Plans to earmark land around Leamington Spa for thousands of new houses have received a mixed reaction from locals.

Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils have released the results of the latest public consultation into the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP), which asked for opinions on a number of 'strategic growth' areas as well as potential 'new settlements'.

Several of these sites are around Leamington, but local opinion varied on whether each should be developed into more housing.

North of Leamington

The first area earmarked as a strategic growth area is between Old Milverton Road and Kenilworth Road, to the north of the town.

Referred to as 'SG06' by the councils, the plot drew comments from 503 locals, 458 of which objected to it being included in the SWLP.

"Respondents expressed that SG06's location would exacerbate existing traffic congestion and promote unsustainable car dependency due to inadequate transport infrastructure," the councils' report said.

Residents said SG06 would "risk urban sprawl" and "undermine the separation of settlements".

"Some respondents highlight town-centre renewal or small-scale extensions as alternatives but note that infrastructure upgrades would be needed for any development," the report added.

South of Europa Way

The next strategic growth area proposed is to the south of Leamington (SG09), near the hundreds of new homes already being built around Europa Way and Banbury Road.

There was less obvious opposition to this portion of land, with 89 locals backing its inclusion in SWLP and 65 opposing.

"Most respondents raised concerns about transportation infrastructure and traffic issues in SG09," the report explained. 

"Respondents note that site SG09 benefits from immediate access to the M40 and A452. 

"The delivery of the new motorway junction could also help address existing traffic issues. 

"However, some respondents were concerned that the new development could exacerbate peak-time congestion. 

"Other concerns include increased noise, air pollution and parking pressures."

Bishops Tachbrook Group

To the east of the previous plot of land is SG10 - Bishops Tachbrook Group.

Again, of the 160 responses to this area of land, there was an even split between objectors and supporters.

Issues around congestion, the impact on the landscape and local facilities were all raised again.

Land south of Leamington/north of Wellesbourne/east of Barford 

To the south of the previous two parcels of land is 'X1' which is one of the 13 potential new settlement locations.

Supporting and objecting comments for this land near Hareway Lane were split 80 to 143.

"Respondents were most concerned about road infrastructure capacity and transport issues around X1, including narrow rural lanes and peak-time congestion on the A429 and B-roads," the report said. 

"The lack of reliable rail and bus services is seen as likely to increase car dependency. 

"Some respondents suggest mitigation measures such as a new M40 junction, upgraded links and a park-and-ride to improve traffic issues. 

"Beyond transport, respondents highlight broader environmental and infrastructure impacts. 

"Development at X1 is viewed as potentially intruding into open countryside and eroding the gaps between Warwick, Leamington Spa and surrounding villages."

Land south of Leamington Spa/Whitnash and west of B4455 Fosse Way

The next potential new settlement (X2) is further east and received the most support of any of the potential areas for new housing around Leamington.

The plot broadly borders Harbury Lane until its junction with the Fosse Way.

"Representations reflect a mixed position regarding the suitability of X2 as a new settlement location," the report explained. 

"Respondents acknowledge its location outside the green belt and its proximity to strategic transport corridors, employment areas and existing urban services. 

"However, substantial concerns are raised in relation to transport congestion, infrastructure capacity, utilities provision, flood risk, heritage impacts and overall deliverability. 

"While the site benefits from nearby road, rail and bus connections, including access to M40 junctions 13 and 14 and Leamington Spa railway station, many respondents consider that significant upgrades would be required to ensure development does not exacerbate existing pressures. 

"Education, healthcare and drainage infrastructure are widely described as operating at or beyond capacity."

South Warwickshire's future

The results of the survey were published last month as part of a 595-page report feeding back the results of the public survey.

An abridged 76-page summary report has also been shared.

Both highlighted there were public concerns about the "lack of infrastructure to support the proposed quantum of growth" across the whole of South Warwickshire.

"It was considered that the proposed amount of growth will have a detrimental impact on the plan area," the report said.

It added: "Commentary from respondents revealed a significant divide between the councils' aspirations and the public's perception of the plan's feasibility, with a wide range of responses received."

The much-delayed document is yet to be finalised, but will ultimately govern where tens of thousands of houses are built in the region.