Representation to LDF section PO4 relating to area described as 'On the edge of Warwick, Leamington Spa & Whitnash, Whitnash East (South of Sydenham).

Representation

The proposals run counter to many planning principles laid down in Chapter 15 and particularly to the National Planning Policy Framework of sub-section 15.8; see the highlighted items below.

A majority of Whitnash residents live within ten minutes walk of Church Lane, currently the main access route to the area proposed for development. This is the only local green space where residents may walk and cycle in a safe and almost traffic-free environment. The bridleway to which Church Lane leads is the ancient track connecting Whitnash directly to Radford Semele and is thus an important part of the historic environment. Development of this site would completely destroy this unique feature.
This bridleway is much used by residents for general exercise well away from the bustle of the urban area and also for access to the popular Whitnash Brook and its adjacent Nature Reserve. For those wanting a longer walk, beyond the brook the bridleway links to a dense network of public footpaths, tracks and bridleways that are nowhere else found so close to the urban area. The proposed development would discourage walkers, cyclists and equestrians from using this valuable green space as they would have to pass through another long stretch of built-up area to reach open countryside.
Another important feature of this bridleway is that beyond the railway there opens up a very wide and attractive view of the surrounding countryside encompassing Radford Semele, Whitnash Brook, Crown Hill, the ridge on which Harbury stands and Chesterton Windmill. The footpath to Crown Hill runs off the bridleway and from this vantage point there are views to Leamington, Warwick, Hatton, Whitnash, Harbury, Chesterton Windmill and the Cotswolds. These views of our surrounding countryside are invaluable for the well-being of an increasingly urbanised population and would be severely compromised or lost completely should the proposals be put into effect. The network of paths, bridleways and tracks is of great value for educational purposes for, if used imaginatively, they enable local school children to appreciate their natural environment and to come into direct contact with both the stock rearing and arable aspects of local agriculture.
Development of cycle tracks and footpaths from Sydenham into this area together with the excellent public transport links between South Leamington and Whitnash will give residents from these parts of Leamington direct access to open countryside to the benefit of their well-being and will also promote social cohesion and inclusion. (see sub-section 13.1). As regards biodiversity, the area close to Whitnash has been host to a large brown hare population and the presence of otters in Whitnash Brook has been reported, their habitat being under threat should the proposed development take place.
It should be noted that the rising ground to the southern end of the Sydenham district and the railway line running through Whitnash provide clear boundaries to the urban areas and it is hoped that these limits will be respected despite much of the land in the area being in the hands of developers.
To these positive benefits of removing the area from the list of preferred sites for development must be added the negative one of including it. This relates to the tendency of the lower parts of the area to be shrouded in mist in the early hours of the morning and this, coupled with the carrying of emissions from diesel locomotives into this area by the prevailing winds, does not make for a healthy environment in which to build houses.
None of these threats to our green environment can be appreciated by study of maps and plans but only by treading the footpaths and byways that pass through this delightful landscape. It is hoped than this will be safeguarded for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Change to Plan

In the first instance move the proposed development to Phase 3 to allow mature consideration of the above proposals by all interested parties and ultimately remove this area from the list of preferred options.
To compensate for the loss of potential housing, replace this preferred option by the highest in the list of those considered but which was excluded from the preferred option list. Alternatively, spread the housing around the area, including villages, by making a small increase to the individual allocations.