The National Planning Policy Framework requires there to be exceptional circumstances to warrant approval of areas of the Green belt being removed. The need to build additional housing for Coventry residence can be met on areas of land closer to Coventry that have a lower Green Belt value and that will be more convenient to those who currently live and work in Coventry.
Building houses in Leamington to support Coventry will only add to the congestion on the already busy roads. Both this increased vehicle pollution and the reduction in trees in the area will lead to a deterioration in air quality, which will affect the health of residence who have chosen to live in North Leamington largely because of the relative quiet and clean air that the area currently enjoys.
The green belt is currently used for many leisure pursuits that help keep the residents in the area healthy. Walks in the fields also provide the opportunity to teach children about ecology and wildlife. Removing the hedgerows will destroy the wildlife habitats that are long established.
Exceptional circumstances do not exist and therefore WDC should continue to be protected the Leamington / Milverton Green Belt.