Object

Representation ID: 6805

Received: 13/09/2009

Respondent: J A & P L Robinson

We wish to object to the overall plan to build 8,100 new homes in the Warwick area, and specifically on the area of restraint, phase 1E on the Core Strategy Preferred Options document (Plan 5).

Firstly we would point out the lack of dispersal of the planned development (namely 1A,1B,1E,1F,2F and 3F). The planned development is focused almost entirely on land south of Warwick .This area has already been significantly developed in recent years, exerting pressure on existing services and infrastructure.

We wish to object specifically about the development in the area of restraint to the west of Europa Way. This area had been identified as an area of restraint at the time of planning the Warwick Technology Park. It was put forward as an untouchable green buffer zone to separate Warwick from Leamington Spa, to prevent the two towns becoming one urban sprawl. The Core Strategy Preferred Option would severely damage the character of this area.
Furthermore, the land West of Europa Way (1E) is rich agricultural land which has been under the careful stewardship of the Oken Trust and Henry viii Trust. There are also wide green hedges providing habitats for many species including woodpeckers, buzzards, bats, foxes, the occasional deer, as well as newts, hedgehogs etc.

We object to the fact that the area of restraint (1E) is one of the first to be developed under the proposals, and should with immediate effect be designated as the last site to be developed so as to protect this area until a viable alternative is found, and the potential change in government and associated policies occur.

The plan has been presented to the public with a total lack of detail or alternative development options for public consideration.
There has been no plan for the infrastructure in terms of drainage, sewerage, roads, public transport, schools and hospitals, as confirmed by councillors in the public meeting on 17th August 2009. Nor have there been impact studies on traffic, schools, drainage, sewerage, hospitals or employment. Traffic in South Warwick is already at saturation, with Myton Road being virtually impassable between 8am-9am and 4pm-6pm. There is no capacity on the roads for another 8,000 car journeys focussed on peak time. This will not only have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of current Warwick residents, but also on Warwick's capacity to bring in tourism.

Current plans also include additional development for 'Employment use' in areas 1E,1F,2F and 3F. Given the number of vacant industrial and office buildings in Warwick, as pointed out by councillors in the public meeting on 17th August 2009, we would question the need for such development, and therefore object to it.

In addition, development on the area of restraint (1E) threatens the local houses with flooding. At present, during heavy rain, the run off is slowed by the pasture and crops. It backs up by the Malins and is relieved into the Myton School playing fields.
It has been shown that any earthworks in the area floods houses. Myton Gardens was flooded .when one development was carried out. More recently a property on Myton Crescent was flooded when building work was done at the Trinity School site. Developing the Myton side of the site would threaten all of the houses south of Myton Road .


The Schools in the area are oversubscribed . There is no capacity for extra cars etc at the stations for commuters. The hospital would require significant expansion.


We wish to see the whole plan withdrawn and an alternative presented that reflects the overwhelming opinion of the Warwick population (as evidenced by the public meeting on 17th August 2009), and that will preserve the character of Warwick as a historical county town.