Having worked in Warwick for over 25 years and lived in the Bridge End area for 8 years, I wish to register my strong objections to the draft Local Plan which I believe poses a severe threat to the quality of life enjoyed by inhabitants of and visitors to the town.
The proposal to build 4,500 new homes south of Warwick is disproportionate to the overall needs of the area. Furthermore, it is proposed to build the houses on land that is currently farmland. It would surely make more sense, if new housing is needed, to exploit first all the brownfield sites that are available in the area.
Not only this, the sites south of Warwick would be utterly car dependent. Traffic is already at an intolerably high level through the town at peak hours. It is absurd to think that the cars associated with 4,500 new homes could be easily absorbed; congestion would only increase. No new infrastructure has been suggested - merely some multi-lane traffic lights. The fact remains that there is only one bridge over the Avon in Warwick. It is old, historic and - given that lorries are not permitted to cross it at present - not strong enough to carry the extra load.
The cars would also bring about an increase in pollution (already at dangerously high levels) in the town which would lead to poorer health for many inhabitants, especially children and those with asthma. The fumes could also damage Warwick's fine buildings which attract tourists to the area.
The thought of farming land being used for development leading to massively increased congestion, poor health and damage to historic buildings (including the only bridge over the Avon) is appalling. I urge Warwick District Council to stop this plan immediately, for the sake of the town's inhabitants and visitors.