Housing Develpoment in Warwickshire

[Lex]

After much talk & back-and-forthing, the Gaydon / Lighthorne Heath development has been chosen as the biggest single project in the district.

http://www.leamingtonobserver.co.uk/2014/04/28/news-Gaydon-Lighthorne-Heath-recommended-as-new-town-by-SDC--105069.html

http://www.stratford-herald.com/24880-breaking-news-sdc-cabinet-recommends-glh-as-site-for-new-town.html

[rebbonk]

Interesting with JLR as neighbours. As I recall, JLR ( or their predecessor) was hauled before the council for not declaring their long range intentions with the site. Unless I worked for JLR, i think I might think twice before buying there.

[Lex]

The development's gone through the 1st hoop - onwards to Westminster!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-27385474

[Lex]

Someone's actually using a brownfield site for development!!!
http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/local-news/200-new-homes-for-derelict-site-in-south-warwickshire-village-1-6096162

[rebbonk]

That (at least on the surface) is good news.

Much of the brownfield land around Coventry is contaminated and clean-up costs are quite high, that's why it is often unattractive to developers.

However, (and if you buy brownfield it is worth bearing in mind,) should contamination come to light at a later date, the land owner (you!) will likely be liable for the clean-up costs. Many estates that were put up on former tips etc. are a ticking timebomb as the containers that held unpleasant chemicals start to decay and allow their deadly content to seep out and pollute watercourses etc.

[Lex]

This was a hugely unpopular plan, even by Stratford standards - Rowley Fields is a very popular green space on the edge of town. Thank God the development's been called off: http://www.stratford-herald.com/33419-breaking-news-trust-scraps-rowley-fields-sell-off.html

[Lex]

Orbit Housing Association are taking over a key sight in Stratford; for Stratford, the accommodation will be cheap, but that doesn't mean it'll be affordable (unless you don't have enough self respect to try and make something of your life): http://www.stratford-herald.com/33879-developers-abandon-cattle-market-site.html

[rebbonk]

Not a big fan of Orbit. It's a shame that Redrow have pulled out.

[Lex]

More houses for the area; the roads are going to get pretty busy up Long Marston way: http://www.stratford-herald.com/34733-hundreds-more-homes-get-the-go-ahead.html

[rebbonk]

If we implemented proper boarder controls we wouldn't need all of these houses.

Though, there is another reason.... The whole economy is based on housing. If housebuilding halts, so does the economy. - It's a flawed system based on fractional reserve banking, and before much longer it will come crashing down. God help us when it does.

[Lex]

Another delay to the Core Strategy; unbelievable!
http://www.stratford-herald.com/35796-exclusive-core-strategy-delayed-for-another-whole-year.html

[rebbonk]

Beyond incompetence isn't? Of course, there might well be a deliberate underhanded tactic going on here.

[Lex]

The housing 'requirement' for the district is going up to nearly 14,500. Gaydon and Long Marston account for 6,500; where are the other 8,000 going to be built?
http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/at-least-3000-more-homes-needed-says-council-report-in-response-to-inspectors-core-strategy-findings-6952/

[rebbonk]

...where are the other 8,000 going to be built?

We have exactly the same problem, but I think we both know the answer; they'll build on green belt and pack small houses in as densely as they can get away with.

Sadly, nobody has the gonads to grasp the nettle and speak of the root cause of all these 'required' houses. We are a very small island and we are full!

[Lex]

It looks like the field behind Anne Hathaway's will be sold off to make way for a road. It'll get traffic out of the town centre for a while, until that fills up too: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/d-day-looms-over-plans-10076440

[Lex]

Looks like Nuneaton & Bedworth Council has meerly building more houses for ~coventry: http://www.nuneaton-news.co.uk/Borough-says-Cov-overspill-plea/story-27899023-detail/story.html

[rebbonk]

Frankly, I don't blame them.

Coventry Council has agreed to take in plenty of waifs and strays that it has no need to. Let Coventry sort out what it has committed to. Being totally fair, Central government has given Coventry plenty by way of Grants for this.

