I am very concerned about the proposed removal of area 3 from the green belt, and the proposal to build a large housing estate on the site. My worry is that this will damage both the value in the landscape and the operation of the historic grade II* listed Berkswell Windmill. This is a nationally important mill and deserves full protection.
Besides the visual effects, any construction above ground level will tend to block the airflow towards the mill, and, equally important, the free escape of air away from the mill when the wind is in the opposite direction, and being permanent in nature could not be remedied by, for example, tree control in the future. This is a particularly important at Berkswell where the mill is a short stubby mill of what was the characteristic local design, and known as a groundsailer as the windmill sails are at low level and adjustable for operating purposes from ground level. I know from experience of operating another groundsailing windmill in Derbyshire that the mill operates so much better when the wind is coming from a direction free of obstructions.
I am also concerned at the proposal to remove the green belt status of all the land to the east of the mill within the line of proposed new Balsall Bypass road. It is stated that it is not intended to release this land for housing. If that is so, why is it necessary to remove it from the Green Belt? It would be far better to retain both areas east and west of Windmill Lane within the Green Belt and take action to enhance their green belt status, rather than dismiss them offhand as low quality green belt as the proposals do.
I therefore OBJECT to the proposed development area 3 being included in the Local Plan and also OBJECT to its removal from the green Belt.