As the Conservative Party's candidate in North Leamington in the May 2013 County Council elections I, along with colleagues, campaigned on a platform of firm opposition to any development of the Green Belt in North Leamington. I am pleased, therefore, that the Council has listened to the concerns of local residents and that the local plan does not propose any development of the Green Belt to the north of Leamington. I would urge the Council to retain this position when the final plan is brought forward.
At the same time, I recognise the concerns held regarding the proposed development to the south of Leamington and Warwick. Before any further development takes place in the District it is vitally important that we are assured that the population projections are robust, that all Brownfield sites are exhausted and that the potential for residential development in the towns of Leamington and Warwick is fully explored. I refer in particular to development above shops and conversion of shops into residential units. As average family size becomes smaller, as rates of family breakdown increase and as the number of single occupancy households increases the need to smaller residential units as oppose to traditional 3/4 bedroom properties becomes greater. Development in the town centres might also help with the much needed regeneration of our towns.