If Lucas can't sort out the sh*t she's created, tough!

[Lex]

Well, the vote's gone through: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-34437976

[rebbonk]

Sad, but are we really that surprised?

[Lex]

Not really, although, hopefully, it'll get some of the traffic out of the town centre.

[Lex]

N&B Council's decision has caused a bit of the proverbial to his the fan: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/80000-new-homes-plan-coventry-10182691

[rebbonk]

I like the way Harvey is talking about consultation with the people. I hope the irony isn't lost on Lucas!

[Lex]

More homes for Tiddington have beenv oted through. Frankly, I don't buy the traffic argument; traffic only ever builds up (slightly) on Main Street occasionally as people don't realise that 2 cars can still pass each other past the parked vehicles outside the Spar shop: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/campaigners-lose-fight-to-stop-developers-building-on-tiddington-fields-9022/

[Lex]

Great; it looks like Stratford district is going to be lumbered with another 2,000 houses: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/2000-coventry-homes-set-for-stratford-district-9032/

[rebbonk]

The elephant in the room here is immigration. We're bursting at the seams; we can't cope with what we have, yet the idiots we elect refuse to do anything about it.

[Lex]

Warwickshire might as well join the West Midlands Combined Authority; the county's becoming a suburb of Coventry http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/7-000-houses-from-coventry-set-to-be-built-outside-kenilworth-1-7039556

[Lex]

I've merged all the housing development threads, so the subject can be discussed in one place. :D

[rebbonk]

Warwickshire might as well join the West Midlands Combined Authority; the county's becoming a suburb of Coventry http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/7-000-houses-from-coventry-set-to-be-built-outside-kenilworth-1-7039556

Isn't that nice! I hope you love the over-spill that our imbecilic council agreed to take on. I hope that you make Coventry Council pay properly!

[Lex]

Haha! It's great that our greenbelt's being used for such a brilliantly thought out scheme; of course we won't ask for payment - it's our honour!

[Lex]

In a way, it's good that the 100-home development has been turned down, but the 30 home development will basically be an estate of hugely expensive homes, at that'll be the only way the builders will make their money: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/plans-for-30-homes-in-tiddington-set-to-be-given-green-light-9636/

[Lex]

If approved, this and future development will put the kibosh on the Bulldog Bash, Global Gathering and the regular drag racing events at Long Marston airfield: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/400-homes-long-marston-airfield-recommended-approval/

[rebbonk]

Do they still race at Long Marston? I used to race there in the 70s.

Is the air 'museum' still there? The aircraft were in a pretty poor state when I last looked.

[Lex]

Yes, drag racing still happens there. I don't know if the museum's still there - it's not well advertised if it is!! (There's an aircraft museum at Wellesbourne airfield which is open most Sundays; I've never been, but there's loads of interesting aircraft there, plus you can look around/in the Vulcan occasionally)

[rebbonk]

plus you can look around/in the Vulcan occasionally)

I spent my early working life on them, I can usually tell the guides more than they can tell me.

I went round the Wellesbourne museum a few years back. There were some interesting artifacts there, but the guide spoiled things by his lack of knowledge.

[Lex]

Plans for the redevelopment of the old Maison bar have been made public. Frankly, it is the UGLIEST building I have ever seen. Unfortunately, the Stratford Herald hasn't published the picture on their website, but if you can get a copy of this week's paper you'll see what I mean (think upturned bolt/impressionist dog turd).

http://www.stratford-herald.com/44817-supermarket-plans-for-former-stratford-nightclub.html

[cathidaw]

That (at least on the surface) is good news.

Much of the brownfield land around Coventry is contaminated and clean-up costs are quite high, that's why it is often unattractive to developers.

However, (and if you buy brownfield it is worth bearing in mind,) should contamination come to light at a later date, the land owner (you!) will likely be liable for the clean-up costs. Many estates that were put up on former tips etc. are a ticking timebomb as the containers that held unpleasant chemicals start to decay and allow their deadly content to seep out and pollute watercourses etc.

It can ,in some instances depending upon the history of a brownfield site, cost twice or three times the cost of developing a greenfield site.

