With reference to the proposed site for commercial development on the Stratford Road:
A Council Survey recently referred to the land in question as follows:
'it is essential to consider....the landscape setting and the proximity to the M40.....the landscape setting of the river'; re the north section of the site.....'Flood risk and proximity to the sewage works are likely to be considerable restraints' re the southern side of the site....'flood risk, landscape setting and proximity to the M40 will limit potential development'
WDC would do well to heed its own words
In my opinion the initial proposal to use land off Europa Way would still be the better option. Road networks are already established and development here would not have a negative effect on Tournament Fields.
In studying the Sustainability Assessment I note that several objectives remain in question. The lower level assessments referred to should be addressed thoroughly before any informed decision can be made by the Council. This should be done in a measured and timely way, without undue haste to ensure the correct decision is made.
As things stand at present, the suitability of the proposed site is in doubt.
These issues need to be addressed:
an urgent assessment of the impact of development on traffic and existing networks which, in the words of the SA 'are not known'. I can vouch for the weight of traffic along the A429 at present. At peak times the traffic is at a standstill from the M40 junction to the Edgehill Drive roundabout which brings into question the wisdom of more development on this stretch of the A429.
an assessment of the potential for noise, air and light pollution for the neighbouring residents.
a noise and odour assessment due to the sewage works being so near. As a nearby resident I am only too aware of the frequent impact of odour on the locality at certain times.
an assessment of the possible negative effects on the River Avon with the presence of Priority Habitats of Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh and Undetermined Grassland. The issue of negative effects on biodiversity should not be ignored. The cost of buffering should be examined for costs.
an assessment of likelihood of flooding and the 'potential minor negative effect'
a land quality assessment due to the proximity of the 'historic landfill site with the potential for contaminants'
With regard to any proposed development of the site the following issues need to be addressed thoroughly:
The visual impact of any development should take into consideration its situation at the Gateway to our historic town of Warwick. Immense care was exerted to ensure that the landscaping around Tournament Fields was fitting for a prestige Business park as befits its prime location on the approach to Warwick; this should also be an absolute requirement for anyone planning to build on the proposed site.
Adequate landscaped noise mounds as on the north borders of The Peacocks Estate would need to be established to protect neighbouring residents from the impact of development.
It would be totally inappropriate to consider any category other than B1 for this locality, high class office units along the A429.
It is not suitable for category B2, manufacturing as this would impinge on the aesthetic approach to Warwick and impact heavily in local residents in terms of noise and air pollution
Category B8 storage and distribution would likewise have a negative impact on the main route into Warwick
The road system is not capable of handling the increase in volume of heavy traffic that would inevitably ensue; the visual effect of large units would not be in keeping with the aesthetic aspect of approaches to Warwick.
In conclusion I feel that as the progress of the Local Plan does not hinge on the establishment of this site, time should be given to a full and thoughtful assessment of the issues I have listed. We should safeguard and reassure our town and its environs and not to anything in haste to jeopardise its future as one of England's prime historic tourist towns.