Object

Local Plan Main Modifications 2017

Representation ID: 70385

Received: 22/04/2017

Respondent: Mr Graham Cooper

Representation Summary:

The proposals are not viable and would adversely affect shopping in Leamington

Full text:

The site in Old Milverton appears to have been included in error because:
* At the Public Examination session on 13 October 2016 dealing with the proposed allocation of this land for residential and Park and Ride uses, I understood that Warwick District Council Officers agreed to remove it from the areas of search for a Park and Ride facility.

* The Planning Inspector's required modifications to the Draft Local Plan instructs Warwick District Council to revert to the areas of search for a Park and Ride scheme included in a previous version of the Local Plan, known as the "Submitted Plan", which did not include this site in Old Milverton.

A park and ride anywhere in North Leamington simply does not make any sense and will not benefit anyone at present

It is confused thinking which will hurt the local economy

* Warwick District Council acknowledges that to make Park and Ride work it will have to reduce available parking and increase car parking charges in Leamington BUT it is spending £6 million on a new multi storey car park which will increase available parking.

* Park and Ride will drive shoppers away and will damage the effectiveness of Leamington town centre.

* There is sufficient car parking available in Leamington and no one wants or will use Park and Ride.


2. It is not a proper Park and Ride scheme and the sums don't add up

* It will be a "virtual" service. No dedicated buses. A car park, where passengers leave their cars and catch existing bus services.

* It will increase commuting time and costs, not reduce them

* Less parking in Leamington Town centre will significantly reduce car parking revenues to both Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council.

3. The roads cannot cope with Park and Ride

* The Park and Ride operators (Stage Coach) say that dedicated bus lanes on the A452 are necessary- for which there is no room within the highway.

* There is no money available to make the A452 into a dual carriage way and the proposal has been withdrawn from the Local Plan.





4. It's unlikely to happen and in the wrong place

* The scheme is very unlikely to proceed and the areas of search just blight the neighbouring properties

* If Park and Ride should ever proved necessary or viable a site north of Chesford Bridge should be used to reduce traffic congestion on the A452