Radford Semele
Support
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46317
Received: 02/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Steve Wood
We think it is important that the village retain its identity,not be "joined up" to the greater RLS. Within the village the boundaries are unclear and should be reviewed to capture land to be utilised for housing probably "infill" without spoiling the village character.Small land parcels exist to contribute toward the 100 houses in the plan.A joint meeting of WDC/PC/local residents to debate areas to build on would be a wise move.Such meetings have been actioned before to object to plans so why not turn it around and ask for positive ideas/arguments to support plans to meet population need ?
We think it is important that the village retain its identity,not be "joined up" to the greater RLS. Within the village the boundaries are unclear and should be reviewed to capture land to be utilised for housing probably "infill" without spoiling the village character.Small land parcels exist to contribute toward the 100 houses in the plan.A joint meeting of WDC/PC/local residents to debate areas to build on would be a wise move.Such meetings have been actioned before to object to plans so why not turn it around and ask for positive ideas/arguments to support plans to meet population need ?
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46438
Received: 11/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Matthew Bishop
I have lived in Radford for 2 years. It is the first time i have heard of the new housing proposals. Its upsetting to say the least to find out at such a late stage.
When do we get to have a public meeting about this?
I have lived in Radford for 2 years. It is the first time i have heard of the new housing proposals. Its upsetting to say the least to find out at such a late stage.
When do we get to have a public meeting about this?
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46447
Received: 12/07/2012
Respondent: Mrs Vicky Fraser
It seems to be very late in the process to be informing us now - I've lived just outside Radford Semele (on the Fosse Way) for more than two years now, and this is the first I've heard of it. I'm very concerned about extending housing to the small development on the Fosse. The land consists of farmland and footpaths, and there is nobody else around - which is why we moved here and why, I suspect, many others did too.
With regards to the wider village, I think it's important that Radford keeps its distinct identity.
It seems to be very late in the process to be informing us now - I've lived just outside Radford Semele (on the Fosse Way) for more than two years now, and this is the first I've heard of it. I'm very concerned about extending housing to the small development on the Fosse. The land consists of farmland and footpaths, and there is nobody else around - which is why we moved here and why, I suspect, many others did too.
With regards to the wider village, I think it's important that Radford keeps its distinct identity.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46450
Received: 12/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Philip Cobourne
Having lived in the village for 15 years and witnessed how WDC have already failed to deal with excessive road traffic and traffic noise arising from the domestic and commercial developments in Southam, we must assume that any new developments would only add to the daily turmoil and that resource and infrastructure for the safe use of the main road through the village would not be a priority. WDC should use the village of Barford as an example of the type of resource, infrastructure and planning that is required prior to any new housing developments being approved in the village.
Having lived in the village for 15 years and witnessed how WDC have already failed to deal with excessive road traffic and traffic noise arising from the domestic and commercial developments in Southam, we must assume that any new developments would only add to the daily turmoil and that resource and infrastructure for the safe use of the main road through the village would not be a priority. WDC should use the village of Barford as an example of the type of resource, infrastructure and planning that is required prior to any new housing developments being approved in the village.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46453
Received: 12/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Michael Galliford
It is important that the village does not become joined up with Leamington and retains its identity. The proposed development will add further to the congestion in the village, put further pressure on the school and presumably the green belt is opened up to accommodate the development. The village will be put under further environmental "pressure" when HS2 built. Road and rail noise!!! As for the Radford road that is already a complete disaster - speed volume and soon somebody will be killed.
It is important that the village does not become joined up with Leamington and retains its identity. The proposed development will add further to the congestion in the village, put further pressure on the school and presumably the green belt is opened up to accommodate the development. The village will be put under further environmental "pressure" when HS2 built. Road and rail noise!!! As for the Radford road that is already a complete disaster - speed volume and soon somebody will be killed.
Support
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46514
Received: 25/07/2012
Respondent: A.C. Lloyd Homes Ltd
Agent: Delta Planning
A.C.Lloyd Homes Ltd support the allocation of 100 dwellings in the Category 1 village of Radford Semele. The Council have acknowledged that there is a limited supply of land within the existing built up area of the towns which necessitates the allocation of land outside the built up area on undeveloped land. Land south of Radford Semele (site R21) is an appropriate site for additional residential development to assist in meeting this identified Development Plan requirement for the village. The site is available and suitable and offers a sustainable solution for additional housing.
