Cubbington Parish Council have discussed the issues contained in the Local Plan Preferred Options published by the District Council and wish to make the following comments:
1. There are considerable concerns regarding the proposal to redefine the boundaries of the Green Belt around rural parishes, including Cubbington. The Parish Council strongly oppose this proposal as, potentially, it could result in the loss of large areas of highly valued countryside which have been protected from development for very many years. If it is eventually decided to proceed with this review, the Parish Council would expect to be consulted about any proposals to change the Green Belt locally. At all costs, the Green Belt controlling the use of the land between Cubbington and Lillington, bordered by Rugby Road, Offchurch Road and Welsh Road must be protected.
2. It is understood that 15 to 20% of the Blackdown development site, designated as Location 5 in the Options, comes within the boundary of the Cubbington parish. This could result in up to 230 dwellings being built on this area alone with the balance of 940 dwellings being built on the adjoining area within the parish of Blackdown. The Parish Council anticipate that this number of additional dwellings, with possibly in excess of over 3000 residents, will have a major impact on the local infrastructure and the social, leisure and shopping facilities in Cubbington. Therefore, should this area be approved for development, the Parish Council's view is that they must be involved in the detailed planning and decisions about how the resulting infrastructure levy will be utilised.
3. It is understood that Old Milverton and Blackdown Joint Parish Council will be making representations regarding the development proposals of this land and Cubbington Parish Council support fully the comments they will be making.
4. In November 2009 a report was published by the Warwickshire Rural Community Council on the outcome of a housing needs survey carried out in the parish. This indicated that there was demand for a small number of affordable dwellings to be built in the parish for occupation by people who had family links with other residents in the parish. A scheme was subsequently devised by the WRCC for seven affordable dwellings to be built on an area of land off Coventry Road. To make this scheme financially viable it was suggested that, if necessary, a small number of additional houses should be built for sale on the open market. These proposals have not yet been able to proceed due to funding not being available through the District Council. However, the Parish Council understand that the matter is now being pursued with the involvement of the Orbit Housing Group. The Parish Council believe that this scheme should be reflected in the Local Plan to help ensure that it can proceed.