[Lex]

More houses for Nuneaton: http://www.nuneaton-news.co.uk/Huge-housing-plan-revealed/story-28254856-detail/story.html

[rebbonk]

Objections have been raised, largely due to traffic congestion. I wonder if the planning will take this into consideration?

I recently objected to a development of 7 'flats' because of traffic issues. My complaint was upheld and the development cut back to 4 'flats'. I hope the locals have a similar success.

[Lex]

Hopefully, any comments will be listened to, but all our local councils have been told to build x,000 more houses.

[Lex]

On the other hand, this might actually be turned down: http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-news/highway-authority-objects-to-building-900-homes-on-ashlawn-road-in-rugby-1-7094646

[rebbonk]

900 homes is one Hell of a lot!

[Lex]

From how I've read the report, it's not the amount of housing but the extra traffic...

[rebbonk]

900 homes will create a lot of traffic.

We've just had a new estate put up by us. It isn't yet complete (or remotely properly occupied) but the extra traffic is already noticeable.

Many homes these days have both husband and wife working and two cars! Cars take up space on the road!

[Lex]

First Time I've heard of Chris Saint's 'Local Choice' initiative: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/not-enough-done-help-stratfordians-get-property-ladder/

[rebbonk]

It's the same in many areas Lex.

I think we need to look after locals and provide them with affordable housing. Sadly, too many worship the little God of money, and we all suffer for it.

[Lex]

Another planning application tied up going through hoops: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/decision-building-800-homes-keresley-10670476

[rebbonk]

I know that area quite well. My bet is that the secretary of state will approve it. Green belts were there for a purpose, but it seems that economics is running wild. It will all come crashing down (again) and those at the bottom will get badly burned (again!).

[Lex]

In understand the need for development, but at the end of the day, the green belt is there for a reason.

[rebbonk]

Perhaps if we didn't import all the world's waifs and strays we might not need as many homes? Sadly though, that is only part of the problem. The UK economy revolves around house building and the debt created by mortgages. It's a bubble economy that will burst spectacularly at some stage. What we saw in 2008 was only a glimpse of what's to come.

[Lex]

Yes, the PM seems to have forgotten all about 'rebalancing the economy' since the election.

[Lex]

Good to see apprentices being taken on: http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/apprentices-help-to-build-new-homes-in-kineton-1-7135870

[rebbonk]

As long as they're trained properly and not used as cheap labour to boost profits!

[Lex]

I've seen that happen before.

[Lex]

I'm in 2 minds about this. Stratford will finally be rid of the constant aircraft annoying everyone in the area, but they'll be replaced by cars clogging up roads not designed to take that much traffic.

http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/fight-continues-save-wellesbourne-airfield/

[Lex]

If you can't stop development, at least you can try and manage it: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/residents-loxley-urged-say-future-development/

[rebbonk]

Will they listen? Somehow I doubt it. The plan is already passed and awaiting a rubber stamp. - Like so many things when we're invited to participate in 'consultations'. - Nothing more than a PR exercise.

[Lex]

More housing for Warwick: http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/asps-and-gallows-hill-appeals-upheld-1-7166262

[rebbonk]

Local objections over-ruled by the secretary of state!

[Lex]

I'm surprised by the decision - that's the rural side of town, but maybe there's no room left along the Stratford Road where most of the development has been going on.

[Lex]

Coventry is planning to become a 'Top 10 City': http://www.coventry.gov.uk/news/article/1545/local_plan_for_a_top_ten_city

[rebbonk]

If a'holes could fly, the council house would be an airport!

[Lex]

More housing for Warwick: http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/asps-and-gallows-hill-appeals-upheld-1-7166262

This one couls trundle on for a while: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/warwick-council-plots-appeal-over-10770616

[Lex]

More and more housing for Warwick District!

http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/warwick-district-local-plan-sites-for-thousands-of-extra-houses-identified-as-council-leader-makes-appeal-for-support-1-7220217

[rebbonk]

Again, if we didn't import the world's detritus we wouldn't need extra housing! We can't cope with what we have, so importing more is sheer stupidity.

