I am pleased that Warwick District Council has recognised that the Exceptional Circumstances to develop the Green Belt to the North of Leamington do not exist and that as a consequence the risks of the Local Plan being found unsound at public enquiry are reduced.

I believe that new development should be concentrated where there are existing employment opportunities and infrastructure to support the development. I also think it is essential for new development to be properly planned and controlled, and where necessary there is adequate investment in new roads and other infrastructure to support that development.

The Revised Development Strategy fulfils these objectives. Recent evidence shows that the revised plan may have less traffic congestion, less pollution and improved schools and other facilities than building on North Leamington's Green Belt. For these reasons I support the Revised Development Strategy."