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

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
* Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
* Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
* Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment
* Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)
* Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land
There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.

Please reconsider your Preferred Options.

I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.


This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.


The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.


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
* Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
* Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
* Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment
* Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)
* Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land
There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.


Please reconsider your Preferred Options

I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.
This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.
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:
* Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north;
* Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth;
* Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment;
* Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town);
* Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.
Please reconsider your Preferred Options.

I would like to object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.

I enjoy this land regularly walking with my children, grandchildren and dog and it is a rare area of beauty within a reasonable distance of my house in Coventry.
I understand that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

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:
Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment
Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)
Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land

There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.

Please reconsider your Preferred Options.

Dear Sir / Madam,

I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Councils's Preferred Options for the Local plan.

This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

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
* Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
* Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
* Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment
* Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)
* Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land
There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.

Logic and rationale aside, finally, this area is loved by all the residents as it is and provides great pleasure to this very close community. Given the more appropriate development sites I truly hope that the voices of this community are heard and that you reconsider this disasterous proposal. Please reconsider your Preferred Options.

See attachment

I would like to express my objections to the new local plan for North Leamington Spa. This is for the following three reasons:

1) About five years ago (if I am not mistaken back in 2007), there was a heavy downpour in Leamington and its surrounds. During this Lillington Road became a fast moving torrent of
water. The Close in which I live became a six inch deep stream lapping ever more closely to my front door. Thankfully due to the slope of the road the water kept moving down the road
to drain into the Leamington Cricket Ground. This soon became a vast pool populated by land gulls and ducks. At the time several areas and houses in nearby Cubbington had been flooded.
With the proposed development the run-off after even a much smaller rain fall will be greatly increased leading to more flooding in the area.

2) The traffic situation driving out of and into Leamington via Kenilworth Road is already extremely busy during any time of the day but especially during the rush hour. Increasing the population by what
is being proposed in the development plan is going to make the situation far far worse.

3) There are few 'green lungs' left in Leamington. With the proposed massive development the few nearby green areas are going to be built over to change the character of Leamington from a
'leafy suburb' to just any other over-built town.

I do understand the need for more houses, but I hoper this can be done in a much more sensible and environmentally sensitive way not only for the well-being of the present residents of Leamington
Spa but also for the future residents.

I write to express strong objection to the plans to build on Green Belt land near Old Milverton and Blackdown.

I was brought up in this part of Leamington and used and enjoyed the local rural environment throughout my childhood until I left the area to study. Although now resident in London, I visit frequently to share the same space and experiences with my own children and their grandparents who still live in the same house.
It seems highly irresponsible to even consider spoiling a part of this historic town, eroding the green space between Leamington and Kenilworth, as well as vastly reducing opportunities for residents and their visitors to use the space for recreation and exercise when existing Brown Field sites could be used. (Dont think the area really needs a huge bottom-of-the-range supermarket on the old Ford Foundry for example. Surely that would have been ideal for housing close to both station and motorway)
I urge you to look harder at finding areas NOT in the Green Belt that can be used.

* I object to the proposed development in Old Milverton and Blackdown contained in Warwick District Council's Preferred Options for the Local plan.

* This land has great recreational value to the local community. It is enjoyed by many runners, riders, walkers and cyclists.

* The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the Government attaches great importance to Greenbelts and that the fundamental aim of Greenbelt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

* 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

o Prevents the unrestricted sprawl of Leamington to the north
o Prevents the merging of Leamington and Kenilworth
o Helps safeguard the countryside from encroachment
o Helps preserve the setting and special character of Leamington (a historic town)
o Helps urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land

* There are other sites which can be developed that are not in the Greenbelt. These sites, which are mainly to the south of Leamington, were included in Warwick District Council's previous plan (the 2009 Core Strategy). Employment opportunities and infrastructure already exists here, and this land 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.

* Please reconsider your Preferred Options.