Objections to Development of South Sites (areas south of Warwick)
Since there is a proposal for 'a major sub-regional employment site in the North East of the district' it appears very odd to site 3,195 houses South of Warwick, which almost inevitably will create huge volumes of traffic - the plan for which appears to be to direct it along the Banbury Road over the Avon Bridge through the town and out along the Coventry Road, presumably heading to the 'sub-regional employment site in the North East'.
It appears that the proposals regarding roads are to the benefit of traffic - easing as much through the town centre as possible...the document refers to 'a more attractive route to vehicles'.
An audit of current pavement usage? What about the current users of the pavements? Has the Local Plan taken into consideration the current numbers of pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers, joggers, parents with prams and toddlers in tow, tourists photographing the castle, school children walking in groups to and from all three Warwick Foundation Schools and Myton School at key points during the day.
St Nick's park is really well used. Rowers and various boat users on the river Avon, walkers, joggers and children. Sea Scouts is based in the park. One of Warwick's most beautiful spots is the iconic view from Avon Bridge across to the castle. It's simply stunning. Lots of tourists congregate on the bridge to take photos; it is not a road that could/should take large volumes of traffic.
The Banbury Road needs to keep the pedestrian crossings. Numerous children cross there daily to get to school. There also seems to be a trend for office workers from Heathcote Industrial Estate to take a healthy walk around Bridge End at lunchtimes. People currently enjoy living and working in Warwick.
Traffic Noise/Pollution Warwick Prep School Playground for the youngest pupils is next to the Banbury Road (pollution levels? Noise in classrooms?) The Avon Bridge, St Nick's Park (which is extremely well used and visited), the Myton Road with its 3 schools, are not areas to try to increase the volume/speed of traffic. A Left filter turn into Myton Rd seems particularly worrying- a school girl broke her leg being hit by a car there around Easter time. To have a filter lane - which encourages continual movement - by a very large school seems absurd. A left lane filter would remove an area that is currently pavement and landscape and a buffer between school children and the numerous coaches and cars that turn there during school hours.
Green Belt Vs Historic Buildings? It appears that some previous plans did not progress due to concern for the Green Belt north of Leamington. The traffic will be increased in parts of historic Warwick, especially over the grade II listed Avon Bridge. Bridge End is a conservation area, the route along the Banbury Road is landscaped which is meant to reflect the tradition of Warwick Castle Park. The impact of additional signage and traffic lights on the historic vistas through the town centre would be detrimental.
If there is to be some increased housing in Warwick, such as that of the Myton Road, surely the priority is to ensure that children living in those houses can cycle to Myton/Warwick school and allow their parents to walk or cycle to work in Warwick/Leamington town centres. Therefore increased cycle lanes would be paramount to any green plan for the area.
There's nothing in the plan to benefit those people with shops and businesses in Warwick. The town centre needs a better parking plan. There is nothing to encourage the volumes of traffic to be directed through the town to stop and enjoy the things that Warwick has to offer.
Misguided traffic proposals. The idea to block one entrance of Bridge End is unworkable. Cars are invariably parked on both sides of the length of Bridge End and there are already occasional problems with deliveries. This conservation area needs to keep access for emergency vehicles, refuse collection and deliveries.
All traffic should be directed out of the centre of Warwick - not through the middle of it! It is imperative that any new houses based south of Warwick should have major road access to the by-pass/motorway or other links to major employment areas. The roads and buildings in Warwick are such that there will always be a maximum capacity however much tinkering goes on to 'improve traffic flow'. The town environment and historic nature of the area deserves much better than to make its roads the main priority.