Object

Preferred Options

Representation ID: 46910

Received: 25/07/2012

Respondent: Mrs Jane Chandler

Representation Summary:

Development of 100 houses in Radford Semele would lead to loss of village identity, increased traffic on the busy Southam Road and Fosse Way, (both of which are school routes), increased requirement for village school places and increased polution and noise. If developed to the east of the village this would increase flood risk, impact recreational activities and lead to habitat loss of many declining wildlife species.

Full text:

Having contacted Warwickshire Council it would appear there are currently no identified or preferred option sites for Radford Semele, in the absence of this information it is hard to comment specifically. It is also not clear when this information might become available, consultation on the draft local plan is Mar-Apr 2013, but again it is unclear how far proposals will be by then.
In general terms the need for 100 houses for Radford Semele is questionable, and that number would alter the village identity.
Development to the west of the village would leave very little margin between Sydenham, Whitnash and Leamington Spa.
Development to the east would present the following:-
Increased flooding risk: - Water currently absorbed by the agricultural land would, if this was developed, result in increased flooding risk, particularly in the Valley and Valley Road areas. This is owing to the way the land inclines.
Access/Traffic management: - Access via Southam Road or Fosse Way would increase traffic on these busy roads, both of which are school routes including routes to and from the village primary school and Southam College.
Facilities/Amenities: - An average of 2 children per household could result in a requirement for 200 additional places at the village primary school. The local medical practices and doctors surgeries would also be required to supply additional places. The late night bus service to Southam in the week has already been reduced and additional houses would result in additional vehicle use.
Recreational/leisure:-.The footpaths and bridle ways to the east of the village are frequently used by horse riders, joggers, dog walkers and ramblers.
Wildlife/conservation.:- The land to the east of Radford Semele is the habitat for the following species, many of which are in decline: - Lapwings, Bats, Newts, Cuckoos, Sparrow hawks, Kestrels and Buzzards, Owls, Hares. There are also many old oak, ash and sycamore trees and a variety of wildlife encouraging hedgerows.