Q-W4: Please add any comments you wish to make about a healthy, safe and inclusive South Warwickshire

We agree with a pollution policy as it can reduce harm to residents. For example, by improving air quality by accelerating the take-up of EVs with fast EV chargers and incentives.

The Green Belt around North Leamington is a valued open space, and easily accessible on foot from North Leamington. In surveys residents say that the open Green Belt location is the thing they value most about living in the area, with benefits for both physical and mental health. During Lockdown the use of these public footpaths and permissive rights increased hugely, and these high levels of use still continue. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever

In surveys residents say that the open Green Belt location is the thing they value most about living in the area, with benefits for both physical and mental health. It is easily accessible on foot from North Leamington so many people can access the public rights of way across the fields. Use of these footpaths increased markedly during lockdown and these high levels of use continue today. The agricultural land continues to provide rural employment and undergo diversification of farming techniques. Its continued use for modern arable, grazing and wildlife refuge helps preserve the characteristics of the rural Victorian village of Old Milverton enjoyed by so many. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever.

The Green Belt around North Leamington is a valued open space. In surveys residents say that the open Green Belt location is the thing they value most about living in the area, with benefits for both physical and mental health. It is easily accessible on foot from North Leamington so many people can access the public rights of way across the fi elds. Use of these footpaths increased markedly during lockdown and these high levels of use continue today. The agricultural land continues to provide rural employment and undergo diversification of farming techniques. Its continued use for modern arable, grazing and wildlife refuge helps preserve the characteristics of the rural Victorian village of Old Milverton enjoyed by so many. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever.

The Green Belt around North Leamington is a valued open space. In surveys residents say that the open Green Belt location is the thing they value most about living in the area, with benefits for both physical and mental health. It is easily accessible on foot from North Leamington so many people can access the public rights of way across the fields. Use of these footpaths increased markedly during lockdown and these high levels of use continue today. The agricultural land continues to provide rural employment and undergo diversification of farming techniques. Its continued use for modern arable, grazing and wildlife refuge helps preserve the characteristics of the rural Victorian village of Old Milverton enjoyed by so many. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever.

n the list of types of open space, section W4 does not mention public rights of way through the countryside. Yet these are a valued feature of the Green Belt land north of Leamington Spa, for the following reasons. The Green Belt around North Leamington is a valued open space. In surveys residents say that the open Green Belt location is the thing they value most about living in the area, with benefits for both physical and mental health. It is easily accessible on foot from North Leamington so many people can access the public rights of way across the fields. Use of these footpaths increased markedly during lockdown and these high levels of use continue today. The agricultural land continues to provide rural employment and undergo diversification of farming techniques. Its continued use for modern arable, grazing and wildlife refuge helps preserve the characteristics of the rural Victorian village of Old Milverton enjoyed by so many. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever.

In the list of types of open space, section W4 does not mention public rights of way through the countryside. Yet these are a valued feature of the Green Belt land north of Leamington Spa, for the following reasons. The Green Belt around North Leamington is a valued open space. In surveys residents say that the open Green Belt location is the thing they value most about living in the area, with benefits for both physical and mental health. It is easily accessible on foot from North Leamington so many people can access the public rights of way across the fields. Use of these footpaths increased markedly during lockdown and these high levels of use continue today. The agricultural land continues to provide rural employment and undergo diversification of farming techniques. Its continued use for modern arable, grazing and wildlife refuge helps preserve the characteristics of the rural Victorian village of Old Milverton enjoyed by so many. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever.

[Argument 2] In the discussion of types of open space, I am truly surprised about the reference to public rights of way. The footpath from the end of Guys Cliffe Avenue is the only footpath to open fields from the top of central Leamington; this opportunity to get into nature is invaluable for residents. This was the case during the COVID lockdown. But it remains true and is increasingly relevant with increasing issues of mental health and wellbeing. A developed park in the middle of town is in no way comparable in effect on health and wellbeing. Especially because the parks in town (JGardens, Victoria Park) are already absurdly overcrowded with queues forming at play areas. We need real nature to stay sane in Leamington and South Warwickshire more widely. In the context of the proposed damaging development of the North Leamington green belt, this important consideration must not be ignored.

The area to the North of Leamington between Blackdown and Old Milverton contains a string of well trodden public rights of way, very much valued features of the green belt on which there are proposals to develop. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever and should not be destroyed by development.

I would like to see more emphasis on public open spaces and usable footpaths, including through the countryside around us as there is very little actual access to the countryside despite being surrounded by it. This is especially true direct from urban and suburban areas. It is often necessary to drive to access the countryside., as there are also few buses. New allotments, new parks and gardens, new natural areas and new outdoor sports facilities should be considered as part of any new large housing developments.

