No

ID sylw: 105622

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Cllr Eileen Edwards

X1 – Land south of Leamington/north of Wellesbourne/east of Barford – OBJECT - capacity 6520 homes:

1) Significant harm caused to the character of the landscape and urbanization of neighbouring villages
2) Loss of best and most versatile farmland
3) Lack of rail connectivity
4) Significant harm caused by major pollution and air quality caused by increased vehicle movements on A429 from Wellesbourne, UoW Innovation Campus and mineral extraction site at Barford/Wasperton. The settlement would significantly increase traffic movements to the B4100 and B4087 a roach which is acknowledged as being a dangerous route with pinch points at Wellesbourne and the Crematorium at Oakley Wood.
5) Lack of capacity at education and health facilities in Wellesbourne, Barford and Bishops Tachbrook

Yes

ID sylw: 105672

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr Edward Heynes

If substantial growth is to occur in Stratford, it should occur on the northern side due to better access to Stratford Parkway station, the strategic highway network, and existing employment. A relief road must be positioned on the southern side, linking the A34 with the A46, but proposals around the eastern side are not feasible. Additionally, growth should focus on new settlements near public transport interchanges, including railway stations and access to Birmingham Airport. Options around X1, X2, SG09, 10, 11, G1, SG13, 14, and B1 appear to be the most sensible.

No

ID sylw: 105692

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bernard Keavy

X1 Land South of Leamington / North of Wellesbourne / East of Barford - 6250 homes, major traffic impact, with development of UoW Innovation Campus. This will have a HUGE impact on A429, along with the gravel extraction proposed for Wasperton.

No

ID sylw: 105974

Derbyniwyd: 19/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Alison Johnston

There is scant woodland which you can explore and enjoy in south Warwickshire. This is a lifeline for people living in south Leamington and Wellesbourne. Without this the quality of life in this area will deteriorate.

The only other options for walks are places like Charlecote park or Compton Verny, which both require payment, or private land which were not able to enjoy.

There are plenty of other sites in this area which can be developed without destroyed a cherished area.

While the plans are not to build on Oakley Wood, building right up to it will affect local wildlife and biodiversity, leading to more litter, more danger from traffic, light and air pollution.

This is should be an absolute no and surprised it was ever proposed

No

ID sylw: 106045

Derbyniwyd: 17/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Theo Cooper

X1 would be the first major development just south of the M40 - which is a good and appropriate boundary stopping Warwick from sprawling south.

The roads of Wasperton Lane and Hareway Lane are single carriageway rural roads and would have to be widened, removing dozens of mature / ancient trees in the process.

Traffic entering Barford would increase tremendously from Wasperton and Hareway Lanes and cause a huge amount of traffic in the village

There are no existing train stations nearby

The land has several shallow valleys and is patch worked with woods and spinneys. Surface water flooding already occurs and this would be much worse if there is development

A Planning application has been made for a quarry outside Barford. This together with X1 would change this gateway to the Cotswolds for ever and be over development of this area.

X1 would be enormous and dwarf Barford which only has about 1,500 residents and would be inappropriate in this rural area.

For these reasons X1 would be a terrible thing to happen to Barford and should not occur.

No

ID sylw: 106072

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Patricia McDonaugh

Such developments would urbanise these areas, resulting in significant harm to the general character of the landscapes, and have an overall detrimental effect. Wellesbourne has expanded considerably over recent years, without infrastructure to meet the demand on all services in the village. Medical services, dentists and educational facilities are heavily subscribed, and there is an existing and increasing traffic and parking problem in Wellesbourne. This is all too apparent near the school in Mountford Close, where there is no effective traffic management, drivers regularly ignore road markings, park on footways, resort to driving along footways when meeting head on vehicles travelling in the opposite direction, plus use any resident's drive as a turning point. Also, a driver travelling in the opposite direction to the main stream of traffic, opting to reverse back down Mountford Close towards the main school gate/road junction amongst parked and moving traffic ,food waste bins, parents and children making their way to the main school gate. The Newbold Road in Wellesbourne is also often clogged with parked and moving traffic. To introduce more through traffic to Wellesbourne would create even greater congestion, and is untenable.

