Preferred Option: High Speed 2 Rail Line

High Speed Rail has no benefits to the people of Warwickshire and should be fought.

HS2 has no discernable benefit to the majority of communities it will affect and should be fought.

It is perverse that the preferred options do not support HS2 (a sustainable mode of transport) yet propose a new road when all the strategy and policy documents talk about encouraging sustainable travel!

The Kenilworth Society supports the WDC in their preferred option, the HS2 construction works and subsequent downgrading of Coventry railway would have a detrimental effect on a County Town with a population of 26, 000. It is believed local business would suffer and the local housing market suffer a blight. We are skeptical there would be any benefit nationally and it would be highly detrimental to Warwickshire.

HS2 will bring no benefit to the local area. The economic/business case is fundamentally flawed. Time used on existing trains is well used by commuters e.g. working. shorting the time is not necessary. Supporting the existing rail infrastructure will be a better use of money and bring benefit to the local community

I do not support HS2 as it will be a disgraceful waste of tax payers money. However as central government insists that HS2 will go ahead and as it has such a devastating impact in our district it cannot be ignored in the plan.

It is ridiculous that this Plan makes no provision for or response to the possibility that HS2 will happen.
The JPC believes that in its current format HS2 will not benefit and will significantly disadvantage all communities south of Birmingham. We believe that WDC should be actively supporting the concept of High Speed Rail BUT demanding that:
a) it links directly with Eurostar
b) there is at least one station south of Birmingham (possibly Coventry, Northampton, Daventry, Milton Keynes, etc which would allow folk living south of B/ham to usefully access the system. We accept that only a percentage of trains would need to stop at such extra stations, much in the way that Ashford, in Kent, is currently used.

These changes would then provide significant benefits to much of the area to be blighted by an otherwise fatally flawed scheme.

I support HS2 and consider the declared opposition thereto to be putting too much emphasis on a minimal local detriment, and failing to recognise the national strategic need.

Encourage improvements to current rail infrastructure that will actually help local people not huge 'white elephant' schemes.

The local council should not be spending residents' money objecting to government policy.

Good, object as much as you can!

Whilst it is clear that the people of Warwickshire (or a substantial number of them) are opposed to the line - simply ignoring the problem will not make it go away

Could not agree more strongly. Unbelievable squandering of scarce resources

It is admirable that Warwick DC's official position is to oppose this ill-conceived scheme. However, given the duration of the Plan and the proposed timeframe to deliver HS2, there needs to be some form of contingency plan to review all relevant aspects should the project actually progree beyond Hybrid Bill.

Assessment of implications of all the developments as well as HS2 ( ie Coventry Airport, Gateway, Stoneleigh Park, Abbey park, Warwick University etc) need to be added together and looked at in relation to villages and the rural road network. In some hot spots, the increase is likely to cause even more major traffic jams at peak times

Scanned Response Form

I have been reading the New Local Plan consultation document and I am in complete agreement with most of it.

1. Particularly important are that you have identified the need to protect Green Belt sites and historic areas, buildings etc.
2.My Preferred Growth Level would be Option 1.
3.Warwick & District should not become commuter overspill for the West Midlands Conurbation!
4.Strong resistance to out-of-town retail developments.
5.Inappropriate development will not be given planning permission.
6.The quality of the built environment is high but there are certain sites that would benefit from improvement.
7.Protect / enhance historic environment and ensure new development is in keeping with surroundings.
8.Some farm buildings could be converted for residential, employment & retail uses where appropriate as an alternative to greenfield development, as suggested.
9.Replace / enhance unattractive buildings and restore historic buildings to high standards.
10.Continue opposition to High Speed 2 rail link.
11.Agree with Green Infrastructure policies

I was impressed by Cllr Caborn's presentation at last night's meeting in Lapworth Village hall, because it seems that his department is doing a very competent job in working out a plan to satisfy HMG's demands for new developments to accommodate an increase in population during the coming 15 years.

Having said that, it seems to me that the Government's instructions are unwarranted, because I do not believe that there is a need for such an increase in population, nor do I believe that there is a need for the new HS2 railway. I understand that it is not in WDC's remit to question either of these fundamental requirements, so it is essential that the general public should question them; they must not be taken as read.


In preparing the Local Plan, WDC have been instructed to take no notice of HS2, but the new railway line will have a major impact on the environment and on the transport services available in the region, for which WDC must offer credible plans. WDC cannot prepare a credible plan with this constraint.

It is grossly unfair to expect any planning authority to carry out a long-term plan without questioning at least these two major points. If sensible action were taken to restrain immigration and to design a rail service which is accessible to ordinary people (as distinct from HS2, which will only be used by the well-off) WDC's plan would be very different.