[Lex]

A small victory against development: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-district-council-wins-appeal-decision-refuse-100-homes-tiddington/

[Lex]

Ye gods; someone's actually building on a brownfield site! And what's more, a big chunk of the development will be affordable: http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/new-housing-development-will-be-built-on-leamington-canal-side-by-2018-1-7281920

[Lex]

More housing for Rugby: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/hundreds-new-homes-built-rugby-11134445

[rebbonk]

It's alright building these houses, but can the local infrastructure cope?

[Lex]

They'll worry about that when they realise they realise they can't get to council meetings any more.

[Lex]

Good to see brownfield sites being used for housing. I'm not sure about the reduction in parking for the station, though, as we're all meant to be using more public transport - although that could be their plan.

http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/travis-perkins-site-set-for-leamington-station-parking-1-7330803

[rebbonk]

I just love this expression...

75 per cent of which will be affordable

[Shizara]

118 flats and 94 houses.. Public parking reduced to 100 spaces... How will that work?

[rebbonk]

It won't Shizara. All new builds ought have at least one parking space allocated to them.

I see there's discussions abounding about making it illegal to park on pavements. That'll be interesting!

[Lex]

Nuneaton just can't seem to get rid of them: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/i-cant-believe-away-damage-11311528

I'm not surprised the police aren't giving any support; I reported an incident at Stratford station recently, and the 3 'plastic police' on the front desk very obviously couldn't be bothered.

[Lex]

The development at Gaydon gets the go ahead: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-36379664

[rebbonk]

That is absolutely shocking. No public transport out that direction, I can only wonder on the local congestion.

[Lex]

Yes, that seems to be one of the big concerns the locals have. No doubt the local MP (Nadhim Zahawi?) will hold a summit in the run up to the next General Election to 'address' the issue.

[Lex]

Proposed changed to a planned development in Nuneaton: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/more-changes-proposed-new-nuneaton-11471240

I suspect profit's more of a concern than planning regulations.

[Lex]

Kenilworth's just becoming a student-filled suburb of Coventry: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/10million-redevelopment-planned-kenilworth-shopping-11507942

[rebbonk]

Coventry centre has largely been turned over to students. A strategy I find to be very short sighted.

[Lex]

Yes, student populations do tend to be very transient.

[Lex]

17,000 homes on the way for Warwick & Leamington: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/local-news/major-17-000-homes-plan-for-warwick-district-is-back-on-track-1-7488164

[rebbonk]

That is an awful lot of housing.

When you see figures like that I really can't help thinking; do we, as a country, know what we're doing? We can't go on building at this rate!

[Lex]

What I've wondered for a long time is: where are all the people who need all this housing currently living?

[Lex]

More housing for Warwick: http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/asps-and-gallows-hill-appeals-upheld-1-7166262

At least the development will get a bit of infrastructure (ie a school): http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/local-news/new-school-to-complete-expansion-at-warwick-gates-1-7522138

[Lex]

Hmm, not 100% sure about this proposal, but could just about work in Stratford: http://www.stratford-herald.com/57056-new-plan-for-former-nightclub-site-revealed.html

[Lex]

1,500 homes in the offing for the Rugby area: http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-news/fight-against-1-500-homes-plan-near-rugby-1-7535377

[Lex]

These have potential to be great flats, but I wouldn't want to live in Stratford town centre: http://www.stratford-herald.com/58523-apartments-plan-moves-step-closer.html

[Lex]

Laura Steele certainly puts her money where her mouth is: http://www.stratford-herald.com/59872-breaking-news-campaigner-takes-election-battle.html

[Lex]

Hmm, not 100% sure about this proposal, but could just about work in Stratford: http://www.stratford-herald.com/57056-new-plan-for-former-nightclub-site-revealed.html

The development's not proving to be popular: http://www.stratford-herald.com/60357-revised-plan-apartment-building-still-unpopular.html

[rebbonk]

Looks totally out of place to me. It just doesn't fit. - That said, Coventry is now full of mismatched and ill thought through schemes. No need for Stratford to follow suit though.

