We wish to state that we strongly oppose the WDC preferred options for building on agricultural and Green Belt land in the areas of Old Milverton and Blackdown.

Your proposals go totally against the Governments National Planning Policy Framework for development in the Green Belt.

As we understand it: -

Proposed Old Milverton and Blackdown Housing Development

The Green Belt designation is there to preserve the rural character & aspect of the surrounding areas between Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Cubbington.

To prevent the merging of currently developed areas and stop urban sprawl.

To retain areas that residents and visitors enjoy in the pursuit of walking, running, cycling and other outside activities.

To play a role in tackling climate change, in conjunction with the countryside beyond the Green Belt Boundary.

The GNPPF clearly states, there must be Very Special Circumstances for the Green Belt to be considered & put forward for development.

We do not believe that any of the criteria in the framework is met for Very Special Circumstances to be applied.

The development in both areas is inappropriate and will harm the green belt.

You have not shown or demonstrated how your reason to develop the Green Belt does not harm the Green Belt/the habitat of wildlife/ the rural aspect or state how it will be for the better of the current local residents of both areas.


What surveys have been carried out on the wildlife population and the impact of hedges, ditches and streams being removed and lost in both areas?

We as a nation are importing more and more food for ourselves and feedstuffs for our animals which just increases our carbon foot print.

We need to retain all agricultural land in Blackdown and Old Milverton.

This is good high quality agricultural land none of which is lying dormant or derelict.

You will be taking away our local Farmers' lively hoods.

You do not say how your current preferred option outweighs the proposals put forward in your previous 2009 Approved Core Plan. In that plan no Green Belt was incorporated.

Why is the already designated White Belt not incorporated in your 2012 proposals?
This is a vast area surely a large part of this should be used.

You state you wish to retain green spaces and green belt between existing Towns, villages and current developments. You do not apply this wish to the already developed Hamlet of Blackdown on the Stoneleigh Road.


New and Upgraded Roads

We are appalled that the option includes a new road linking Blackdown and Old Milverton to the A46 at Leek Wootton. We cannot even start to accept that this road will serve any good purpose.

The new road will again cut through precious green belt, agricultural land and wildlife
Habitat.

What are the consequences and cost of building on a natural flood plane?

This new main road to the A46 together with the proposed Leamington to Kenilworth Dual Carriageway upgrade and the Stoneleigh Road upgrade will bring all Leamington Spa bound traffic from the A46 and B4113 to merge at the Blackdown Island.

The existing single carriage road leading into Leamington Spa from the Blackdown Island will not be able to cope with this additional traffic even when upgraded.
You will create a massive grid lock on most mornings and evenings at the Blackdown Island.

This together with the proposed new housing in Blackdown and Old Milverton will only add to the enormous morning and evening current traffic problems by bringing more and more cars into an already congested area.

The Park & Ride system will not help this situation. People who own a car will use them and not wait for a bus.

Stoneleigh Park

We note you do not mention in your booklet the site on Stoneleigh Park that is designated by WDC as a Major Development Site.

When will we be informed about the development plans for this large area?
Should this not be part of your local plan 2012?

We understand that La Salle at Stoneleigh Park have plans for road improvements to give a better flow to the A46.

You should be joining forces with them to plan and develop a separate link to the A46.
This would ease the traffic problems at Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Blackdown and Chesford plus other local roads and areas.

Look at the route of the HS2, B4115 to A46. A parallel road could be built.

The cost would be substantially lower than the estimated 28M for the Northern Relief Road and not destroy additional land.

It would also mean that persons can travel to the A46 or M40 without coming through Blackdown, Old Milverton and Leamington.

Other Questions/statements

What surveys have been taken to identify derelict properties and areas within Leamington itself?

What steps are being taken to contact owners of properties that have been left empty for many years? Many of which are becoming an eyesore.
These properties should be brought back into use.

We have an office in Station Approach Leamington Spa and have just received a neighbour planning application for a permanent car park in Station Approach.

This land has been identified as building land on your May 2012 Local Plan.
The Car Park should retain temporary status.
We will be objecting to this application.