See attachment

Strategic Viison
Centro welcomes the overall spatial vision or the district and especially the identification of transport as an important issue. Centro in particular welcomes the emphasis of delivering a sustainable transport package as one of the key principles within the Local Plan.
Centro welcomes that improving access to sustainable means of transport is a key strategic objective running through the document. Warwick DC should ensure that new proposals must be consistent and follow the principles established within the Warwickshire Local Transport Plan with the aim of improving modal share for sustainable means of transport.
The need to continue to invest in public transport across the district is welcomed as well as the recognition that strategic land use decisions can affect lifestyle choices and lead to long term improvements in health amongst local communities.
We also consider that there are a number of policy documents serving the West Midlands Metropolitan Area that should be considered whilst developing the Local Plan.
1. West Midlands Local Transport Plan
The West Midlands Local Transport Plan 2011 - 2026 (LTP) is a statutory document which looks at the transport needs of the Metropolitan Area and sets out a way forward to deliver those needs through short, medium and long term transport solutions.
The LTP has town parts:
The Local Transport Strategy - covering the 15 year period 2011 - 2026
The Implementation Plan - which details how we will deliver the first five years of the strategy (2011 - 2016)
2. Centro Integrated Public Transport Prospectus (IPTP)
The Integrated Public Transport Prospectus outlines a vision for a prosperous, healthy inculsive and sustainable West Midlands, served by a world class public transport system. The IPTP is currently being revised by Centro with the intention of a public consultation draft available from January 2013.
3. West Midlands Rail Vision
The West Midlands Rail Vision provides the region with a strategic focus for existing passenger and freight services and future rail development that will serve the West Midlands Region. This is currently being revised by the Regional Rail Forum.
HS"
Centro is disappointed that the Local Plan opposes the preferred route for the proposed High Speed Rail Line between London and Birmingham that will pass through the district boundary.
Centro believes that through the Local Plan Warwick District Council should consider and address the strategic importance of the proposed High Speed 2 Interchange station at Birmingham Airport. Whilst recognising that High Speed Rail servies will not be commencing before 2025, the station is expected to act as a catalyst for economic development and its proximity to Warwick District Council can benefit from the improved accessibility that HS2 will bring.
Rail
The recent High Level Output Specification Programme announcement made by the Department for Transport will enable the electrification of existing rail lines that will improve accessibility and reliability of rail services.
The routes to be electrified as part of the Electric Spine and other previous agreed projects include the Southampton Port - Basingstoke - Reading - Oxford - Leamington - Coventry.
This will allow operation of electric freight and longer distance passenger trains over this route. It would also enable the proposed NUCKLE Phase 2 service to be electrically operated and linked into other local services on teh Birmingham - Coventry corridor increasing through journey opportunities and connectivity to Birmingham, Birmingham International, NEC and HS2 Interchange from Leamington and Kenilworth.
It is expected that these improvements will be made during either Control Period 5 (2014 - 2019) or Control Period (2019 - 2024) both of which will occur during the Local Plan's lifespan. Centro strongly encourages Warwick DC to integrate the line and service improvements into the evolving Local Plan.
Bus
Centro would like to see greater reference within the core strategy to the role of buses in making cross boundary journeys into the West Moiands Metropolitan Area. Centro's adopted Integrated Public Transport Prospectus idnetifies the importance of the 'Journey to Work' area bus services between metropolitan West Midlands and major centres within the Warwick DC. Continued support and promotion of these services will help to reduce the use of the private car whilst encouraging sustainable travel options.
For further information on the Integrated Public Transport Prospectus, please see P40 in the link below: www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?ID=5362
Centro stresses that a high quality public transport network can assist in sustainable economic growth and regeneration, whilst also ensuring that the West Midlands transport sector contributes to the wider challenges including reducing climate-changing emissions. It is essential that investment into the provision of high quality public transport facilities and services to serve new and existing development is made from the outset in order to encourage use of more sustainable modes.

Document scanned.