No

ID sylw: 106110

Derbyniwyd: 25/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Stu Barbour

Firstly, the proposed development would cause substantial harm to the character of our landscape. Wellesbourne is known for its picturesque scenery, and the scale of the planned construction would irreversibly alter this cherished environment.
Additionally, the plan raises serious concerns about flood risk. The proposed developments would significantly increase the risk of flooding in our area, which is already vulnerable. This poses a threat to both property and safety for current and future residents.
The lack of rail connectivity is another critical issue. Without adequate public transportation options, residents will be heavily reliant on cars, exacerbating traffic congestion and pollution. This is particularly concerning given the anticipated increase in vehicle movements and quarry activity, which will further degrade air quality and contribute to environmental pollution.
Moreover, the loss of the best and most versatile farmland is a grave concern. This land is crucial for local agriculture and food production, and its conversion to development land would be a significant loss to our community and economy.
The overdevelopment of Wellesbourne threatens its village status. The scale of the proposed development is disproportionate and risks transforming our village into a town, undermining its unique character and community spirit.
Furthermore, the current plan does not adequately address the need for educational and health facilities. With the expected population increase, there will be a greater demand for schools and healthcare services, which are already under strain. The plan must include provisions to expand these essential services to meet future needs.
Many of these concerns will cause irreversible damage to the locality and health and happiness of residents (old and new).

No

ID sylw: 106281

Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr Paul Darnell

X1 – Land south of Leamington/north of Wellesbourne/east of Barford – OBJECT - capacity 6520 homes:
1) Significant harm will be caused to the character of the landscape.
2) This area is close to Leamington Spa and will undoubtedly become a suburb of Leamington Spa as opposed to a standalone development.
3) Loss of best and most versatile farmland
4) Lack of rail connectivity
5) Significant harm caused by major pollution and air quality caused by increased vehicle movements on A429 from Wellesbourne, University of Warwick Innovation Campus and mineral extraction site at Barford/Wasperton
6) Lack of capacity at education and health facilities in Wellesbourne, Barford and Bishops Tachbrook
7) The traffic already commuting to this area impacts upon neighbouring villages, most of which are small parishes with inadequate roads. There is evidence of rat running through villages on roads which are incapable of taking two-way traffic safely.
8) Development of this area will lead to further congestion along the spinal route into Leamington Spa – Europa Way

No

ID sylw: 106306

Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Simon Sharp

We have lodged our total disapproval before but in summary, we continue to oppose any quarry :
*warwickshire council has sufficient 15 yrs’ reserves.
*Traffic, noise and pollution consequences.
*Potential flooding difficulties.
*Airborne particulates with serious longer term health concerns, especially for the young, elderly and less healthy, and potential future lawsuits.
*Quality farmland lost.
*Greater food chain issues.
* Loss of wildlife and country in this increasingly noisy county/region of ours.

No

ID sylw: 106602

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Rachel Norton

The quantity of new house development south of Leamington is already vast and has yet to impact the transport and retail sectors.
Current development is to the north of the M40. Approving development to the south of the motorway will inevitably lead to further future development impacting on the rural natural landscape and opportunities for open recreation, e.g. walking.
Good graded agricultural land once developed will be lost, with the consequent risk to food production and national food security.
Water supply and discharge are hugely concerning. Already the taste of drinking water is sometimes affected, and water treatment works are often overwhelmed, damaging water courses. Development will impact heavily on future periods of drought and flood.
There is limited opportunity (and probably no public finance) to improve the infrastructure of the area, which will severely impact existing communities. Already there is planned development on the University campus north of Wellesbourne, which will affect the A429 main trunk road. This route was recently blocked in both directions preventing access by emergency services, and all other roads nearby were gridlocked.

No

ID sylw: 106605

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mrs Mary Peirson

• Large development south of M40 represents urban spread and impacts green spaces, rural communities. Uses best and most versatile land currently grazing sheep and previously growing corn. SO12
• Loss ofland that currently absorbs water. Potential flood risk with water run off cascading down the hill into the top of Barford SO6
• Tranquil country lanes will see vastly increased traffic with the accompanying risk of accidents SO10
• Encroaches on Barford and will impact cultural heritage of Barford with numerous listed buildings SO8
• No comments on how infrastructure will be developed to support it SO3

Yes

ID sylw: 106728

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Sue Beard

If some houses have to be built the designated sites X1, SG09 and SG10 would seem to be a much better proposition, it is not green belt and has better infrastructure, main roads and proximity to the M40.