There is no mention of the existence or indeed importance of footpaths in the North Leamington area. These are incredibly important ways for people to access and enjoy the countryside, to exercise, and to walk dogs - all vital ways for very large numbers of people to maintain their mental and physical wellbeing in a way that fits in with farming practices and wildlife. There are very limited number of footpaths in the area, making them very precious to local people - those few that exist should be preserved rather than built on (which seems to be the current suggestion in all the proposed strategies).

I am concerned and don't really understand why Public Open Space for Leisure and Informal Recreation will not be included in Part 1 of the SWLP. This issue should be front and centre of any development plan. There is so much evidence now that access to natural play areas is beneficial for healthy child development. Access to open spaces has also be shown to have big positive impacts on physical health and mental wellbeing. Green landscapes should be enjoyed in everyday life (literally everyday) whether that is looking out of the window, walking to the shops or work, sport, play or quiet contemplation.

Housing sites that provide and/or are in proximity of substantial areas of green open space should be afforded significant weight. It is important that new housing promotes inclusive, healthy, and active communities and siting housing schemes nearby large green areas would help facilitate this. Our client’s site provides an excellent opportunity to locate new housing adjacent to a large green space. The northern boundary of the site abuts the extensive parkland area of the Kingston Grange application. There is a footpath proposed as part of the Kingston Grange application which would run parallel to the site just north of the boundary. The concept masterplan, submitted to the Stratford upon Avon’s Site Allocation’s Plan Preferred Options consultation, for our client’s site includes a pedestrian/cycle link through the site, and there is potential for this link to connect with that of the Kingston Grange application. Our client’s site would deliver healthy, safe, and inclusive housing where future residents would have direct access to ample on-site and off-site open green spaces.

There is great concern that there appears to little reassurance in terms of planning, resources and funding that shows local authorities will meet the additional needs of local populations where significant expansion of these populations are made. This will result in the reduction of access to preventative medicine at both a personal and population level. On top of this on-going care of chronic disease will be negatively impacted. These services would need to be in place prior to any planning consideration. There appears to be no identification of access to A&E or minor accident units. Henley residents are required to make over 30 minute car journeys to reach any facility.

In the lists of types of open space, section W4 does not mention public rights of way through the countryside. Yet these are a highly valued feature of the Green Belt Land north of Leamington Spa for the following reasons. In surveys residents say that the open Green Belt location is the thing they value most about living in the area, with benefits for both physical and mental health. It is easily accessible on foot from North Leamington so many people can access the public rights of way across the fields. Use of these footpaths increased markedly during lockdown and these high levels of use continue today. The agricultural land continues to provide rural employment and undergo diversification of farming techniques. Its continued use for modern arable, grazing and wildlife refuge helps preserve the characteristics of the rural Victorian village of Old Milverton enjoyed by so many. The recreational, educational and health benefits to those in surrounding urban and suburban areas are important now more than ever.

The kind of amenity provided should be subject to climate and biodiversity evaluation, and to the number of people catered for. Seeking space for urban community farming, e.g. for rooftop farming in town centres, as is happening in some European cities (e.g. Paris) would be a great way of building community.

Policy Option W2 asks whether Health Impact Assessments should be required to be submitted alongside major development applications. Health Impact Assessments should be reserved for large scale applications and should not be required for single phase Retirement Housing schemes. It is considered that their requirement for single phase schemes would be disproportionate and an unnecessary burden on providers of specialist accommodation for older persons. The Council should note that there is a common misconception that older person’s housing places an additional burden on healthcare infrastructure and therefore if option W2a is chosen any screening or checklist introduced should recognise this and/or the threshold for screening of such housing should be set much higher (say 75 units). There is much evidence to support this such as from the Homes for Later Living report, September 2019 which identifies that ‘Each person living in a home for later living enjoys a reduced risk of health challenges, contributing fiscal savings to the NHS and social care services of approximately £3,500 per year’.

In its list of Public Open Spaces, Section W4 does not mention public rights of way through the countryside. These are an important and highly valued feature of the Green Belt land north of Leamington Spa. They are also important for biodiversity as human activity is confined to footpaths so they are a very particular and important type of open space. Strategic Objective 5 seeks to “protect what already exists” however each one of the five spatial growth options would remove this highly valued local resource forever. The Local Plan should acknowledge and protect this local resource rather than seek to develop it. It is another reason for reviewing and modifying the five spatial growth options.

No further comments to make, the public open spaces referred to, cover most options, although we would like to ensure that there are areas suitable for a football pitches, etc and other sporting activities, incorporated into a design.

