Over 17 years ago we moved into our home on The Hamlet. We were attracted by the semi rural location of this quaint village and to the position of our house, with a quiet road to the front and open aspect (field) to the rear.
Having raised a family here and as a member of the community we feel strongly about the latest proposals concerning housing development in the New Local Plan.
1) Whilst it is inevitable that Leek Wootton has to accept its' share of new builds we are particularly concerned about the scale of the proposed development. A target of over 22% - 85 new dwellings seems excessive and unfair particularly when larger villages nearby have a much lower target. It is imperative that the village keeps its' identity and character and that any development is fair and proportionate.
We would ask that a more realistic target be set that allows for reasonable development.
2) It has also been brought to our attention that the phasing in of any development is more likely to be over 5 years and not 15 years as initially mentioned in your original publication of 25/11/13. This gives us additional cause for concern as there is potential for the village to become an enormous building site with the current infrastructure unable to cope. The locals will be inconvenienced whilst works are ongoing, however too much too soon could not only make matters generally unbearable but potentially dangerous.
3) It is understood that there is uncertainty over the release of the Police site (Area 4). Including this the bigger site will account for some 88% of new builds which is too high particularly over a short time span. The Police site provides huge potential for development but the number of houses granted should not be based on the size of the plot alone. Development should be on a smaller scale, incorporating Area 5 and phased in over 15 years to allow for imbedding of infrastructure and services.
4) Whilst the Police site is the preferred option we must comment on the sites discounted. These are on pockets of land to the north, south and east of the village. We are aware that a local landowner is actively seeking your agreement to develop on land, in particular Area 8, to the rear of our home. Whist we are thankful for the current decision, we have stated before and will continue to be opposed in the strongest terms to any development. Our move here was greatly influenced by the open aspect and outlook at the rear of our property, to lose this would be visually damaging, intrusive and a loss of open space. We are situated on what we believe is the natural boundary to the east and we do not feel this should be extended. This land is a natural buffer to the very busy and noisy A46 three lane carriageway.
5) The village is used as a cut through by many commuters. Roads off the main Warwick Road are generally narrow and were not built with the current high usage in mind. Commuters drive too quickly, often dangerously particularly along the built up Hill Wootton Road. The junction by the Anchor Pub/Woodcote Drive is a particular hazard and the scene of road accidents over the years. The narrowness of the road and restricted vision is a worry as the majority of the new development will be accessed at this point. It is our opinion that traffic management needs to be adequately addressed beforehand.
6) There will undoubtedly be an impact on existing infrastructure a)The local school is oversubscribed and would need substantial additional building to accommodate the inevitability of more children. Also a larger car park, as it is already too small. b)We have personally suffered due to inadequacies in the sewerage system. In 2001 a holding sump was built in the field (Area 8) to stop flooding of the foul drains into our garden and that of our neighbours. The additional development proposed raises further concerns over the capacity of the system. c) Footpaths are in short supply and necessary to keep pedestrians, particularly the elderly and those children walking to school safe.
We are passionate about keeping the integrity and individuality of our village. In short, we ask that the number of new builds is reduced and that they be phased in over the 15 year period. Also crucial is that the infrastructure needs are given the required priority and the concerns of Leek Wootton residents are respected and given due consideration.