Question 6 - Site 3 - Windmill Lane
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 7846
Received: 13/03/2019
Respondent: Richborough Estates
Agent: Star Planning and Development
12. Richborough Estates does not formally object to the allocation proposed at Barratt's Farm but notes the multitude of land ownerships and the required high level of infrastructure investment that may act as a constraint to the expedient delivery of new homes. It would, therefore, be entirely a logical for the self-contained site at Frog Lane to come forward at the earliest opportunity to provide some housing at Balsall Common early in the plan period.
12. Richborough Estates does not formally object to the allocation proposed at Barratt's Farm but notes the multitude of land ownerships and the required high level of infrastructure investment that may act as a constraint to the expedient delivery of new homes. It would, therefore, be entirely a logical for the self-contained site at Frog Lane to come forward at the earliest opportunity to provide some housing at Balsall Common early in the plan period.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 7975
Received: 13/03/2019
Respondent: Izumi Segawa
Building on all available land means that the British countryside is losing to yet more ugly houses.
If you look at the town itself, which is currently quite grotty, there is more opportunity for (better) development - above/behind shops/unnecessarily large car park by Co-op. Instead of choosing the easy option of building on greenbelt and farmland, you should use more imagination to maximise the use of the existing town. There is a need for more accommodation but building hundreds of individual houses sounds very inefficient. If you need to tackle the housing deficiency, build more flats in the town centre.
Building on all available land means that the British countryside is losing to yet more ugly houses.
If you look at the town itself, which is currently quite grotty, there is more opportunity for (better) development - above/behind shops/unnecessarily large car park by Co-op. Instead of choosing the easy option of building on greenbelt and farmland, you should use more imagination to maximise the use of the existing town. There is a need for more accommodation but building hundreds of individual houses sounds very inefficient. If you need to tackle the housing deficiency, build more flats in the town centre.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8086
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Sheila Cooper
Errors in site assessment and failure to investigate alternatives. Green belt take is disproportionate to housing proposed due to restrictions to protect Great-Crested Newts.
Concept Masterplan significantly underestimates impact on Listed Windmill and its setting, including free-flow of wind, compared with listed buildings on other sites.
Site is an unacceptable distance from the Village Centre/station/Doctors Surgery, is outside the desirable distance to nearest local schools, and will be highly car-dependent/unsustainable.
Two areas identified as of ecological importance and should be protected, impact on protected species and offsetting unacceptable.
Impact on Windmill Lane, traffic safety and amenity of existing residents.
See attached document
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8165
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Anya Schofield
The preparations for HS2 have affected a much wider area than originally suggested. Our day to day lives are significantly affected by the current HS2 work -specifically - frequent road closures and diversions affecting travel plans, constant heavy traffic affecting our roads and daily routine and walking paths closed and diverted. This will only worsen as HS2 work progresses. These plans centre on the area of Balsall Common most impacted by HS2. Layering onto this work to build houses and related infrastructure in this area would make our daily routine unbearable.
The preparations for HS2 have affected a much wider area than originally suggested. Our day to day lives are significantly affected by the current HS2 work -specifically - frequent road closures and diversions affecting travel plans, constant heavy traffic affecting our roads and daily routine and walking paths closed and diverted. This will only worsen as HS2 work progresses. These plans centre on the area of Balsall Common most impacted by HS2. Layering onto this work to build houses and related infrastructure in this area would make our daily routine unbearable.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8280
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Seamus Maguire
see BARRAGE letter
see letter - site 3 Windmill Lane
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8299
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Andrew Burrow
The ecological restrictions on this site and the setting of the windmill make the housing delivered versus the land required to be removed from the greenbelt a poor swap. The site is also too far from the village amenities (shops, doctors, station and even schools) to make it a sustainable location. It will be totally car dependent. More suitable sites within the borough without these restrictions are available both in Balsall Common and Dorridge
The ecological restrictions on this site and the setting of the windmill make the housing delivered versus the land required to be removed from the greenbelt a poor swap. The site is also too far from the village amenities (shops, doctors, station and even schools) to make it a sustainable location. It will be totally car dependent. More suitable sites within the borough without these restrictions are available both in Balsall Common and Dorridge
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8337
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Helen Goodwin
Not enough road structure.
not enough infrastructure for the whole area.
