COMMENT


We broadly support the Council rationale for 'balancing' the housing needs of Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash around the urban area as outlined under para 7.30. However, we do not believe that the reasons presented here justify a reduction in the overall quantum of housing which is now allocated on sites to the south of the urban area, compared to what was previously presented in the Preferred Options version of the Core Strategy. In particular, we object to the reduced number of houses allocated for land north of Gallows Hill/west of Europa Way and request that under Policy PO4 the number of dwellings allocated on this site is increased from 1,100 to 1,250 dwellings.

Para 7.31 presents what the Council sees as the advantages of locating some development to the north of Leamington Spa and Warwick. Whilst we broadly agree with the first two stated advantages, we consider that with regards the third stated advantage the Plan should acknowledge that the initial transport evidence presented to date does not suggest that the construction of a northern relief is definitely required or that it would be cost to do so.