Preferred Options

The transport strategy and provisions set out under Policy PO12 are broadly supported. We agree with the importance of locating development in locations which both minimise the need to travel and help promote sustainable forms of transport (such as walking, cycling and public transport). Land north of Gallows Hill/west of Europa Way represents such a site. Not only is land at this location within easy walking distance of existing schools, shops, and employment opportunities but also lies adjacent cycle paths, bus-based public transport corridors and is within easy access of both Leamington and Warwick railway stations, and town centres.

The principle of park and rides are supported provided such schemes are well conceived and well designed. Unfortunately we do not believe that is the case with regards the proposed "virtual" P&R on land in the vicinity of the Harbury roundabout as graphically illustrated on Map 5. It is our considered view that a P&R in this general location would be unsuccessful. To have any chance of being effective, a P&R needs to be located either on the very periphery of the urban area/ or beyond it to capture 'customers' before they are caught in the very traffic they wish to avoid. During preparation of the current adopted District Local Plan, on technical grounds the County Council favoured land around Greys Mallory for a P&R site over land on north side of Heathcote roundabout and to the west of Europa Way. In his report on the Inquiry into the Plan, the Inspector endorsed this view agreeing that Greys Mallory had distinct advantages in transport terms over possible sites at Heathcote roundabout (Inspector's Report, paragraphs 10.7.13 to 16).

We reserve the right to comment on other identified '"possible transport infrastructure" proposals, as illustrated on Map 5 and presented in the accompanying Draft Infrastructure Plan, once these proposals have been further developed in line with the a refinement of development proposals in the emerging new Local Plan.

We broadly support Policy PO15 and recognise that positively designed Green Infrastructure can create habitat linkages and reduce habitat and species fragmentation and isolation. It can also lead to the provision of good quality, inclusive and sustainable open spaces offering a variety of functions including recreation within easy access of new and existing residents of the District.

As part of emerging development proposals on land north of Gallows Hill/west of Europa Way we have prepared a draft illustrative masterplan for the site which is based around a green open space framework that seeks to protect and enhance existing site assets including Myton Brook which currently lies partly in culvert and which has potential to be opened-up to form an open watercourse running across the site, with opportunities to also enhance its ecology.

SUPPORT in principle but OBJECT to specific proposed designation.


We acknowledge the Council's intention to identify and protect within the District a number of green wedges which are considered "important for their ecological, landscape and/or access functions in the setting of different urban areas and urban fringes". While we support this initiative, we do not believe that the existing playing fields associated with school's located off Myton Road accord with the stated purpose of designated 'Green Wedges" and instead represent a remnant of the former wider AOR designation in the area. For these reasons we believe that the playing fields should not be taken forward for possible consideration as a 'Green Wedge' in the next version of the Plan. Any proposed Green Wedge designation will, by the time of the examination in to the Plan, need to be justified and supported by an appropriate evidence base.

Support the strategic allocation of land north of Gallows Hill/west of Europa Way for development (Myton Garden Suburb)

Support the strategic allocation of land north of Gallows Hill/west of Europa Way for development (Myton Garden Suburb)

Object to the proposed location of a P&R facility on land in the vicinity of the Harbury roundabout

We acknowledge the Council's intention to identify and protect within the District a number of green wedges which are considered "important for their ecological, landscape and/or access functions in the setting of different urban areas and urban fringes". While we support this initiative, we do not believe that the existing playing fields associated with school's located off Myton Road accord with the stated purpose of designated 'Green Wedges" and instead represent a remnant of the former wider AOR designation in the area. For these reasons we believe that the playing fields should not be taken forward for possible consideration as a 'Green Wedge' in the next version of the Plan. Any proposed Green Wedge designation will, by the time of the examination in to the Plan, need to be justified and supported by an appropriate evidence base.

COMMENT - Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

Whilst the Local Plan may be underpinned by the principles of sustainable development, this is not the same as a 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' which lies at the heart of the Government's National Planning Policy Framework. It clear from paragraph 15 of the NPPF that policies in Local Plans will be expected to provide guidance on how the presumption will be applied locally. A model policy has been drafted by the Planning Inspectorate which can be used by local authorities in their development plans. If the District Council chooses to use this policy we recommend it should be modified to address the applicability of the presumption locally.