Other

ID sylw: 107825

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr Andrew Martin

Sites X1, X2, G1, F2, F3 are relatively close to the M40 and thus to A46, at least offering ready made car routes. Further, there is potential for a new station near Harbury, that could then serve F1 and perhaps F2 and F3 subject to parking, and/or a new station near Bishop’s Itchington.

No

ID sylw: 108130

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Evelyn Gould

No

No

ID sylw: 108141

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Peter Northwood

No

No

ID sylw: 108149

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Michael Todman

We wish to object to the selection of an area of land, outlined in the South Warwickshire Local Plan as ‘F2”, as a potential settlement zone. Having lived in Ladbroke since 1976, we have seen many changes in the area and have never objected before but the identification of an area adjoining the existing village is extremely perplexing to us.



Environment and Wildlife:



The area outlined includes the path of the River Itchen, which does have a history of flooding. This we can personally attest to this as once it prevented us from reaching home overnight.



The path of the river from Bishops Itchington to Deppers Bridge is also an ecological goldmine: it is quiet, sheltered and surrounded by trees and scrubland. This provides an ideal home for much wildlife, and we have seen kingfishers, water voles and at least two species of bats there. It is also a wonderful place for spotting wildflowers, butterflies, unusual fungi, and a range of water life: toads, newts, dragonflies and damselflies have all been observed.



It would be impossible for such a large scale potential development to avoid eliminating or at the best severely affecting this wildlife.



Towards Ladbroke, not only has there been a pair of buzzards nesting near Folly Farm, but also, for the first time, a pair of red kites recently made a home in the trees on Milking Hill Spinney, which is within the edge of the area shaded for F2. In Ladbroke itself, it was reported just last week that a peregrine falcon had been spotted a number of times flying in and out of Ladbroke Church Spire – a wonderful but rare event.



Access:



The expansion of Bishops Itchington a number of years ago created a significant rise in the amount of traffic passing, or trying to pass, through Ladbroke. The lane in the village is narrow and windy, with poor visibility. There are frequently problems and near misses – for pedestrians and for householders trying to enter or leave their premises. In winter the lanes are not salted and can be very treacherous indeed. HGV lorries are not supposed to use the road into/through the village except for access but that very clearly does not stop them from trying. This would inevitably become far worse with the proposed expansion.



Also, with the ongoing work on HS2, there has been a significant increase in the amount of lighter traffic using the lanes through the village to avoid traffic lights or other hold-ups on the Southam - Banbury Road, but the reality of this being seen as a route into a development of 4800 more homes would be potentially more dangerous and definitely cause congestion. The B4451/2 road (Southam to Harbury including Deppers Bridge) would certainly need major improvement/investment to make it a preferential access route to the F2 area – but that also has a weight restricted railway bridge.



Land:



Looking at the land that the proposed area encloses, it is difficult to see how housing development is rated higher than the value of this land for food production. It is a well-farmed and very fertile area. We understand that much is Grade 2 rather than Grade 3: surely there are other areas of the county with less productive land whose development would have a lesser impact on overall food production?



There are also several footpaths within the area that are regularly used by the villagers, bringing both physical and mental health benefits. HS2 construction activity has already severely affected the rural footpaths around Ladbroke: we can not afford to lose more.



Ladbroke Village and its History:



Ladbroke itself would become dwarfed by the new development. It has much unique history, particularly All Saints' Church which is over 700 years old and is well known for its wonderful stained-glass windows. The visitors book in the church bears testament that people from many areas, not just the UK, come to visit the church and the village.


It is recorded in the Domesday Book that in 1086 Ladbroke was a thriving community of around 270 residents, larger than Birmingham at that time. Roman coins have been discovered in a Ladbroke field that appears to be included in the proposed development area; another, Farmyard Field, between the church and the stream, is also of archaeological interest with earthworks and old fish ponds.





Therefore, for reasons of environment, access, land quality and history, we urge that this proposed F2 development plan is not implemented.

Other

ID sylw: 108379

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Simon Tagg-Wilkinson

Concerning sites F2 and F3 these are in an area which shows ancient features, includes ridge and furrow. The area is consistent with a landscape that was in use throughout much of the Iron Age period, perhaps between 600 BC and 100 BC. Ancient drove roads can be identified within local Parishes, such as the Hunscote Lane saltway, which has been renamed Knightcote Bottoms just off the M40 Junction. The old road then joins the Hambridge road another ancient roadway which can be followed from Burton Dassett to the River Itchen and Bishops Itchington. A possible river crossing point for generations and a high probability of archeology (as stated in a recent planning report).