Not enough road structure.
not enough infrastructure for the whole area.
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8425
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Diane Howell
The Elysian Fields development has set a precedent here, however any new development must be better planned and integrate into existing housing character. The presence of the newts mean that a portion of the site cannot be developed. Therefore I would question why you are still pushing for building on this site. Might there be other sites that are easier to develop ?
The Elysian Fields development has set a precedent here, however any new development must be better planned and integrate into existing housing character. The presence of the newts mean that a portion of the site cannot be developed. Therefore I would question why you are still pushing for building on this site. Might there be other sites that are easier to develop ?
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8509
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Joelle Hill
I am worried about the impact on the area around Berkswell Windmill which is a historic monument. Generally anything that could impair/impact on this lovely building would be a terrible shame.
I am worried about the impact on the area around Berkswell Windmill which is a historic monument. Generally anything that could impair/impact on this lovely building would be a terrible shame.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8533
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Ella McGarry
Overall level of growth in settlement is excessive and much greater than proposed elsewhere, with reduction in numbers for Dickens Heath/Shirley and no allocations in Dorridge. Brownfield sites put forward as alternatives to avoid development of greenfield land, not as additional sites. Proposals will impact on air quality and health.
Site is greenfield/green belt and should be protected as Mayor has pledged. Site performs very poorly in SA, is not accessible, and development will harm listed Berkswell Windmill and adversely affect wildlife. Road access is unsuitable. Development would impact on residents as no green buffer, and from construction noise.
see attached letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8542
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs J A Gledhill
Overall level of growth in settlement is excessive and much greater than proposed elsewhere, with reduction in numbers for Dickens Heath/Shirley and no allocations in Dorridge. Brownfield sites put forward as alternatives to avoid development of greenfield land, not as additional sites. Proposals will impact on air quality and health.
Site is greenfield/green belt and should be protected as Mayor has pledged. Site performs very poorly in SA, is not accessible, and development will harm listed Berkswell Windmill and adversely affect wildlife. Road access is unsuitable. Development would impact on residents as no green buffer, and from construction noise.
see attached letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8571
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
The Ecology Assessment (Jan 2017) identified significant ecological features; marshy grassland and pond. In addition there is a known population of Great Crested Newts near to the site; they are a protected species and will need mitigation.
Currently neither concept plan retains all the ecological features recommended within the Ecology Assessment (2017); we therefore recommend that the SMBC Concept Plan is amended to show the semi-improved grassland to the centre, south of the site as being retained as natural open-space.
The Ecology Assessment (Jan 2017) identified significant ecological features; marshy grassland and pond. In addition there is a known population of Great Crested Newts near to the site; they are a protected species and will need mitigation.
Currently neither concept plan retains all the ecological features recommended within the Ecology Assessment (2017); we therefore recommend that the SMBC Concept Plan is amended to show the semi-improved grassland to the centre, south of the site as being retained as natural open-space.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8573
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs J Carpenter
Overall level of growth in settlement is excessive and much greater than proposed elsewhere, with reduction in numbers for Dickens Heath/Shirley and no allocations in Dorridge. Brownfield sites put forward as alternatives to avoid development of greenfield land, not as additional sites. Proposals will impact on air quality and health.
Site is greenfield/green belt and should be protected as Mayor has pledged. Site performs very poorly in SA, is not accessible, and development will harm listed Berkswell Windmill and adversely affect wildlife. Road access is unsuitable. Development would impact on residents as no green buffer, and from construction noise.
see attached letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8607
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Bill Young
Overall level of growth in settlement is excessive and much greater than proposed elsewhere, with reduction in numbers for Dickens Heath/Shirley and no allocations in Dorridge. Brownfield sites were put forward as alternatives to avoid development of greenfield land, not as additional sites. This is not a fair distribution particularly as the village will have to deal with HS2. Proposals will impact on air quality and health.