[Lex]

I was wavering slightly, at this proposal is better than the last one. The more I look at this plan, the less I like it.

[Lex]

Stratford Town Trust seem to be making a right dogs dinner of things recently: http://www.stratford-herald.com/61459-time-vote-future-controversial-property-site.html

[Lex]

Another example of government incompetence; no doubt the site IS in the pipeline for development: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/private-emails-reveal-woodlands-academy-12175765

[rebbonk]

I trust Maton about as far as I could throw him!

[Lex]

Good to see brownfield sites being used for housing. I'm not sure about the reduction in parking for the station, though, as we're all meant to be using more public transport - although that could be their plan.

http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/travis-perkins-site-set-for-leamington-station-parking-1-7330803

The work here is under starter's orders: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/hundreds-of-houses-set-to-be-built-near-leamington-station-1-7678655

[Lex]

This area is in the no-mans land between Leamington & Kenilworth, and has absolutely nothing for students: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/plans-for-100-bedroom-student-accomodation-on-land-between-leamington-and-kenilworth-1-7686351

[rebbonk]

I'm not against students by any means, but I do question just how much value they bring to an area. I'm also very concerned that as an area we're putting all of our eggs in one basket with students.

Other countries are bringing their own establishments on-line, they won't be sending their students here for ever. At some point this little bubble will burst. - What then?

[Lex]

More old folks homes? Sheltered accommodation seems very popular (mostly because the older generation seem to be the only people with any money nowadays!)

[rebbonk]

But will the money dry up once the 'boomers' are no longer here? As you say, it's this group that seems to have the money, will they be able to pass it on to future generations or will it all be spent on care etc.?

[Lex]

It may sound a bit harsh, but I've heard some people predict a drop in the UK's population once the baby boomers start passing away. But then, that was before the mass immigration of the last few years...

[rebbonk]

That has been one of the arguments to permit immigration.

For years we were closing schools because the predictions were that the population was going to drop and fewer schools would be needed.

Then someone realised that the giant Ponzi scheme that we call the state provided old age pension would collapse if we didn't find 'new blood' from somewhere! - Hence the encouragement of immigration: plus the fact that most would vote Labour; so that **** ****** Blair opened the floodgates without properly thinking things through.

[Lex]

Echoes of the old Eco Town idea: http://www.stratford-herald.com/63846-stratford-get-garden-village.html

[Lex]

And more houses planned for Nuneaton: http://www.nuneaton-news.co.uk/monster-850-home-development-plan-for-nuneaton/story-30100678-detail/story.html

[Lex]

The new primary health care for Wellesbourne looks really good: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/new-primary-care-centre-for-wellesbourne-as-part-of-major-housing-development-1-7864500

[rebbonk]

It looks great, but it all depends on how it's run.

We had a new medical centre a few years back and it was a massive improvement on the old facility. However, as the old staff have retired new ones have moved in and with them some very peculiar practices.

The latest absurdity seems to be that if you can't get an appointment for morning surgery you must ring up at 13:00 hours for an appointment for the evening. - Despite the fact that it is 12:55 and you are standing in front of them in obvious pain! - Of course, if you are daft enough to walk away and try to ring the phone doesn't get answered!

I would suggest that doctors are currently 'playing' the system to make the NHS look far worse than need be. :mad::mad:

[Lex]

How much student accommodation does Coventry need?

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/uproar-canley-plans-change-new-12821280

[rebbonk]

The bubble will burst at some stage.

The other issue I have is that students don't pay council tax. So building all these properties doesn't actually ease the local tax burden.

[Lex]

More housing for Warwick: http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/asps-and-gallows-hill-appeals-upheld-1-7166262

This looks like it's finally happening: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/work-ahead-of-major-housing-development-between-leamington-and-warwick-approved-1-7898105

[Lex]

A bit of trouble over plans for 60 homes in Barford: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/police-called-in-as-barford-housing-row-gets-heated-1-7924456

[rebbonk]

We are a small country, we are over-populated. Packing people in too densely causes well documented problems. These protestors have valid concerns, they need to be listened to.

