Protesters threaten legal 
action over Local Plan

Several angry consultation meetings have been held into the hugely controversial development strategy that has already led to speculative planning applications for more housing, particularly around Warwick.

Even local MP Chris White has registered his objections to the number of homes being proposed - 4,500 of them south of 
Warwick, around Warwick Gates and the edge of Whitnash 
reaching out to nearby villages. Warwick Town Council and Whitnash Town Council
have forged alliances with Bishops Tachbrook Parish Council and the voluntary Warwick Society to take the gloves off and prepare for a fight.

James Mackay, chairman of the Warwick Society, said: “If the district council does not accept residents’ views - disregarding localism - then a legal challenge may be the only means to prevent the harm being done by these proposals.

“The whole consultation process and politics of the situation give rise to concerns.”

At a public meeting in the Guy Nelson Hall last week, the issue of mass fundraising to fight any legal challenge was raised by more than one person in the audience.

Mr Mackay said: “The land between Warwick, Whitnash and Bishops Tachbrook is rural and agricultural and present policies respect this.

“Building on this land would merge our built-up areas, turning them into a single suburban sprawl. The green fields are as important as the Green Belt to the north of Leamington and Warwick and should be safeguarded just as strongly.”

The other objections submitted to the district’s development team can be summarised as:

n Less than half the projected 12,300 homes would meet local needs

n A more realistic forecast of need would mean the district already has a five year supply of sites - it is wrong to forecast up to 2029.

n The new home-owners would inevitably be car dependent leading to increased traffic congestion

n Air quality pollution from car exhausts in Warwick town centre and south of Leamington is already worse than is legally permitted.

n Historic houses in the town would suffer direct damage as a result of increase in cars with traffic lights and gyratory systems ruining local beauty spots. The attractive approach to Leamington via Europa Way will be lost.

n The council’s predicted funding and provision forschools and healthcare facilities is not enough.

n There are better alternatives, lower housing numbers to meet local needs, especially for affordable homes.

n Gypsy and traveller sites are concentrated in the same area, again because of Green Belt restrictions.