Other

ID sylw: 106940

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Historic England

CONCERNS/POTENTIAL OBJECTION: setting of Warwick Castle GI RPG, Warwick Conservation Area, Castle itself (GI) & other associated LBs which are located to north of the site, just north of M40 Junction 14.

Site contains a few GII LBs and several within Barford Conservation Area to west.

No SMs within the site. Oakley Wood Camp SM lies in Oakley Wood to the south of the proposed site. Views in this direction may be limited and therefore impact may be limited but should be considered in assessment work.

Recommend: HIA prior to allocation.

Other

ID sylw: 107043

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: National Gas Transmission

Asiant : Avison Young

We have identified one or more proposed development sites as being crossed or in close proximity to National Gas Transmission assets.

Details of the sites affecting National Gas Transmission assets are provided below.

Gas Transmission Pipeline, route: CHURCHOVER TO WORMINGTON

Without appropriate acknowledgement of the National Gas Transmission assets present within the site, these policies should not be considered effective as they cannot be delivered as proposed; unencumbered by the constraints posed by the presence of National Gas Transmission infrastructure.

We propose that future Local Plan policies in respect of the affected proposed allocations and new settlements include a policy strand that incorporates wording to
the following effect:

“The development will demonstrate a clear strategy for responding to the National Gas Transmission high-pressure gas pipelines present within the site which provides evidence on how the National Gas Transmission Design Guide and Principles have been applied at
the masterplanning stage and how the impact of the assets has been reduced through good design.”

It is requested that this wording is either incorporated into site specific policies for the ten affected sites, or included within the general policy text if site-specific policies are not
incorporated in later versions of the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan.

No

ID sylw: 107445

Derbyniwyd: 16/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Moreton Morrell Parish Council

capacity 6520 homes: major traffic impact with development of UoW Innovation Campus, impact on A429 and proposals for gravel extraction at Wasperton – NOT SUITABLE

No

ID sylw: 107477

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Newbold Pacey & Ashorne Parish Council

capacity 6520 homes:
1) Significant harm will be caused to the character of the landscape.
2) This area is close to Leamington Spa and will undoubtedly become a suburb of Leamington Spa as opposed to a standalone development.
3) Loss of best and most versatile farmland
4) Lack of rail connectivity
5) Significant harm caused by major pollution and air quality caused by increased vehicle movements on A429 from Wellesbourne, University of Warwick Innovation Campus and mineral extraction site at Barford/Wasperton
6) Lack of capacity at education and health facilities in Wellesbourne, Barford and Bishops Tachbrook
7) The traffic already commuting to this area impacts upon neighbouring villages, most of which are small parishes with inadequate roads. There is evidence of rat running through villages on roads which are incapable of taking two-way traffic safely.
8) Development of this area will lead to further congestion along the spinal route into Leamington Spa – Europa Way
Developing X1 could lead to urban sprawl, merging distinct communities, and eroding the rural character of areas like Bishop's Tachbrook. The Parish Council emphasises that such development contradicts previous plans aimed at preventing coalescence and preserving open spaces.

No

ID sylw: 107555

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Charlecote Parish Council

This area lacks essential infrastructure for housing development, including rail and public transport connectivity, primary school spaces, nearby secondary schools, and local medical facilities which can take new patients.

The area is served by only two major roads – the A429 Warwick Road and B4086 Stratford Road. Both are already heavily impacted by traffic from new housing in Wellesbourne and Tiddington, congestion from visitors to the Saturday market, and likely impacts of the proposed University of Warwick expansion (an increase to some 4,000 people employed/studying on site). Additional pressures would result from Wellesbourne Airfield development and the proposed quarry near Barford. The area is already experiencing overdevelopment.

Tourism is crucial to Stratford-upon-Avon's economy. Such significant growth within a few miles of Stratford-upon-Avon would detract from the town’s status as a tourist destination. Additional congestion would make access to Stratford more challenging for visitors.

