Object

Revised Development Strategy

Representation ID: 53602

Received: 26/07/2013

Respondent: Mr John Lock

Representation Summary:

The increase in housing estimates from 10,800 to 12,300 is without foundation, being still subject to review against adjoining authorities (e.g. Coventry and Stratford) and being based on challengeable methods. Indeed an alternative authoritative report by Bishop's Tachbrook Parish Council suggests a likely requirement of 5,400 homes, less than half the WDC estimate. Even this number will add over 10,000 people and some 15,000 vehicles to the area, resulting in additional traffic congestion and air pollution, both already at unacceptable levels.

Local MP Chris White has written to Cllr. Doody on 24 June 2013 expressing concerns about the housing estimate and urging WDC to "respect the views of local residents".

Full text:

1. The increase in housing estimates from 10,800 to 12,300 is without foundation, being still subject to review against adjoining authorities (e.g. Coventry and Stratford) and being based on challengeable methods. Indeed an alternative authoritative report by Bishop's Tachbrook Parish Council suggests a likely requirement of 5,400 homes, less than half the WDC estimate. Even this number will add over 10,000 people and some 15,000 vehicles to the area, resulting in additional traffic congestion and air pollution, both already at unacceptable levels.
2. An increase from 100 to 150 new homes has been included for Hampton Magna, resulting in additional population higher than the total at this time in the adjoining village of Hampton on the Hill. Amenities for these villages are already overstretched. The single road through these villages is a "rat run" by speeding traffic to Warwick Parkway and the M40. More and urgent attention should be given to improving the existing infrastructure.
3. The alternative estimate of 5,400 homes requires no development to take place in the villages mentioned in the Plan, thereby protecting the Green Belt and the Rural nature.
4. Local MP Chris White has written to Cllr. Doody on 24 June 2013 expressing concerns about the housing estimate and urging WDC to "respect the views of local residents".
5. The selection of 20 proposed sites for Gypsies and Travellers has caused unnecessary alarm among residents. Six of the sites are within two miles of Hampton on the Hill and Hampton Magna, an area with already overstretched amenities. The 31 pitches required should be placed on the fringes of other, much larger, proposed housing developments, which will provide convenient access to better amenities.