The published map suggests that this development would involve the removal of woodland adjacent to Glasshouse Lane and also extending down to the by-pass.The importance of this woodland is recognised by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust who manage the adjacent section,'Glasshouse Spinney' as a nature reserve. The WWT state in their guide book that 'although this strip of mature woodland resembles a planted shelterbelt, its origins are significantly older and account for its pleasing diversity'. Clearly the woodland is a significant habitat for a variety of wildlife. Glasshouse Lane is also a recommended site in the Butterfly Conservation booklet on Warwickshire's Butterflies which cite the 'many mature trees' as one of the reasons for the number and variety of butterflies found there.
At least in part due to its natural beauty many local residents make good use of the footpaths that traverse the woodland and clearly it acts as a 'green lung' between the present housing and the by-pass.The same is true of the sports field which is much used by young and older players alike for the exercise which we are continually being told is vital for our well-being.
Assuming the large estate is built there are obvious concerns about its infrastructure. Although the by-pass runs in a shallow cutting the noise pollution experienced in the development would be considerable. Even in the vicinity of the cricket pavilion the noise can be intrusive particularly when the wind is in the east or north-east. If Coventry Airport ever reopens one of its inward flight paths will be almost over the roofs of the houses nearest the by-pass. I presume there will have to be access from the estate onto Glasshouse Lane. The present access to Woodside is on a dangerous bend which was the site of a fatal accident a few years ago. The current access to the Wardens is not far from the bend either. The increased traffic flows will only exacerbate the situation.
One suspects most of the movement off the estate will be by car which will only add to the congestion being experienced in Birches Lane, Knowle Hill etc particularly during the rush hour.