Finish the public spaces that have yet to be finished!

It's so important that open space is accounted for. With so much building now, small play areas in the corner of a housing estate aren't good enough. We need big parks and open areas with significant play areas. Skate parks, mountain bike areas etc. General access to green space is also needed. Woodland, public footpaths, local circular walks. More development would also need more leisure facilities such as public swimming pools, sports pitches, tennis courts etc.

I know that Many people come out to the villages of South Warwickshire to enjoy leisure and informal recreation. I live in Weston under Wetherley and every day there are cyclists on the road through the village - at the weekend there are many cyclists coming from surrounding areas to enjoy the lanes. It is important to retain this for the many who enjoy this form of recreation and an increase in development in the Weston/Hunningham area is not compatible with this facility. I know many people who live locally walk in the open fields from Weston to Hunningham and back - also people who come to Weston to walk from there to Hunningham from surrounding towns - in the surrounding area of Weston under Wetherley and Hunningham there are footpaths and open spaces which should remain in tact for the people's leisure, health and well being.

The development of blue green corridors should be given priority particularly if they are conveniently accessible at their start on foot from towns. The development of a substantial corridor along the Leam valley east of Leamington Spa would be an excellent idea and could be combined with cycle paths promoting active travel. The existing road net work south east of Weston under Wetherley - including Hunningham, Birdingbury, Stockton, Napton on the Hill, Priors Marston and beyond - is very popular with recreational cyclists of all ages who are drawn to it from a wide area including from Leamington/Warwick and from Coventry and promotes health and well being . Any development which increases motorised traffic on these roads will significantly diminish its attractiveness and value and will discourage this use. Some signs of this are already apparent as a result of recent development in Long Itchington and Stockton.

no mention of rights of way through countryside?

it is a fallacy to assume that electric vehicles will reduce air pollution, The additional weight of electric vehicles will result in greater particulate emissions form tyres and brakes than from lighter petrol driven vehicles

Parks; the views from the Burton Dassett Country Park are extensive, on a clear day you can see the Malvern Hills. Access to GP: already under a great strain, all new sites should include a new surgery.

3.47 As explained in the Issues & Options, it is agreed that public open space is not a strategic priority to address in the SWLP Part 1. 3.48 Taylor Wimpey welcome further engagement on the “further evidence” to be collated to determine the level of public open space need in South Warwickshire. 3.49 Finally, it is agreed that public open space requirements will change over time and it is important for any non-strategic policy to be flexible to reflect any such changes to need.

Q W.1 Should the Part 1 plan include a policy on pollution? Yes, the UN has said everyone has a right to a healthy environment, including clean air, water and a stable climate. The Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill is being considered by the UK government to ensure the government takes action to bring air quality in every community up to World Health Organisation minimum standards. Henley High Street air pollution is already a problem and development will increase pollution.

Q W.1 Should the Part 1 plan include a policy on pollution? Yes. In August last year, the United Nations General Assembly declared that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment, including clean air, water and a stable climate. The Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill is being considered by the UK government to ensure the government takes action to bring air quality in every community up to World Health Organisation minimum standards PM 2.5 Air Pollutants on Henley High street already exceed WHO guidelines. Further development will increase congestion and pollution. Uptake of electric vehicles is slow so it is questionable that this will significantly mitigate this in our lifetimes. So yes, pollution should absolutely be taken into account. Q W.2 Option W2a: include a policy on Health Impact Assessments, Q W.3 Option W3a: Include an overall policy on health. Q4 QW.4 There is great concern that there appears to little reassurance in terms of planning, resources and funding that shows local authorities will meet the additional needs of local populations where significant expansion of these populations are made. This will result in the reduction of access to preventative medicine at both a personal and population level. On top of this on-going care of chronic disease will be negatively impacted. These services would need to be in place prior to any planning consideration. There appears to be no identification of access to A&E or minor accident units. Henley residents are required to make over 30 minute car journeys to reach any facility.

The NPPF8 identifies that planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places and provide the social, recreational and cultural facilities to serve the needs of the community. This includes the provision of safe and accessible green infrastructure, sports facilities and well-designed development layouts that encourage walking and cycling. Blue infrastructure corridors, including canal corridors, can play an important role in providing spaces which encourage people to spend time outside as well as providing direct active travel routes. BDWH has submitted a separate submission as part of the Call for Sites process, supported by a Vision Document, which outlines the opportunity that the allocation of land to the north west of Warwick Parkway Railway Station, adjacent to the Grand Union Canal, for residential development can provide in facilitating the creation of healthy active communities. 8 National Planning Policy Framework (2021). Paragraphs 92-93.