RADFORD Semele residents came out in force to protest at plans to build over 500 new homes in the village.
They made their voices heard before Warwick District Council planning committee met to discuss two controversial new applications.
But their protest fell on deaf ears as plans for 25 homes next to Ricardo, and 150 homes off the Southam Road behind a current development off Southam Road towards the Fosse Way, were given the green light.
Only three years ago the council had earmarked just 50 new homes for Radford as part of its proposed Local Plan – the document detailing future development across the district over the next 15 years – but the total number of homes developers are now pressing to build in the village currently stands at 515.
Permission was also granted on appeal for 65 homes in School Lane, and now developers want to build a further 100 on Spring Lane.
Ward councillor Mike Doody believed a sound case opposing the applications was argued, but he was not surprised the two sites got approved.
There are currently some 750 homes in the village, which has a population of just under 2,000, but there is growing concern Radford cannot support such a potential population explosion.
Coun Doody told The Observer: “In the report it said Warwickshire County Council want money from the developments to bus children out of the village to other schools. It begs the question how far they will have to travel.
“Developments nearby in Harbury and Southam are also going to be bringing more traffic on to the Southam Road. The highway authority say there will be money from the developments used to improve the Southam Road. I think if you believe that then you’ll believe anything!”
There could be a silver lining for residents however after a Roman coin was found on land – also earmarked by developers – opposite the current development on Southam Road. An archaeological dig is planned and protesters hope something of note will be found, putting a stop to further plans.
