Acting in interests of constituents

Conservative South Ward district councillors are committed to protecting green spaces within and around Warwick South and we are not prepared to renege on that promise. I was asked to represent constituents severely affected by these proposals who sought my help and I was solely representing their interests as a councillor, not acting as a spokesman for the Friends of St Nicholas Park.

Yes, let’s be clear Mr. Tilden Smith, I am not offering a petition - that was set up by the FOSNP. I am presented with the reality of the proposed situation and these are the salient facts.

There is a covenant on the land shown on residents’ deeds which states that the land should “remain an open space in perpetuity”. However residents were not consulted about this proposal and their houses have already been drastically devalued at a stroke.

The land previously identified for this building by Warwick District Council is now a much larger area than formerly considered. The HQ is not now a “hut”, nor a “pavilion” but a huge structure with a roof higher than the houses and covering a large expanse of Myton Fields.

It may have little chance of being granted planning permission, being within a precious conservation area and also on a flood zone 2 (significant flood risk) area.

The area is not designated for development on the Local Plan which in fact states that open spaces are to be protected. Failure at the planning stage would mean a massive loss of funds for the Sea Scouts which is why more suitable alternative sites need to be explored.

Warwick District Council has a responsibility for the safety of its residents and, as a responsible councillor, I am also concerned at the possibility of increased flood risk for the houses on both sides of the river just upstream of the park. Loss of flood plain removes flood water storage capacity and this can result in flood water backing up, as happened at the Pottertons development and/or possibly being displaced towards St Johns.

The Emscote Gardens estate has already suffered a compromised flood defence through housing development and suffered ground water flooding in 1998. Their (now removed) floodbank saved them at the time but any marginal increase in water levels during a major flood could mean disaster for them.

Now who has been in the dark, Mr Tilden Smith?

The only sensible way forward is for all parties to sit around a table and discuss an alternative, particularly one or two that have been suggested recently, since there is no question that everyone supports the Sea Scouts and their amazing work for the young. Are you up for it Mr. Pitchford? - Linda Bromley, Warwick district councillor (Warwick South)