Support

Representation ID: 63495

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Friends of the Earth

-Support the proposed development at Thickthorn as long as a significant proportion of the site is allocated for employment uses. By providing more employment this will reduce the significant out-commuting which the town experiences at the moment, with minimal impact on the character of the town and its surrounding landscape. The subsequent reduction in associated CO2 emissions will go some way in mitigating the loss of a greenfield site.

-It is important to retain the existing woodland, trees and hedgerows within this site in their entirety including all of the Glasshouse Spinney, where extensive conservation work has been carried out in recent years by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Land north and east of Glasshouse Spinney may only be able to be accessed from the existing access points off Birches Lane.

-Map 6 needs to clearly show that Thickthorn Wood and Glasshouse Spinney and hedgerows would be retained in their entirety. Paragraph 5.1.12 mentions the footpaths which cross the potential development site, Rocky Lane and the footpath leading to Stoneleigh Abbey. Both of these routes should be upgraded to dual use cycleways and footpaths. The northern path would form a very useful cycle and pedestrian commuter route to the existing and new employment sites at Stoneleigh Park and should be funded by the developers of that site.

-If the sports club presently in the Thickthorn area relocates from the proposed development site, any new sports facilities should be carefully located and designed to minimise their impact on the landscape. Hey should not include floodlighting as it can significantly detract from the character of a landscape and have an impact on wildlife both during the daytime and at night/evening.