A.C.Lloyd Homes Ltd wish to support the allocation of 100 dwellings in the Category 1 village of Radford Semele. It is acknowledged by the Council that there is a limited supply of land within the existing built up area of the towns which necessitates the allocation of land outside the built up area on undeveloped sites. In respect of the rural areas paragraph 7.34 of the Local Plan states that a limited amount of development is directed to those villages with a good range of services and public transport to towns. All the category 1 villages, including Radford Semele, have the benefit of a school, shop and village or community hall. The Council have suggested that a limited quota for new housing will enable villages to expand the choice of housing as well as deliver affordable homes, this is supported by A.C.Lloyd Homes Ltd.
In particular, Land South of Radford Semele identified as site R21 within the SHLAA is an appropriate site for additional residential development to assist in meeting this identified Development Plan requirement for the village. The site comprises 2.59 hectares of land and is located on the western edge of the village. The site is bound to the north by residential development with open countryside to the west and south west. Spring Lane marks the eastern boundary of the site which also forms its primary access point. Development of this site for housing purposes, would form an natural extension to the village and would effectively round-off the built form on the western side of the village. The site is not in Green Belt but is identified within an Area of Restraint (AoR) as identified on the Proposals Map of the Adopted Local Plan.
The site formed part of a larger site promoted during the previous Local Plan Inquiry. Whilst the site was not required for development at that time, the Council acknowledged that the development of this site would not erode the gap between Radford Semele and Leamington Spa by virtue of the fact that the site does not extend the urban edge of Radford Semele any closer to Leamington Spa. As such it is considered that the AoR, in the context of this site, does not represent a constraint to development.
The site would be accessed via an extension of Spring Lane/School Lane into the site at the existing turning head. This would accommodate the needs of pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicular traffic. School Lane forms a priority junction with Southam Road to the north of the site, which provides connections to the remainder of the local highway network.
The local facilities within Radford Semele are all within close walking distance from the site. These include the Sunbeam Pre-School and Radford Semele Church of England Primary School, playing fields adjacent to the site, the Post Office opposite the Lewis Road / Lay Gardens junction, the church and a Public House. Some of the eastern parts of Sydenham are also within a reasonable walking distance of the site.
The majority of Leamington Spa is within easy cycling distance of 5 km from the site. Facilities in this locality include the town centre, rail station and Whitnash.
The closest bus stops to the site are located on School Lane and Southam Road only a short walking distance from the site. Route 63 operates between Rugby and Leamington. Route 64 provides services between Long Itchington and Leamington via Bishops Itchington. These routes combine to provide a half hourly service Monday to Saturday with Route 63 running four times on a Sunday. The Flexibus 498 runs between Radford Semele and Banbury providing one service each way on Thursdays. There is therefore a frequent nearby bus connection to a number of destinations, including Leamington Spa, Rugby and Long Itchington.
To summarise, the site is in a sustainable location, adjacent to the built up area of the village of Radford Semele. Access to the site is deliverable within either the existing highway or land controlled by A.C.Lloyd. Future residents of the site would have the opportunity to access every day facilities and key destinations by a choice of transport modes. The site is available and achievable and offers a sustainable solution to assist in meeting the housing requirement for Radford Semele.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46892
Received: 25/07/2012
Respondent: Warwickshire Rural Community Council
It is important to retain the individual status of the village and ensure it does not become joined up with Leamington (Sydenham). We already have to deal with excessive and speeding traffic. Any new development/s would add to the daily congestion in the village, making getting out of side roads onto the main road even harder, and put further pressure on the school and services. This is a village that is already full.
It is important to retain the individual status of the village and ensure it does not become joined up with Leamington (Sydenham). We already have to deal with excessive and speeding traffic. Any new development/s would add to the daily congestion in the village, making getting out of side roads onto the main road even harder, and put further pressure on the school and services. This is a village that is already full.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46910
Received: 25/07/2012
Respondent: Mrs Jane Chandler
Development of 100 houses in Radford Semele would lead to loss of village identity, increased traffic on the busy Southam Road and Fosse Way, (both of which are school routes), increased requirement for village school places and increased polution and noise. If developed to the east of the village this would increase flood risk, impact recreational activities and lead to habitat loss of many declining wildlife species.
Having contacted Warwickshire Council it would appear there are currently no identified or preferred option sites for Radford Semele, in the absence of this information it is hard to comment specifically. It is also not clear when this information might become available, consultation on the draft local plan is Mar-Apr 2013, but again it is unclear how far proposals will be by then.
In general terms the need for 100 houses for Radford Semele is questionable, and that number would alter the village identity.
Development to the west of the village would leave very little margin between Sydenham, Whitnash and Leamington Spa.