[Lex]

Some infrastructure is actually being upgraded due to house building!

http://www.stratford-herald.com/70914-meeting-planned-water-works.html

[Lex]

The first 200 of the 850 houses for Shottery re to go up soon: http://www.stratford-herald.com/71053-first-homes-built-shottery-development.html

[rebbonk]

That is going to be a big development. Those homes won't be cheap, I hope the housing bubble doesn't burst!

[Lex]

I've heard a few grumblings that the housing market is looking a bit shaky over the last few months. There could be some bargains to be had!

[Lex]

A bit of infillling for Nuneaton: http://www.nuneaton-news.co.uk/homes-plan-revealed-for-former-nuneaton-school-site/story-30359638-detail/story.html

[Lex]

The 1st phase of the Shottery development in Stratford is on the starting blocks: http://www.stratford-herald.com/72110-72110.html

[Lex]

Another big development in Warwick: http://www.stratford-herald.com/72612-new-hotel-included-in-site-masterplan.html

[Lex]

And more houses for Nuneaton: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/hundreds-more-new-homes-planned-13258816

[Lex]

A possible 79 more houses for Stratford: http://www.stratford-herald.com/73266-new-application-79-homes-stratford.html

[Lex]

I think the novelty of a microhome will wear off for me after a while: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40999687

[rebbonk]

I think I could get on with it.

I have a mate just bought a 60' narrowboat, that's small, but there are smaller ones on the canal.

I think a lot of it's down to your state of mind.

[Lex]

I'm one for a lot of space myself.

[Lex]

A rare event - someone infilling instead of building on an undeveloped field: http://www.stratford-herald.com/75479-fresh-plan-demolish-flats.html

[Lex]

A controversial development in Leamington: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/plans-to-turn-former-leamington-bakery-in-into-flats-given-green-light-1-8149791

[rebbonk]

Interesting that the local council opposed it.

[Lex]

It is, especially as government of all levels rarely seem bothered about the appearance of their own buildings, and when did local authorities ever give consideration to traffic issues?

[Lex]

Good to see someone whose not just interested in 'taking the money & running': http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/developers-want-millions-for-this-field-but-i-want-to-protect-the-countryside-says-barford-landowner-1-8152086

[rebbonk]

A rarity: well done that man.

[Lex]

Anothee local plan gers the goahead: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/local-plan-approval-means-thousands-of-houses-will-be-built-in-warwick-district-1-8160730

[rebbonk]

Don't you just love the definition...


affordable - defined by Government as houses with mortgage repayments below the local market value

[Lex]

So, basically people with huge deposits!

[Lex]

Ye gods; someone's actually considering infrastructure!

http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/europa-way-near-leamington-to-become-dual-carriageway-as-part-of-transport-plan-to-cope-with-more-houses-1-8174444

[rebbonk]

A rarity definitely. But 6 years to complete?

[Lex]

That seems to be the speed government runs - why do something in 6 months, when it can be dragged out for years.

[Lex]

The Greater Brum Authority seens to getting really stuck in to its role: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/plans-thousands-new-homes-coventry-13702211

[rebbonk]

Watch the urban sprawl! All greenbelt land between Brum and the other areas will gradually be eroded.

[Lex]

Hmm, not 100% sure about this proposal, but could just about work in Stratford: http://www.stratford-herald.com/57056-new-plan-for-former-nightclub-site-revealed.html

This looks ok, but I'm not sure about the steel & zinc coating: http://www.stratford-herald.com/77675-controversial-apartments-plan-maison-site-approved.html

[rebbonk]

I'm not a fan of a lot of cladding finishes that the building industry uses.

Steel cladding can often end up looking like cheap warehousing. - I don't think I'd be buying.

[Lex]

A lot of greenbelt is being built on, but they're actually planning on redeveloping brownfield sites too!!

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/ten-coventry-landmarks-could-disappear-13844580

[Lex]

It's scary how much house prices have risen in the last 20 years: http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/uk-house-price-trends-how-warwickshire-compares-with-the-rest-of-the-country-1-8261772

[rebbonk]

It's a bubble and like all bubbles at some point it will burst. - Sadly, when it does people will get badly burned.