Site is greenfield/green belt in the Meriden Gap and should be protected as the Mayor and Leader of the Council has pledged. It would create the narrowest gap between settlements do not understand why it is being included. Site performs very poorly in SA, is not accessible because it stretches so far from the village boundary and therefore people would need to drive to shops, medical centre, train station and primary school. Development would harm the Grade II* listed Berkswell Windmill and adversely affect wildlife including owls, red kites. Woodpeckers and protected Great Crested Newts . Road access is unsuitable either onto Windmill Lane opposite Hob Lane or through Meer Stones Road estate - this is already turning into a rat run. Development would impact on current residents, in some parts medium density housing is proposed with no green buffer to preserve visual amenity. Construction noise and vibration will affect residents and could cause long term damage to Berkswell Windmill.
see attached letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8673
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Greig File
Remoteness of the site is an issue, adding significant traffic to access the centre. Creating a "cutthrough" on the development to windmill lane/bypass is another. The supposedly protected newt site would be decimated.
Primary school places would either be in the already stretched existing site of way over the other side of the village
Remoteness of the site is an issue, adding significant traffic to access the centre. Creating a "cutthrough" on the development to windmill lane/bypass is another. The supposedly protected newt site would be decimated.
Primary school places would either be in the already stretched existing site of way over the other side of the village
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8698
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs K Drakes
Overall level of growth in settlement is excessive and much greater than proposed elsewhere, with reduction in numbers for Dickens Heath/Shirley and no allocations in Dorridge. Brownfield sites put forward as alternatives to avoid development of greenfield land, not as additional sites. Proposals will impact on air quality and health.
Site is greenfield/green belt and should be protected as Mayor has pledged. Site performs very poorly in SA, is not accessible, and development will harm listed Berkswell Windmill and adversely affect wildlife. Road access is unsuitable. Development would impact on residents as no green buffer, and from construction noise.
see attached letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8730
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Andrea Baker
This is clear green belt, with historic buildings and protected wildlife species. There is no justification for destroying this for the sake of even more houses.
This is clear green belt, with historic buildings and protected wildlife species. There is no justification for destroying this for the sake of even more houses.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8743
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Councillor Max McLoughlin
Would result in harm to heritage asset Berkswell Windmill, including disruption of wind flow. Development would have detrimental impact on local biodiversity due to impact on protected species which cannot easily be mitigated. Buffer zone around the woodland is not being respected sufficiently. Site performs poorly with regard to connectivity to centre.
No. It should be removed
The reasons for removal pertain to historic, environmental and ecological detrimental impacts. The historic value of the Berkswell Windmill should not be harmed. Development in the close vicinity of it will disrupt wind-flow and have the potential to prevent the sails from ever turning again.
Whilst the historic impact on the windmill is important, the ecological impact on the habitat of the protected species of newts cannot be easily mitigated. Development here would have a detrimental impact on local biodiversity, with little potential for successful mitigation off-site.
Finally, the buffer zone around the woodland is not being respected sufficiently. These factors against also tie-in with poorer performance as a site, with regard to connectivity to the centre of the settlement. As such it should be removed and alternative site(s) found.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8747
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Jeanette McGarry
Overall level of growth in settlement is excessive and much greater than proposed elsewhere, with reduction in numbers for Dickens Heath/Shirley and no allocations in Dorridge. Brownfield sites put forward as alternatives to avoid development of greenfield land, not as additional sites. Proposals will impact on air quality and health.
Site is greenfield/green belt and should be protected as Mayor has pledged. Site performs very poorly in SA, is not accessible, and development will harm listed Berkswell Windmill and adversely affect wildlife. Road access is unsuitable. Development would impact on residents as no green buffer, and from construction noise.
See Letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8752
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land at Fulford Hall Road
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
Whilst we agree with the spatial approach to development in Balsall Common, we query whether there is evidence on the deliverability of some sites, for instance Barratts Farm (site 1), which has over 10 landowners within the allocation and relies on significant infrastructure for its delivery. Evidence is required to demonstrate delivery and the build rate will be crucial in the Regulation 19
Plan. Sites that have less land assembly issues that are available for development now (such as our Client's) are much more deliverable in the early years of the Plan, as demonstrated by the adjacent Bellway scheme.
Please see covering letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8776
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land at Widney Manor Road
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
Whilst we agree with the spatial approach to development in Balsall Common, we would query whether there is evidence on the deliverability of some sites, for instance Barratts Farm (site 1), which has over 10 landowners within the allocation and relies on significant infrastructure for its delivery. Evidence is required to demonstrate delivery and a housing trajectory will be crucial in the Regulation 19 Plan. Sites that have less land assembly issues that are available for development now are much more deliverable in the early years of the Plan. This is particularly important for affordable housing, and our Client's site has the ability to deliver a 100% affordable housing scheme within the early years of the Plan period.