Overdevelopment would cause loss of Best and Most Versatile Land, and significant harm to landscape character, irreversibly altering the rural gateways to Stratford-upon-Avon, Charlecote and Hampton Lucy.

Charlecote is home to the historic Charlecote Park and House, a Grade I Listed Building & Parkland and one of the West Midlands' most visited National Trust properties, attracting approximately 250,000 visitors annually. Housing development adjacent to or nearby Charlecote’s historic gateway and significant heritage asset cannot be supported. Such development would be contrary to Paragraphs 189 to 208 of the NPPF, Core Strategy CS8, and policies protecting the historic and rural character of the area.

No

ID sylw: 107645

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Hampton Lucy Parish Council

X1 – Land south of Leamington Spa/north of Wellesbourne east of Barford:

HLPC OBJECTS to the above proposed polices and options for the following reasons

o These areas are lacking in the essential elements necessary for development of housing being rail and other transport connectivity, primary schools with spaces for additional pupils, secondary schools within an easy distance and local medical facilities with the ability to take on new patients.

o They are served by only one major road – the A429, Wellesbourne Road – already heavily impacted by traffic to and from new housing developments in Tiddington, those travelling to the Saturday market with these areas all also likely to be further congested by the implementation of the proposed University of Warwick expansion (an increase to some 4,000 people employed/studying there from a few hundred) and the Wellesbourne Airfield development. The proposed quarry development near Barford would also increase traffic within these areas. There is already over development within these option areas.

o Tourism is of vital importance to the economy of the town of Stratford upon Avon with its theatres, historic heritage and as a valuable source of employment. All the above areas are within a few miles of Stratford upon Avon and such development would detract from its importance as a centre of tourism and lead to extra congestion on roads making it more challenging for visitors to access the town.

o Such over-development would cause significant harm to the character of the landscape changing irreversibly the rural gateways Stratford upon Avon and both Hampton Lucy with its seventeen listed buildings and Charlecote.

Particularly, sitting within the small rural village of Charlecote is the listed Charlecote House with its Park, being one of the most visited National Trust properties in the West Midlands having had just under 240,000 visitors in 2023.

Any housing development adjacent to or in the vicinity of the gateway to, and the siting of, such an important heritage asset scannot be supported. Such would be contrary to Paragraphs 189 to 208 of the NPPF, Core Strategy CS8 and Policy BE1 of HLPC’s Neighbourhood Plan.

We are the custodians of such heritage assets for future generations and must protect them.

Yes

ID sylw: 107648

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr A Burrows

Site X1 South Leamington appear to be more suitable for development, particularly as they would allow better transport links and could provide a transport hub with an improved Motorway junction, park and ride and bus interchange.

Other

ID sylw: 107822

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: 107915

Derbyniwyd: 10/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Juliet Bates

I am concerned that the proposals near M40, Wasperton and Barford overlook local infrastructure needs. Warwick hospital services are overstretched, with bed shortages and ambulance delays. GP access is limited, increasing A&E attendances, some with fatal outcomes. Fire and police services have been cut, and public transport is unreliable. Schools lack capacity, and social services cannot meet rising demand. Traffic congestion is common. I believe infrastructure development should precede new developments to prevent further strain on existing services, and I cannot support these proposals until improvements are made.

No

ID sylw: 108031

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mrs Rebecca Loades

Large-scale housing developments in South Wellesbourne will lead to habitat destruction, fragmentation of wildlife corridors, and long-term ecological damage. The environmental impact of the development in area X1 is entirely unacceptable, particularly when more suitable brownfield sites exist. Newbold Pacey will be suffocated.
The local area of Wellesbourne does not have the infrastructure to support a large influx of new residents. The high street is limited, roads are already congested, public transport is minimal, and essential services area already stretched. Approving this development would put undue strain on these resources, leading to a decline in the quality of life for both existing and future residents. I would particularly ask you to consider the road from Wellesbourne (B4087), through Newbold Pacey to the M40.
The loss of agricultural land also undermines local food security and self-sufficiency, an increasingly critical issue in modern times, especially with what is currently occuring in international politics and affairs. Please consider working with local farmers to encourage to maintain their farms and continue to provide local produce rather than leasing them for solar farms.
Please also consider policing of these new development areas. A rapid increase in housing will unavoidably bring an increase in anti-social behaviour.
Solar Farms
While the need for renewable energy is undeniable, the placement of this industrial-scale development in a conservation area (particularly South Wellesbourne) is wholly inappropriate and presents serious and irreversible harm to the landscape, biodiversity, and local heritage.
The potential proposed sites in South Wellesbourne support a diverse range of wildlife, including legally protected species such as birds, bats, and pollinators. The removal of established habitats, potential soil degradation, and disruption of local ecosystems would have lasting consequences.
Solar farms should be sited on brownfield or low-grade agricultural land, not in protected conservation areas like South Wellesbourne.

