Object

Representation ID: 66506

Received: 27/06/2014

Respondent: Friends of the Earth

Number of people: 4

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

Object to Southcrest Farm, Kenilworth.
Very concerned about this proposal which has been introduced for the first time in this late stage of the Local Plan consultation process.
Any relocation of the School to the edge of the town is likely to have serious negative sustainability effects.

The Site Selection Methodology states 'No additional traffic impacts if school moves to Southcrest Farm.' And 'Location at edge of urban (area) means alternative transport modes are possible.' We believe this is factually inaccurate.

If the school is moved further away from the centre of the town fewer pupils are likely to walk or cycle from their homes to the school and more car journeys are likely to take place. The Southcrest Farm site is not currently served by public transport and therefore 'alternative transport modes' are not currently available. If the school is relocated to Southcrest Farm additional bus services will be required.

It is also particularly relevant and important that the Southcrest Farm site has already been assessed and rejected when 'considered against strict Green Belt criteria' (see also below). If it is not acceptable for housing purposes, it is equally unacceptable for a new school development.