Selection of the H50, land east of Cubbington, is an unsuitable decision, which has not taken into account several crucial points:
1) The area H50 is all green belt, and as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, it states that green belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances. The modifications of the proposed plan, do not constitute 'exceptional circumstances' which justify removing this as green belt, especially when there are more suitable alternatives within the Cubbington area.
2) The H50 land currently helps to soak up a lot of rain water, however there is still a considerable amount of surface rain water that runs down H50 (east of Cubbington) into a brook at the bottom of the field. With the planned loss of woodland due to the construction of the HS2, the situation will be made worse, as this currently also helps in the absorption of surface rain water. Building on this site could have a detrimental effect, particularly to the lower parts of Cubbington, such as New Street causing flooding to these homes. Many houses in lower Cubbington have been badly effected in the past due to flooding, with residents seeing their homes under considerable amounts of water. Although recent flood alleviation measures have been put into place, and so far seem to be working, they do not take into account any further developments of houses and additional roads; the current drainage system would be overwhelmed by extra rain water that would not be absorbed by the H50 land. There is no indication that an examination has been carried out with regards to additional surface water flooding within the local plan, and the impact that this may have. The drains and sewers in the village are inadequate for an increase in population, with some existing pipes in the lower parts of Cubbington being only 6" in diameter and will simply not cope with an increase of surface water. (See all attached photographs showing the effect of rainfall in field H50 east of Cubbington).
3) If the H50 land is used for housing it will mean the loss of productive arable land which is consistently used to grow crops. With the loss of this land to grow local produce, it exacerbates the UK's issue of having to import more food and the impact that comes with that, such as increased food costs.
4) The proposed H50 development would have a damaging impact on the landscape to the east of Cubbington. A large part of what makes Cubbington desirable is that it is a small, contained village, including the village church which is a Grade One listed building dating from the early 12th century. There is already going to be an impact on the landscape due to the construction of the HS2. The area of H50 east of Cubbington is of particular appeal, and is home to many types of wildlife such as pheasants, woodpeckers, birds of prey as well as muntjacs and hares, building on this site would have a detrimental effect to the local wildlife especially as the animals are losing large areas of woodland due to the HS2.
5) The H50 land east of Cubbington is regularly used by dog walkers, cyclists, walkers and runners using the public rights of way in this field. Not only is there a public right of way around the edge of the field, but there is also one directly through the middle of the field to B4453. These rights of way would have to be respected, as they are all frequently used. Changes to public rights of way can only be made by legal order. The proposed development would also require access from the B4453, potentially close to where the HS2 and road cross. This combined with increased traffic, which is already very busy at peak times of the day and reduced visibility, will cause potentially hazardous situations.
6) There have been insufficient arrangements for improving Cubbington's infrastructure to take into account the proposed building of 195 houses, and the number of residents that will live there. The two primary schools in the village are already oversubscribed, and with the building of 195 houses, many of which will be 'family homes' there will be an increased demand. This has a knock on effect to North Leamington School, which is the only secondary school less than 3 miles from Cubbington and is also at capacity. There seems no evidence to show that this has been considered. In addition all the local GP surgeries are oversubscribed in the Cubbington and Lillington area and there is no mention in the local plan as to how issues like these are to be overcome. A knock on effect of this again will cascade to Warwick Hospital. Due to working there, I am aware that the hospital is constantly struggling to cope with the current amount of patients seen as outpatients, inpatients and in its Accident and Emergency Department; how then is it supposed to continue to provide a safe and caring service to patients if the pressure of work is to be continually increased by the addition of more residents in the area that will require it's service. The local plan is failing to consider these important local infrastructure issues.
7) These new proposals for H50 have been suggested without the correct consultation and engagement with the local community and locally elected representatives. No comprehensive information has been circulated to the local community about these dramatic proposals. The way in which the residents are being asked to complete the form to contest proposed local plans for building developments has been deliberately made overly complicated and ambiguous, even for someone who is confident in working online. Therefore anyone who may find this more difficult, the process is a deliberate, and daunting obstacle. The wording and many appendices are all designed to deter many people from contributing their views regarding the proposed plans.