No

ID sylw: 108135

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Evelyn Gould

No

No

ID sylw: 108144

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Peter Northwood

No

No

ID sylw: 108297

Derbyniwyd: 16/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr Haydn Cooper

I write in response to the Local Plan consultation and specifically to comment on proposed settlement X1, X2 and growth areas SG09 and SG10.
The proposals are in the wrong place for a number of reasons:
1. X1 and SG09 and SG10 It would be the first major development south of the M40 - which has acted as a correct boundary for Warwick urban sprawl and new development. Over time Warwick/Leamington development has merged the towns together and marched eastward towards Bishops Tachbrook. The proposed settlement X2 plus employment growth would further expand development around Bishops Tachbrook. The councils should not want to see this development spread south of the M40 boundary.

2.The roads of Wasperton Lane and Hareway Lane are single carriageway rural roads and would have to be widened, completely changing the local character and removing dozens of mature / ancient trees in the process.

3.Traffic entering Barford would increase tremendously and overwhelm the village from Wasperton Lane and Hareway Lane.

4.There are no existing train stations nearby and existing public transport infrastructure is non-existent.

5.Should it go ahead, the undeveloped gap between X1 and Barford would inevitably be filled in over time leading to a new mass urban area. If we look at Warwick / Leamington we can see evidence of this happening before.

6.The land has several shallow valleys and is patch worked with woods and spinneys including ancient trees. Local wildlife traverses from copse to wood etc and this would not be possible with thousands of houses there instead.

7.These valleys already have flooding problems from surface water drainage which would worsen with tarmac and developed surfaces preventing percolation

8. Proposals also exist for development north of Wellesbourne, Warwick University Wellesbourne campus expansion and a quarry outside Barford. These together would change this gateway to the Cotswolds for ever and be over development of this area.

9.This area around Barford is rural and picturesque and the gateway to the Cotswolds. Mass development here would ruin that for ever.

In conclusion X1, SG09 and SG10 are proposed in the wrong places and should not be permitted or on the shortlist in the local plan.

No

ID sylw: 108514

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Emily and Andrew Cox

2. Site X1
Inappropriate Location and Scale
• Site X1 represents an inappropriate intrusion into open countryside that
conflicts with established settlement patterns and boundaries
• The scale of development proposed would fundamentally alter the character of
surrounding settlements and create unsustainable pressure on local
infrastructure
• The site's development would contradict the spatial strategy of focusing
development in the most sustainable locations with existing infrastructure
capacity
Strategic Gap Erosion
• Development of Site X1 would significantly erode the strategic gap between
existing settlements, contrary to Policy DS13 of the adopted Warwick District
Local Plan (2011-2029) which specifically aims to protect the character and
identity of settlements by preventing their coalescence.
• The site forms part of an important visual and functional separation between
communities that would be permanently compromised by development.
Direct Contradiction to Existing Plans
• The development of Site X1 directly contradicts the principles established in the
Barford Neighbourhood Plan, formally adopted by Warwick District Council in
2021, which identifies this type of land as a "valued landscape" to be protected
from development, with 92% of residents supporting this designation during
consultation.
• The site's development would undermine the community-led planning process
that produced the Neighbourhood Plan, reducing public confidence in the
planning system