Development to the east would present the following:-
Increased flooding risk: - Water currently absorbed by the agricultural land would, if this was developed, result in increased flooding risk, particularly in the Valley and Valley Road areas. This is owing to the way the land inclines.
Access/Traffic management: - Access via Southam Road or Fosse Way would increase traffic on these busy roads, both of which are school routes including routes to and from the village primary school and Southam College.
Facilities/Amenities: - An average of 2 children per household could result in a requirement for 200 additional places at the village primary school. The local medical practices and doctors surgeries would also be required to supply additional places. The late night bus service to Southam in the week has already been reduced and additional houses would result in additional vehicle use.
Recreational/leisure:-.The footpaths and bridle ways to the east of the village are frequently used by horse riders, joggers, dog walkers and ramblers.
Wildlife/conservation.:- The land to the east of Radford Semele is the habitat for the following species, many of which are in decline: - Lapwings, Bats, Newts, Cuckoos, Sparrow hawks, Kestrels and Buzzards, Owls, Hares. There are also many old oak, ash and sycamore trees and a variety of wildlife encouraging hedgerows.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 46974
Received: 26/07/2012
Respondent: Mrs Helen Machell
Infill or re-use brown field sites. Do not use green fields currently used for agriculture. Bias efforts for new housing in towns.
New houses in villages should only be infill or conversion of brown filed sites. The objective for villages should not involve use of any existing agricultural land as this will be required for food production. If used it will be lost for ever. Neighbouring fields should only be used as allotments to help people supplement their own food supply. Positives are: self-fulfilling, good exercise, healthy food with a big long term payback for the community.
All brown field sites should be converted into suitable housing. Empty house/flat owners should be given incentives to provide as additional housing particularly unused town centre properties (over shops etc). Advantage here is clear as employment is mostly in the towns.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 47066
Received: 26/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Mark Elliott
The plan is not specific enough to allow for meaningful enough objections or support to be raised about sites in the village.
The selection of certain of the proposed sites is at odds with the executive summary for access to open spaces and the countryside.
The development within Radford Semele is at odds with the need to improve transport infrastructure.
I would like to raise questions about the sites selected within / near the village. There are a number of sites that have been considered and documented on other parts of this website. It is difficult to raise an opinion to support or object to this plan when there is no clear preference made as to which of these sites is the most likely candidate for development. There should be a village meeting where these plans are laid out in detail and the preferences of WDC are made clear. Some of the sites proposed make more sense than others and it would be preferable to comment on specific sites as opposed to the general principle of development of Radford Semele.
In terms of comments on the general principle the executive summary of the town plan states that the approach:
* Seeks to ensure that open spaces, access to the countryside and habitats are improved
* Seeks to ensure that road infrastructure and other physical infrastructure (such as schools) is improved to
reduce the need to travel and to enable improvements to quality of life for all
On the first of these bullet points I would note that a number of the sites assessed in Radford Semele impact open fields that contain rights of way. Development of these sites would be at odds with the approach outlined in the executive summary. Proposed sites leading onto open countryside should rank lower than sites that are infill or that do not lead onto open countryside.
For the second of the bullet points development of Radford Semele would be detrimental to road infrastructure. The reason for development is to be able to facilitate the housing of an increased population presumably employed in the county council area. However new employment is unlikley to be in this village. Thus the number of journies will be increased for new residents travelling to work in other parts of the council area. New housing in Radford Semele could therefore be argued to be at odds with this second bullet point taken from the executive summary.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 47299
Received: 29/07/2012
Respondent: Melanie Dickenson
This is an objection to any development to the south and west of Radford Semele due to the following reasons:
1. Flooding of these areas has been observed due water flowing down into the valley. Buildings on these areas will inevitably become flooded and will exacerbate the existing flooding issue.
2. Road safety is a problem. Existing roads internal to the village are too narrow to accommodate existing traffic and do not support the emergency service vehicles.
3. Preservation of the village envelope.
This is an objection to any development to the south and west of Radford Semele due to the following reasons:
1. Flooding of these areas has been observed due water flowing down into the valley (hence the road names). Buildings on these areas will inevitably become flooded and will exacerbate the existing flooding issue.
2. Road safety is a problem. Existing roads internal to the village are too narrow to accommodate existing traffic and do not support the emergency service vehicles.
3. Preservation of the village envelope. Radford Semele is renowned for its strong sense of community. Further housing will result in a conurbation thus dimishing the community spirit.
