Cubbington Neighbourhood Development Plan - Regulation 16 Submission
2.0 Cubbington Neighbourhood Development Plan Key Issues, Vision and Objectives
Early Consultation and Engagement
2.1 An online questionnaire survey was conducted Between January and April 2022 with a response from some 300 people, this found that:
- The majority of residents like living in Cubbington.
- 84% wanted no new housing but if there was any then the development should be assessed on its impact on village, not in isolation.
- 99% wanted open spaces preserved.
- A significant majority wanted to protect existing nature, environment and open land, and landscape views.
- The majority of respondents were over 59, have lived in Cubbington over 10 years and were working full time or retired.
- The majority of workers were in local employment, Cubbington or neighbouring towns, and predominately used private cars to travel to work, usually within 30 minutes travel time.
- A large percentage of residents were in favour of more youth club/facilities.
- Primarily people live in a privately owned house with 2 vehicles available to many households.
- The population is relatively static, only 5% had moved out as because the area was unaffordable – 7% of respondents have relatives who want to move back to the area.
- 9% have their own business and live in Cubbington.
- The use of community facilities question indicated that an improvement to existing provision was felt to be necessary and this would help community cohesion.
Key issues
2.2 Using the survey responses, published technical information and other available evidence the following key issues have been identified for the future of Cubbington and the CNDP:
- Maintain Green Belt protection. Previously landowners previously have offered to sell or develop land within the current Local Plan period, that ends in 2029. Continued engagement with the Charitable Trust and other landowners will be crucial as will be involvement in the preparation of the South Warwickshire Local Plan. This issue and the potential growth of new housing will become clearer as the new South Warwickshire Local Plan 2030-2050 that puts forward a further 35,000 homes and 330 hectares of employment emerges.
- New housing. Should this be limited in number to protect the separate identity of Cubbington?
- Employment growth of neighbouring areas. For example, from south Coventry. This could lead to pressure for housing growth in Cubbington and would, therefore, impact on Cubbington' s environment infrastructure, utilities, schools, and transport. Any effects from the Warwick District Council's Master Plan project for south of Coventry need to be addressed.
- HS2. Potential impact on the local environment and pressure for changes to the Green Belt boundary.
- Community facilities. Are they sufficient and of suitable quality to meet the needs of the existing population and possible population growth?
- Local environment. With all these potential pressures there is need to protect the natural environment and built heritage e.g. from increased traffic, noise and pollution.
Informal Consultation 2023
2.3 The informal consultation held in May/June 2023 yielded 67 responses. Overall these were very positive with 55 residents saying they supported the plan. The detailed comments submitted are summarised below:
- Support for local employment should be added to the objectives, unless this is addressed in the SWLP, this will reduce the need to travel and help reduce climate change impacts.
- Paragraph 5.14 on design is ambiguous.
- Figure 12 [of the informal draft plan] showing the significant views should be improved.
- Green Belt land should continue to be protected, including for its agricultural and wildlife value.
- Windmill Hill, Rugby Road and Kenilworth Road have more and more traffic, often speeding way over the speed limit, and always reducing the quality of Cubbington air but increasing the noise pollution for residents, cyclists, and pedestrians, particularly our children, walking to and from school.
- Building houses without providing new available local employment (none of which has been identified yet) will only increase the amount of commuting and increase the dangers outlined above.
- The plan could include proposals for the building cycle paths, reducing speed on the roads, providing quieter road surfaces, improving width and quality of footpaths, thereby encouraging people to adopt healthier attitudes to travelling and living.
- Future development will always be a possibility on fringe areas of towns. It would be a great shame to see development around the edges of the village. A further problem is caused by HS2 setting a boundary for future development. This should be avoided by putting in place policies now.
Cubbington Neighbourhood Development Plan Draft Vision and Draft Objectives
2.4 To address issues raised in the survey and the key issues identified in this plan the NPSG have worked up the following draft Vision and Objectives.
2.5 To achieve this Draft Vision we have identified the following draft objectives for the CNDP:
Cubbington Neighbourhood Development Plan Draft Vision
The Cubbington Neighbourhood Development Plan aims to identify the expectations and aspirations of Cubbington residents for the future protection of the parish’s environment, community, housing, employment, transport and leisure facilities.
Via research, surveys, and public consultation the Plan will identify how these wishes can be aligned with local and central government policies.
The Plan can then help inform both the Parish Council and Warwick District and Warwickshire County Council when considering the future of Cubbington village and surrounding area and in determining planning applications.
OBJECTIVE 1 – To protect and enhance green spaces.
OBJECTIVE 2 – To ensure any new development creates high quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places that reinforce the identity of Cubbington and the surrounding countryside.
OBJECTIVE 3 – To conserve and enhance the natural environment and built heritage assets of the area.
OBJECTIVE 4 – To protect and enhance local community facility provision.
OBJECTIVE 5 – To ensure any new development is of a proportionate scale and supported by sufficient infrastructure so that it minimises impact on Cubbington's existing communities.