Infrastructure Deficiencies
Transportation Network Limitations
The existing road network in the vicinity of Site X1 is already operating at or near
capacity, with particular concerns including:
• The local highway network experiences significant congestion during peak
hours, with key junctions operating beyond design capacity according to the
Strategic Transport Assessment.
• Junction capacity issues would be exacerbated by additional traffic from the
development, with limited scope for meaningful improvement due to physical
constraints.
• The site's location would necessitate car journeys for almost all daily needs,
contradicting sustainable transport policies and climate change commitments.
Utilities and Services Under Pressure
• Water supply infrastructure is insufficient for major development, with Severn
Trent Water's Resource Management Plan identifying the area as a "water
stressed zone" with limited capacity for additional connections.
• Wastewater treatment capacity is severely limited, with local treatment works
operating near permitted capacity according to the Water Cycle Study.
• Healthcare services in the area are already stretched beyond capacity, with
local medical centres operating above recommended patient-to-GP ratios and
no physical capacity for expansion on their current sites.
• Educational facilities have limited capacity for growth, with local schools
already at or near capacity and limited options for expansion.

Environmental Constraints
Biodiversity and Wildlife Impacts
• Site X1 contains or directly impacts significant ecological assets:
o The site includes known wildlife corridors that provide essential
connectivity between designated habitat areas.
o Comprehensive ecological surveys in the vicinity have documented
multiple protected species including bats, great crested newts, and
priority bird species that would be threatened by development.
o The Habitat Regulations Assessment raises concerns about potential
adverse effects on nearby protected sites through increased recreational
pressure, water quality degradation, and air quality impacts.
• The site contains irreplaceable habitats:
o Ancient and veteran trees are present within or adjacent to the
development area, representing irreplaceable habitats that cannot be
mitigated through new planting.
o Mature hedgerows with significant ecological and historical value would
be fragmented or lost.
• Water quality issues pose significant concerns:
Development would increase surface water runoff into local
watercourses already failing to meet "good ecological status" under the
Water Framework Directive.
o The site's development risks pollution to groundwater resources in an
area identified as having high groundwater vulnerability.
Landscape Character and Heritage
• The distinctive rural character of the landscape would be fundamentally altered
by development:
o The Warwickshire Landscape Character Assessment identifies this area
as having high sensitivity to change that would be irreparably damaged by
development.
o The site contributes significantly to the rural setting of nearby historic
settlements
• The setting of heritage assets would be compromised:
o The development would adversely affect the setting of multiple listed
buildings and non-designated heritage assets in the vicinity.
o Important views and vistas that contribute to the area's distinctive
character would be permanently lost.
Agricultural Land and Soil Quality
• Site X1 includes significant areas of high-quality agricultural land (classified as
Grade 2 and 3a under the Agricultural Land Classification system) which
represents some of the best and most versatile farmland in the country.
• The National Planning Policy Framework emphasizes the importance of
protecting such high-quality agricultural land, which once developed is lost
forever as a food production resource.
• At a time of increasing food security concerns and with Brexit implications for UK
agriculture, the loss of prime agricultural land is particularly concerning.
Climate Change and Flood Risk Considerations
• The site includes areas at elevated risk of flooding:
o Parts of the site lie within or adjacent to Flood Zones 2 and 3 as identified
in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.
o Climate change models predict increased rainfall in the region by 15-20%
during winter months by 2050, making flood-prone areas even more
vulnerable.
o Surface water flooding is already a documented issue in parts of the site
and surrounding areas.
• Development would increase carbon emissions:
o The car-dependent nature of the location would generate significant
additional vehicle movements, contradicting climate emergency
declarations by both district councils.
o The carbon embodied in the greenfield land would be released,
representing a loss of natural carbon storage capacity estimated at 30-50
tonnes of carbon per hectare.