4. Infrastructure. The local primary school is at capacity. We have seen that more housing has not resulted in more schools (per Warwick Gates), where is the population going to be educated? Water pressure is already poor and the sewerage system is inadequate.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 47408
Received: 03/08/2012
Respondent: Mr James Fleuty
Development of sites R21, R56 and R46 would cause traffic problems on both School Lane, Lewis Road and the Southam Road junctions due to an increase in traffic at peak times. Traffic is already a major problem in these areas specifically outside the school.
Developing any of the proposed sites in Radford Semele would give rise to inadequacies in the local social facilities. Radford Primary School is already at capacity in the lower years.
The greenfield open spaces are facilities frequently used by the local residents.
100 houses equates to an approximate 15% increase in village size.
Development of sites R21, R56 and R46 would cause traffic problems on both School Lane, Lewis Road and the Southam Road junctions due to an increase in traffic at peak times. Traffic is already a major problem in these areas specifically outside the school.
Developing any of the proposed sites in Radford Semele would give rise to inadequacies in the local social facilities. Radford Primary School is already at capacity in the lower years.
The greenfield open spaces are facilities frequently used by the local residents.
100 houses equates to an approximate 15% increase in village size.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 48956
Received: 27/07/2012
Respondent: Michael Smedley
Radford Semele, like similar Category 1 Villages, expected to find sites for extra 500 houses.
Should instead consider new, lrge worthwhile site such as area where there was Monastry/Priory between Offchurch/Cubbington/Lillington.
Would be well placed within easy access of wide range of services in Leamington/Warwick including excellent Hospital, GP offices, Post offices, churches etc as well as supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco, Lidl and Morrisons (shortly).
May be argued this is Geen Belt, but this can usually be circumvented if enough thought and effort applied.
I see that Radford Semele, like similar Category 1 Villages, is expected to find sites for an extra 500 houses.
Rather than squeeze a few in here and a few elsewhere, should we consider a new and large worthwhile site such as the area where there was a Monastry/Priory in the area between Offchurch- Cubbington and Lillington.
It would be well placed within easy access of a wide range of services in Leamington and Warwick including an excellent Hospital, GP offices, Post offices, churches etc as well as supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco, Lidl and Morrisons (shortly).
It may be argued that this is Geen Belt, but this can usually be circumvented if enough thought and effort is applied.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49361
Received: 27/07/2012
Respondent: Mr David Hiorns
Objection to the building of 100 extra houses in Radford Semele.
The current infrastructure of the village cannot contend with the amount of traffic it already has, if they build the 100 houses within the village it will compound the situation.
Scanned form.
Support
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49362
Received: 18/07/2012
Respondent: Mrs Marie T. Willington
If it is necessary to build 100 houses in Radford Semele then consideration could be given to the East of the village and housing on the Fosse Way.
An 100 houses will have a big impact on the village, good planning will be very important to keeping the identity of the village, as well as creating a good infrastructure for all.
Scanned form.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49506
Received: 12/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Arthur Deeming
The infrastructure is not adequate enough to sustain new growth. There would be increased pressure on the flood plain which would heighten the flood risk.
The drainage system is already overstreched.
As scanned.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49532
Received: 20/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Colin Bishop
Increase in people and traffic that would arise if expansion of Radford Semele took place would ruin village life.
Villages are part of our national identity which need protection.
The lack of precise plans makes things even harder to imagine.
Other more appropriate brownfield sites exist and should be considered first.
As scanned.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49534
Received: 18/07/2012
Respondent: Alan Gray
Radford Semele unsuitable for expansion but with no specific areas for development identified it makes commenting difficult.
As scanned.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49538
Received: 27/07/2012
Respondent: Mrs Pamela Hiorns
Objecting to 100 homes within Radford Semele area.
It would be unsustainable to build these houses when the current infrastructure is already stretched.
As scanned.
Support
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49611
Received: 03/07/2012
Respondent: Radford Semele Parish Council
Will have significant impact on village, but if required, consideration could be given to development east of the village extending the housing development on the Fosse Way.
See attached
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49615
Received: 26/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Peter Jones
There is currently limited access in Radford Semele and these proposals will only make the situation worse. It will spoil the village environment.
As scanned.
Support
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49732
Received: 27/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Joe Stevens
Less than 40% of housing should be small and affordable. Separation of Leamington should be maintained with no development of the field east of the church south of the canal.
Good quality detached housing could be built along Southam Road towards Fosseway roundabout.
As scanned.
