PLANS to build 200 homes in Whitnash creating a ‘mega cul-de-sac’ have been turned down.
Developers AC Lloyd had submitted an application to build a development around the size of 13 football pitches on land off Chesterton Gardens.
And despite Warwick District Council officers recommending to grant planning permission, it has been rejected.
It comes after 121 people objected, along with Whitnash Town Council, with concerns about access and limited number of bus stops, to name a few.
County coun for Leamington Willes Helen Adkins welcomed the move and said over the last two years more than 400 people have signed a petition against the development.
She told The Observer: “The decision to refuse building the 200 houses is a victory for Sydenham residents. We have battled over the last two years to stop this development and are so pleased for our local community this has been achieved. Over the past two years we have collected over 400 signatures on our petition to stop this development and this went a long way to change the hearts and minds of people in the area.
“This has been a tough battle, but it goes to show how much can be achieved when communities stand together.”
Coun Mini Mangat who spoke at the committee meeting and lives locally said: “My own children have asthma and the pollution of this development would have been detrimental to their health and the health of other people with such health conditions. I spoke at the meeting as a resident living in the very near vicinity to the development – I am so pleased for our community that this development has been refused.”
Green party coun Will Roberts said if permission had been granted it would have turned the area into a ‘mega cul-de-sac’.
He added: “I am delighted for residents in South Leamington and particularly those who would have been so badly affected by noise and traffic. This is a victory for common sense.”
And Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western added: “I’m delighted for Sydenham and Whitnash residents. So many had voiced grave fears to me about the plans.
“It would have meant more traffic, air pollution and noise. And it is no exaggeration to say it would have changed the community forever.
“It was the right decision and a victory for common sense. Labour councillors and I have been campaigning against this development for six years.
“Now the fight goes on to ensure the developers are not successful in appeal and that Warwick district is not victim to overdevelopment – and further unsustainable housing projects.”
