1. The proposed increase of homes in Hampton Magna up to 150 will result in some 300 additional residents (currently Hampton-on-the-Hill has about 200). Existing amenities and infrastructure could not absorb this increase. Budbrooke School is already at capacity; the single road through the villages is used as a "rat run" of speeding traffic to Warwick Parkway railway station and the M40. It is essential to preserve the rural character of Hampton Magna and Hampton-on-the-Hill and ensure that only the current amenity and infrastructure shortcomings are addressed.
2. The increase in housing estimates from 10,800 to 12,300 needs to be challenged. A Parish Council has published an assessment of housing requirements for Warwick District and considers the increase to be unrealistic. Indeed they estimate the need to be 5,400 homes. Also, our MP - Chris White - has written to the leader of the WDC, Cllr Doody on 24th June 2013 expressing his concern stating "I would urge you and your colleagues to reconsider and look again at the number of developments, their location, the impact on local infrastructure whilst respecting the views of local residents."
3. The need to provide pitches for Gypsies & Travellers has long been ignored by the WDC. The need has been assessed at 31 permanent pitches in the 15 years to 2029. This is in addition to the 12 pitches for transient use. The LPRDS now suggests twenty different sites to accommodate 206 pitches. We realise that not all the sites will be required and a choice must therefore be made about those appropriate for the needs of the travelling community.
4. There are six proposed sites within two miles of Hampton-on-the-Hill amounting to 41 pitches and we consider this an unnecessary burden on the local community. It has been suggested that instead of using existing sites, the Gypsies & Travellers could be accommodated within the development of the new housing areas where all the amenities they require will be at hand.
The Plan could be carried out without adding 500 houses to 5 Category 1 villages, by simply adding these houses to the areas designated 2,3,4, 5, 6, 11, 12 on the map of development sites, or onto Chase Meadow, where there is plenty of unused land. There is no justification or rationale to swamp Budbrooke with what is effectively another Hampton-on-the-Hill (approx 90 dwellings).
7 The Plan does not propose much development on the east side of Warwick / Leamington, compared to west and south. Why not?
8 A Parish Survey was carried out in 2010 by the Budbrooke Parish Council. 69% of respondents did not want any further housing development in the Parish. The views of residents should be respected. Adopting this proposal would merely serve to worsen the quality of life for the current residents.
Summary
Hampton Magna is unsuitable for further development due to its location between two major roads and proximity to Warwick Parkway. These already cause seriously over crowded local roads which are heavily used by commuters. This proposal would just make matters worse.
There is no compelling case for this proposal.