Providing sustainable levels of growth :
The levels of growth envisioned are not sustainable- in that the level of infrastructure, its
distribution, housing location and jobs, do not match the population growth forecast.
A 40% increase in Warwick's population over 15 years is clearly unsustainable and will cause
immense damage to the the character of the County Town
Level of Population Growth and demand for housing assumptions:
These are flawed because:
Given that more than 50% of national population growth has been from immigration over the
last two decades, and the government has publicly stated it wishes to greatly reduce this
future net immigration, why is Warwick District planning for an even greater level of growth
over the next 15 years, than has been experienced in the recent past?
* Housing demand growth in England is from a combination of net immigration and
changes in household demographics towards smaller households.
* However the impact of a prolonged recession which the Prime Minister says could last
another decade, will impact on the ability of individuals to afford housing.
* This is manifest in the rapidly rising age of first time buyers and the profound
demographic change since 2008 in more young adults living at home with their parents
for much longer than in the past.
* So why is the plan still assuming a rapid increase in demand for single occupancy
households; when the actual demographic trend is away from this?
* Is the modelling based on current data, or is it simply looking at the demand during the
decade of rapid growth and easy availability of mortgage loans pre the 2008 crash?
* This in turn could mean that in fact far less individual units are required for the District
as a whole, but a greater emphasis should be given for multi generational living , with
semi independent adults?
Distribution of housing within the District
The plan talks about the need to distribute housing across the entire District , but then in fact does
not do this!
A starting point should be that EVERY ward has the same level of housing growth during the plan,
i.e. A 20% across the board increase.
* It appears that most housing will be again concentrated within Warwick and parts of
Leamington Spa, with very little in the large villages or in Kenilworth
* This is curious, as it also points out the lack of affordable rural housing but then basically
ignores any provision for it!
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* The inexplicable lack of housing growth in and around Kenilworth is most odd given that the
job growth is likely to be around the University and Coventry Airport, and the town already
has a lot of facilities.
* 830 houses over 15 years in the villages is clearly inadequate to meet their housing needs
or the lack of affordable housing, this is only 55 houses per year spread across a wide
geographical area.
* I suggest as a minimum 2500 of the 10800 houses in the plan be developed in the
village areas spread evenly across the district.
* This provision WOULD meet the need for affordable rural housing projected, at 55
per year if 33% was "affordable".
I suggest two areas which have been overlooked for large scale housing provision are Radford
Semile and Lapworth.
* Both are ripe for large scale "garden suburbs", supported by business parks. This would
support and make more viable their existing shops and schools.
* I suggest that at least an additional 1000 to 1500 houses are considered for each ward, and
therefore the significant benefits of population growth extolled by this plan are met, coupled
with local affordable housing and retail provision
* I note they both have existing primary schools, and good proximity to public transport and
roads, and Lapworth has a commuter railway station.
* There is also the opportunity in Lapworth to build a business park to tap into the proximity
to Solihull and at Radford Semile to build a business park dedicated to engineering to tap
into the expertise and supply chain associated with Ricardos.
* This in turn would mean much smaller developments around Milverton and Warwick would
therefore by required.
Transport
For the plan to be actually sustainable, there needs to be a lot more vision for integrated public
transport.
Cycle ways:
It would be a good objective to work with the County Council to ensure that EVERY community is
served by a dedicated cycle way, especially within the urban areas, where short lengths of cycle
way often just stop.
This should be funded by developers of the new housing as a priority via the Community
Infrastructure Levy
Commuter Rail and Bus Routes:
The plan envisions much new low cost housing, yet this is concentrated mainly around Warwick,
and the new job provision is in the north of the District.
HOW are those in low paid jobs who will presumably be the beneficiaries of the "low cost" housing,
be able to commute to where the jobs are if they cannot afford their own cars?
For the plan to be sustainable surely it would be better to have more smaller housing
developments within walking/ cycle distance of the new job provision; i.e. small estates near small
business parks?
* IF this is not possible a commitment to provide and subsidise long distance inter nodal
commuter bus routes is essential.
* Low paid workers will need to be able to commute quickly and cheaply to where the jobs
actually are!?
* This can be achieved, by developing inter town express bus routes to link together;
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Warwick, Leamington, Stratford, Coventry, The University, Nuneaton, Rugby, Kenilworth
and the larger villages; integrated with mini bus services which will THEN serve the local
housing areas. Funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy.
* NOT the farcical situation as now when it take between 90 and 120 minutes each way to
get between towns , which IF a direct town centre to town centre route could be achieved in
20 -30 minutes, (existing buses take very circular routes).
* This lack of effective public commuter transport compounds inequality and creates greater
dependency on state subsidies, as those able and willing to work cannot afford the
transport to get to the jobs, and the bus services are simply too slow and too infrequent to
be a viable alternative.
* Similarly regular local new commuter train services linking together ALL the major
Warwickshire Towns and Coventry should be a priority, funded by the Community
Infrastructure Levy,.
* The "virtual" park and ride scheme, seems like a lot of hot air political spin. Does it
effectively mean NO park and ride , but a slightly extended bus route?