Questionable Housing Need
Demographic Projections
• The Office for National Statistics has revised its latest projected rate of
population growth for the UK down from earlier forecasts, with the 2022-based
projections showing a 7.3% increase rather than the earlier 15.8% forecast.
• Much of the projected population increase is in older age groups, with a 43%
projected increase in residents over 75 by 2043, suggesting a need for specialist
housing rather than large-scale general development.
• Internal migration patterns indicate a shift away from rural areas towards urban
centres that offer better services and employment, as documented in the
Housing Market Assessment.
Housing Market Analysis
• Current housing stock in South Warwickshire includes significant numbers of
vacant (2.7%) and second homes (3.1%) according to the latest Housing Stock
Survey, suggesting that better utilisation of existing stock could address some
housing need.
• Housing affordability remains a key issue, but evidence from the Affordable
Housing Viability Assessment suggests large-scale market housing development
does little to improve affordability.
• Recent developments in the area have consistently failed to deliver the
promised affordable housing percentages, with actual delivery averaging 22%
against targets of 35-40%.
• The Barford Neighbourhood Plan conducted a detailed housing needs
assessment which identified a limited need for just 10-15 additional affordable
homes and a small number of smaller market homes for downsizing, rather than
large-scale development.
Economic Considerations
• Job creation in the area does not match the scale of proposed housing growth,
with the Economic Development Strategy forecasting just 0.8% annual
employment growth.
• Many new residents would likely commute out of the district, creating dormitory
settlements rather than sustainable communities, as evidenced by current
commuting patterns showing 40% of residents working outside the district.
• Small and medium-sized businesses in the area report difficulty expanding due
to various factors, suggesting limited employment growth potential according to
the Business Survey.

Case Studies: Relevant Development Impacts
Bremridge Close Development, Barford
• This relatively small development (29 homes) resulted in significant unexpected
impacts:
o Traffic congestion at nearby junctions increased by 37% during peak
hours
o School capacity was immediately exceeded, requiring temporary
classroom installation
o Surface water drainage problems emerged in heavy rainfall events,
affecting existing properties
o The promised affordable housing component was reduced from 40% to
25% during the planning process
o Biodiversity monitoring showed a net loss of habitat value despite
mitigation measures
Similar Development Sites in South Warwickshire
• Other comparable developments in South Warwickshire demonstrate the risks
associated with Site X1:
o Healthcare services became overwhelmed with new patient
registrations, increasing average wait times for GP appointments from 5
to 14 days.
o Local road networks experienced significant congestion at peak times,
with junction delays increasing substantially.
o Character of historic village centres was compromised according to
Conservation Area Reviews.
o Wildlife corridor disruption led to documented decline in bat activity and
other wildlife compared to pre-development baseline surveys.
o The promised integration of new communities with existing settlements
often failed to materialise, with distinct social separation emerging.
Alternate Approaches
Rather than pursuing the fundamentally flawed development of both Site X1 and Land
on the East side of Church Lane, Barford, sustainable alternatives include:
1. Respect for Adopted Neighbourhood Plans: The Barford Neighbourhood Plan
exemplifies a community-led approach to identifying appropriate small-scale
development sites within existing settlement boundaries that respect local
character and meet genuine local needs.
2. Focus on Brownfield Regeneration: The South Warwickshire Brownfield
Register identifies 37 sites with the potential for 1,842 homes, which should be
prioritised before considering greenfield development at locations like Site X1.
3. Urban Densification: Opportunities exist to sensitively increase density in
urban areas with existing infrastructure, particularly in Leamington, Warwick, and Stratford town centres, where accessibility to services and sustainable
transport options is higher.
4. Infrastructure-Led Development: Any significant new development should
follow the "infrastructure first" approach outlined in the Infrastructure Delivery
Plan, ensuring that transportation, healthcare, education, and utilities capacity
precedes, rather than follows, housing development.
5. Respect for Environmental Constraints: The Natural Environment Strategy and
local Neighbourhood Plans both emphasise the importance of respecting
environmental constraints and protecting the distinctive character of the area.

Conclusions
The proposed development of Site X1 represents an unsustainable, inappropriate, and
harmful approach to meeting housing needs in South Warwickshire. The evidence
presented demonstrates conclusively that this site faces significant constraints that
make it unsuitable for development. The existing infrastructure is inadequate, with
limited potential for enhancement; environmental constraints are substantial and
include irreplaceable natural assets; and the actual housing need, when carefully
analysed, appears less urgent than often portrayed.
Furthermore, the proposal contradicts established planning principles and
democratically adopted local plans, which represent the clearly expressed wishes of
local communities. Recent experience with similar developments in the area provides
clear evidence of the negative impacts that would result.
I strongly urge the rejection of the proposed development at Site X1 and the adoption of
more sustainable, appropriate approaches to meeting genuine housing needs in South
Warwickshire.