Please see covering letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8798
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land North of School Road
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
Whilst we agree with the spatial approach to development in Balsall Common, we would query whether there is evidence on the deliverability of some sites, for instance Barratts Farm (site 1), which has over 10 landowners within the allocation and relies on significant infrastructure for its delivery. Evidence is required to demonstrate delivery and a housing trajectory will be crucial in the Regulation 19 Plan. Sites with less land assembly issues that are available for development now (such as our Client's - site 416) are much more deliverable in the early years of the Plan.
Please see covering letter
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8816
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land West of Stratford Road
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
Whilst we agree with the spatial approach to development in Balsall Common, we would query whether there is evidence on the deliverability of some sites, such as Site 1.
Evidence is required to demonstrate delivery and a housing trajectory will be crucial in the Regulation 19 Plan. Sites with less land assembly issues that are available for development now (such as our Client's) are much more deliverable in the early years of the Plan.
Please see covering letter
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8837
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land Fronting Waste Lane
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
Whilst we agree with the spatial approach to development in Balsall Common, we would query whether there is evidence on the deliverability of some sites, for instance Barratts Farm (site 1), which has over 10 landowners within the allocation and relies on significant infrastructure for its delivery. Evidence is required to demonstrate delivery and the assumed built rate will be crucial in the Regulation 19 Plan. Our Client's land is available now and can be delivered early in the Plan period.
Please see covering letter
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8857
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land South of Park Lane
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
We agree with the identification of the Balsall Common sites given the sustainable nature of the settlement. However as above, it is clear that employment land will be required
Please see covering letter
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8872
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Mr D Deanshaw
Important to learn lessons of earlier poor strategic decisions.
Concept Masterplan
Parking area needed for Listed Building - Windmill - tourist attraction. Avoid 3 storey development on narrow roads.
See Letters
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8946
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Ms Wendy Gault
Failure to robustly study alternatives with the resultant removal from greenbelt an area which has significant ecological factors and resultant significant destruction of the setting of a historic windmill (working). The windmill is recognised as being of significant historic value which the site selection takes no account of.
Failure to robustly study alternatives with the resultant removal from greenbelt an area which has significant ecological factors and resultant significant destruction of the setting of a historic windmill (working). The windmill is recognised as being of significant historic value which the site selection takes no account of.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9003
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Keith Tindall
The large take of Green Belt land is disproportionate to the number of houses able to be built and its impact on the heritage site of the Windmill has not been fully assessed. The site is also a considerable distance from local amenities and is therefore unsustainable in terms of travel, leading to more car usage and congestion in what is already a congested area, placing further pressure on the local infrastructure.
The large take of Green Belt land is disproportionate to the number of houses able to be built and its impact on the heritage site of the Windmill has not been fully assessed. The site is also a considerable distance from local amenities and is therefore unsustainable in terms of travel, leading to more car usage and congestion in what is already a congested area, placing further pressure on the local infrastructure.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9031
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Sharon Lindop
Development of the site will further narrow the Meriden Gap.
Sustainability of site scores very poorly (9 negatives and 2 positives)
The site is poorly positioned for residents to access village amenities such as schools and medical facilities, train station and primary school.
Road access to and from the site is restricted. This would result in drivers from 280 dwellings (including Meer Stones Road residents) trying to access the road network from two points south of the village, Kenilworth Road and Windmill Lane, increasing congestion in the village centre as many commuters attempt to access the motorway network north of the village.
The area is rich in wildlife such as owls, red kites, woodpeckers, deer, hawks, numerous insects, bats, amphibians and the protected Great Crested Newts and development will destroy the habitat of these creatures.
Construction of new housing would require pile driving, the impact being relentless noise and vibrations on local residents during the building process.
Development will have an adverse impact on the Grade 2* Listed Berkswell Windmill.
The proposal for medium density housing is not in keeping with the existing character of housing. There is no green buffer to preserve visual amenity. Balsall Common is already under significant stress from HS2. The proposal for an unnecessary bypass and the moving of the Green Belt boundary will destroy a great swathe of our open countryside forever.
