I strongly object to the proposal to develop on the Blackdown and North of Milverton sites because it does not comply with the Government's National Planning Policy Framework for development in the Green Belt. In particular:
1) There are alternatives: the 2009 Core Plan catered for more homes than the current plan and did not involve development of the Green Belt between Leamington and Kenilworth.
2) It threatens the distinctive identities of Leamington, Kenilworth and Old Milverton by significantly reducing the green space between them.
3) It will destroy the lovely northern gateway to Leamington and Kenilworth - one of the things that make the towns desirable both to residents and visitors. Creating another Europa Way will threaten the vision the council has for the area.
4) The area has huge visual and physical amenity value. It is much used for walking, running, riding and cycling and significantly enhances people's quality of life - not just that of residents but also those who travel from around the area to enjoy it.
5) A new relief road through the development and bypassing Old Milverton would further encroach on this village and would simply encourage higher levels of car ownership and car journeys, at a time when we should be seeking to look at more public transport and cycling options. There is also the likelihood that it would simply provide a quick route for people to get onto the A46, to jobs and out of town shopping opportunities - contrary to the supposed vision of promoting thriving town centres. I am also shocked that this major proposal is given little, if any, mention in the Local Plan document itself.
6) It will violate an important nature corridor along the River Avon and involve construction on the flood plain at Leek Wootton.
7) Very importantly, it will result in the loss of a significant amount of high quality agricultural land. I have been dismayed at the lack of importance councillors at public meetings have placed on the value and importance of agricultural land. It may not be part of the definition of 'Green Belt', but this does not mean it should be disregarded or classed as 'unimportant'.