Air Pollution
Parts of WDC already do not meet the Nox emissions EU Directive, including large parts of the
centre of Warwick.
This is likely to be tightened up in the near future with harder targets and lower permissible
emissions, possibly wit fines for non compliance.
It therefore seems curious that the large-scale housing developments on the edge of Warwick are
suggested with a likely 40% increase in the town's population, over 15 years.
This will inevitably add to the congestion and air pollution; so why is it in the plan on this scale?
Historic Distinctiveness
* I believe the plan should do more to promote good design in housing.
* It is should also seek to unambiguously protect the historic buildings in the area and their
settings, as this is one of the major "draw" factors for population growth and economic
vitality
* The plan has some very vague and bland statements, it needs a clearly articulated
"heritage vision", backed up with detailed planning guidance and then an appetite for
rigorous enforcement.
* Our towns are special, BUT only if the key historic and architectural elements and values
are protected, otherwise they risk becoming a sprawling new town reminiscent of Milton
Keynes.
* The existing open spaces, sports fields, allotments and parklands should unambigiously be
protected from development, including their settings.
Definitions of affordable Housing
I suggest that the definition of what is affordable housing needs broadening.
The plan highlights the need for housing for the elderly and the growth of the elderly as a % of the
population.
One solution to their needs and the obvious trends in semi independent adults living much longer
with their parents because they cannot afford to get on the housing ladder, would be to classify
"granny flats" or semi separated apartments within houses as going towards the "affordable
housing" targets.
Multigenerational living should be encouraged as it meets housing need, is sustainable and reflects
changing land-use patterns. There is the opportunity to boost this by incorporating it into the plan's
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housing targets and helps meet the need for "mixed" housing.
Gypsy Site:
I suggest the land adjacent to the Junc 15 of the M40 might be a suitable site.
There is little nearby existing housing, but a public bus service and good road access
Employment Land
I support the use of green belt land to expand employment opportunities on well designed business
parks at Stoneleigh and around the University. BUT there must be good public transport links to
allow potential workers to access these jobs from the existing WDC Urban areas.
HS2
HS2 could open up significant advantages for the West Midlands by improving links to London &
Heathrow, but more importantly Northern English cities and direct rail links with northern Europe.
I support HS2 and would suggest that rather than opposing a strategic transport plan which cannot
be blocked by WDC due to existing legislation, the Council concentrates in obtaining maximum
benefit for the District, by getting subsidies for improving the transport links to meet the HS2
stations.
Conservation Areas and Historic Environment
* WDC must commit to protecting the existing listed buildings, open public spaces and
conservation areas, from encroachment by development.
* Particularly as most development needs - as defined by this plan-will be met by building on
greenfield and brown field sites, there is therefore less pressure to damage the existing
historic town buildings?
* I suggest the English Heritage Guidance published in May 2011 in "Seeing History in the
View" should be incorporated into the plan.
Climate Change
Flooding and SUDS. Given the recent patterns of heavy rainfall and the long history of local
flooding, great care should be given to the sitting of all new developments.
Claims of 1000 year flood modelling should be treated with extreme scepticism as reliable data
only exists for the past 90 years.
Especially in existing urban areas a conservative approach should be given to any large new
buildings and their impact on surface water drainage.
Consideration should be given to more local flood defences and helping individuals to flood proof
their homes.
Fear of Crime
* No sex clubs or night clubs should be allowed near housing- they should only be built in
non residential areas.
* No new pubs, bars or hotels should be built or change of use in areas of predominately
residential nature, to protect existing residential amenity.
* There should be the presumption that in residential areas new businesses will not increase
the background ambient noise levels. If this cannot be achieved these businesses should
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be located in designated areas such as retail or business parks.
Good Design:
The plan highlights good design and sustainability, this should be supported but defined
All new housing should be built to Parker Morris standards
http://www.singleaspect.org.uk/pm/index.php
* These standards are based on ergonomics of the minimum space needed to meet "a
functional approach to determining space standards in the home by considering
what furniture was needed in rooms, the space needed to use the furniture and move
around it, and the space needed for normal, household activities."
As these were the minimum set for UK 1961 social housing it is not unreasonable that they should
be the very minimum acceptable in WDC for the next 15 years. OR we run the risk of creating
housing that CANNOT meet the needs of the occupants and risks becoming dysfunctional or
slums, which by definition is hardly "sustainable".
Public Space:
Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should
not be built on !
Any new developments should have additional public space.
Tourism
* Any new visitor accommodation -over a small number of bedrooms- should be examined to
see if it would have a negative impact on the existing providers locally as a material
planning consideration.
* Small independent providers of accommodation tend to support far more local jobs and
have a bigger local economic impact by their use of local suppliers.
* It is desirable to have a diversity in type and location of accommodation providers.
* New budget chain hotels which have a similar impact on existing hotels and guest houses,
to that of supermarkets on independent retail traders. They should only be permitted where
it can be demonstrated there is an unmet demand or capacity need. And there will not be a
detrimental impact on existing buisnesses.
Green Wedges
This seems to be a meaningless concept.