Support
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49769
Received: 20/07/2012
Respondent: J & I Critchley
Agent: Godfrey-Payton
Support proposals for development at Radford Semele and wish the site owned by them to be considered for the following reasons:
-it would not lead to coalescence - mainting the separation between the village and Leamington
-The land is well configured and there are no apparent constraints
-good access is achievable and could help with traffic calming
-the site has natural boundaries
-It has good access to the road network
-pedestrian and cycle links to the village could be established
-the site is available immediately and has few infrastructure or development constraints
-it could yield approx 285 housing units
Scanned representation
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 49948
Received: 27/07/2012
Respondent: Mr & Mrs David & Valerie Leigh-Hunt
The objector questions the need for the housing and the methodology used to derrive housing numbers for the District and restates arguments already forwarded by the CPRE.
It is considered that the road infrastructure to and from (and within) Radford Semele will not be able to accomodate the extra demands put upon them by the intended 100 new houses. Other constraints such as flooding in the Valley area and the proximity of a high pressure gas main are also referenced.
It is considered that there is no local need for the numbers of houses intended (a position supported by a housing needs survey undertaken a few years ago).
It is suggested that additional traffic would be unwelcome and it is questionable whether or not the community infrastructure will be able to support the expanding population. As there are very limited opportunities for employment within the village the impact of so many car journeys to other employment opportunities across the District should be taken into account( not sustainable). The village should be protected from development to preserve the setting of the village and the valuable landscape/ countryside that surrounds itand to stop the merging of settlements. Suggests that 40% affordable housing is innappropriate for Radford Semele given the housing mix currently availablewithin the village. Public transport links to the village are poor and are at best only half hourly.
scanned form
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 50093
Received: 12/07/2012
Respondent: Roger Speck
Objects to the allocation of Radford Semele as a Category 1 Village for the following reasons:
- the increased traffic arising from the development would be unsustainable and dangerous;
- there is no spare capacity at Radford Semele School;
- there is limited to nil health facilities in the village;
- there are limited shops locally and people would have to travel on existing inadequate road structures.
See attached Response Form and Letter
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 50153
Received: 24/07/2012
Respondent: Radford Semele Parish Council
Objects to the allocation of 100 homes to Radford Semele.for the following easons:
- it takes no account of local needs, the affect on the community and on landscapes.;
- there is no substance to to the reason for selecting the Category 1 villages;
- the existing road structure in the village will be unable to cope and will require new accesses onto already busy roads;
- there is already a good range and choice of housing;
- the village has no medical facilities, health clubs,leisure facilities or employment and parking and bus services are limited;
- 100 new houses would tip the balance of Radford Semele from being a village to a dormitory suburb
If the Plan does propose new housing in the village, the Parish Council would prefer this to be a reduced number of homes and for them to be located to the east of the village so as to avoid further reducing the gap between Leamington and Radford Semele.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 50196
Received: 25/07/2012
Respondent: Mrs I Chater
Radford has grown organically over the last 35 years and this growth has improved the village community and has added to its distinctiveness. To add 100 houses (200 people and 200 cars) is unacceptable. Radford should not be joined to Leamington, so deveopment in that direction should be avoided. Any further loss of this gaps would diminish the quality of life in the village
Scanned representation
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 50521
Received: 31/07/2012
Respondent: Mr Keith Browne
Several of the SHLA Sites such as R56,R68,R21 and R46 will raise major access issues.
The increased traffic volume will put too much pressure on existing roads.
Access to School Lane and Radford Road is difficult at peak times.
As scanned.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 50522
Received: 02/08/2012
Respondent: Barbara Wyatt
THe flood risks could increase in Valley Road as hard water surfcae would increase with development. THe speed of run off would increase.
More needs to be done to alleviate flood risk. Increased run off may lead to increase pollution levels.
As scanned.
Object
Preferred Options
Representation ID: 50783
Received: 02/08/2012
Respondent: Mrs Andrea Filipiuk
SHLAA R68 - Sunnyside / Valley Road, Radford Semele
I agree with all your comments [SHLAA Asessment] that this is not a suitable site. There was severe flooding in Valley Road a few years ago and even though drainage improvements have been made, run off from developed areas would further exacerbate the flooding problem.
SHLAA 56/21 - SW of Radford Semele:
Further infill and development of the west of the village, combined with expansion of Leamington spa and Whitnash towards us would mean the village loses its identity.
This is a large site and out of keeping with the rest of the village.
Also run off from developed areas would contribute to a potential flooding risk of Whitnash Brook.
Assuming access is via School Lane this would result in more congestion and problems at the School Lane/Southam Road junction.
See attached letter.