The development of site 3 Windmill Lane would create the narrowest point of the Meriden Gap and therefore it is difficult to understand why the site is being included. The council has also assessed the sustainability of the site and it scores very poorly (9 negatives and only 2 positives), not least because it stretches so far out from the village boundary that residents would need to drive to the village shops, the medical centre, the train station and the primary school.
The only additional access point onto the road network from the site would be onto Windmill Lane opposite Hob Lane (unless new residents were expected to access their homes through the Meer Stones Road estate). This would result in drivers from 280 dwellings (including Meer Stones Road residents) trying to access the road network from two points south of the village, Kenilworth Road and Windmill Lane, increasing congestion in the village centre as many commuters attempt to access the motorway network north of the village.
Based on land conditions encountered in the surrounding area it is likely that the construction of new homes in this area would require pile driving. The impact of such relentless noise and vibrations on residents during the building process would be indescribable.
The area is rich in wildlife - owls, red kites, woodpeckers, deer, hawks, numerous insects, bats, amphibians and the protected Great Crested Newts, to name but a few and development of the site would destroy the habitat and feeding grounds for these creatures.
Construction work in the area and any subsequent increase in traffic flow would have an adverse impact on our Grade 2* Listed Berkswell Windmill.
The proposal to build medium density housing in the site, with no "green buffer" to preserve any of the visual amenity currently enjoyed by residents does not respect the local character of housing in this locality nor the people who currently live there.
Balsall Common residents are already under significant stress from the impact of HS2. The poorly conceived housing development south of the village, the unnecessary bypass to the east of the village and the moving of the Green Belt boundary would all cut away a further great swathe of our open countryside forever.
I would urge the council to seriously look at the alternative proposal of building a new settlement to the north of Balsall Common nearer the motorway network, instead of imposing any significant level of new housing on the village itself, which is already clearly 'bursting at the seams'.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9032
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Gary Lindop
Development of the site will further narrow the Meriden Gap.
The site is poorly positioned for residents to access village amenities.
Road access to and from the site is restricted.
The area is rich in wildlife and development will destroy the habitat of these creatures.
Development will have an adverse impact on the Grade 2* Listed Berkswell Windmill.
The proposal for medium density housing is not in keeping with the existing character of housing.
The proposal for an unnecessary bypass and the moving of the Green Belt boundary will destroy a great swathe of our open countryside forever.
The development of site 3 Windmill Lane would create the narrowest point of the Meriden Gap and therefore it is difficult to understand why the site is being included. The council has also assessed the sustainability of the site and it scores very poorly (9 negatives and only 2 positives), not least because it stretches so far out from the village boundary that residents would need to drive to the village shops, the medical centre, the train station and the primary school.
The only additional access point onto the road network from the site would be onto Windmill Lane opposite Hob Lane (unless new residents were expected to access their homes through the Meer Stones Road estate). This would result in drivers from 280 dwellings (including Meer Stones Road residents) trying to access the road network from two points south of the village, Kenilworth Road and Windmill Lane, increasing congestion in the village centre as many commuters attempt to access the motorway network north of the village.
Based on land conditions encountered in the surrounding area it is likely that the construction of new homes in this area would require pile driving. The impact of such relentless noise and vibrations on residents during the building process would be indescribable.
The area is rich in wildlife - owls, red kites, woodpeckers, deer, hawks, numerous insects, bats, amphibians and the protected Great Crested Newts, to name but a few and development of the site would destroy the habitat and feeding grounds for these creatures.
Construction work in the area and any subsequent increase in traffic flow would have an adverse impact on our Grade 2* Listed Berkswell Windmill.
The proposal to build medium density housing in the site, with no "green buffer" to preserve any of the visual amenity currently enjoyed by residents does not respect the local character of housing in this locality nor the people who currently live there.
Balsall Common residents are already under significant stress from the impact of HS2. The poorly conceived housing development south of the village, the unnecessary bypass to the east of the village and the moving of the Green Belt boundary would all cut away a further great swathe of our open countryside forever.
I would urge the council to seriously look at the alternative proposal of building a new settlement to the north of Balsall Common nearer the motorway network, instead of imposing any significant level of new housing on the village itself, which is already clearly 'bursting at the seams'.