[Lex]

I'm planning to sit tight where I am for at least 10 years, so am not too worried about house prices in the short-term. Having bought a property in the last 18 months, I can't afford to move; and, anyway, after putting all this effort into buying my place & getting it how I want it, I'm going to make the most of it!

[rebbonk]

I bought a small 5 year old place in '91. It was well within my budget and I easily cleared my mortgage within 12 years. - One of the main reasons why I could retire early.

My son has just bought and extended himself dreadfully: if (when) interest rates go up he has left himself no room for manoeuvre.

Daughter is also on about buying in the first half of 2018, I hope she looks at things a little bit more conservatively, and listens to what dad advises.

[Lex]

Nah, kids never listen to their parents; what do those old farts know about anything? :p

[cathidaw]

That seems to be the speed government runs - why do something in 6 months, when it can be dragged out for years.

Keeps them in a job.

[Lex]

This looks ok, but I'm not sure about the steel & zinc coating: http://www.stratford-herald.com/77675-controversial-apartments-plan-maison-site-approved.html

What the hell is it with Studio Spicer? They seem to want to turn Stratford into some nasty looking set from a Science Fiction B-movie: http://www.stratford-herald.com/79891-former-stratford-pub-demolished-apartments.html

[rebbonk]

I took on Coventry council about a similar proposal and won. It was toned down quite a lot.

[Lex]

Affordable housing has been an issue for the last 20 years: http://www.stratford-herald.com/80205-affordable-homes-crisis-looming.html

[rebbonk]

Concern mounts as first-time buyers ignored by developers

A very silly, but short sighted, move in chasing immediate better profits. First time buyers drive the housing market. No first time buyers and the market collapses. Of course this won't be allowed as the UK economy is based on ever increasing house prices (look up fractional reserve banking and see how money is 'made'). If this practice becomes common, I think we can expect central government to pass legislation to counter it.

[Lex]

A potential solution to the housing problem, and a case for building houses for the sake of building them?

https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/almost-600-homes-are-empty-across-warwick-district-1-8317857

https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/plans-for-more-than-200-homes-in-warwick-return-for-third-time-1-8309108

[rebbonk]

If there 600 homes empty, how can they possibly justify building 200 more?

I've said it before. The UK economy depends on house building so the government will continue to allow/encourage it. Had the economy still been based on the gold standard things would be very different.

[Lex]

The building industry will come to a shuddering halt once Brexit comes into force - along with agriculture and hospitality, construction has been dependant on central European labour for years.

[Lex]

A case of a nod to consulting locals, going ahead with the development and dropping the affordable housing half way through building the developmend: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/developer-wants-public-s-feedback-on-690-home-plan-to-land-east-of-kenilworth-1-8358487

[Lex]

The grant basically means the developer & Centrica will have to pay less towards infrastructure, meaning that they get an extra £13.4 million in their back pockets: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-42922377

[Lex]

Money seems to be being thrown at infrastructure left, right & centre at the minute: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/millions-pounds-invested-provide-new-14252882

[rebbonk]

Money is being thrown at it without any real thought. Easy to do with other people's money though isn't it? The A45 is still a pinch point and this is hardly going to help.

[Lex]

Thankfully, I don't have reason to go anywhere near Coventry nowadays (Leamington is as close as I get, and that's only at the weekend). Since I moved away from Stratford, I find it a lot easier to drive past Redditch and head for the M1/M6 via the M42 if I'm going up north.

[rebbonk]

The bottom line is that we're overpopulated and packed in to densely. But I guess that makes me a bad person saying it, daring to voice what our yellow-bellied politicians wont.

[Lex]

Proof, as if we needed any, that the Green Belt doesn't matter any more: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/ryton-organic-gardens-up-for-sale-due-to-high-running-costs-1-8370777

[rebbonk]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWwUJH70ubM

[Lex]

What the hell is it with Studio Spicer? They seem to want to turn Stratford into some nasty looking set from a Science Fiction B-movie: http://www.stratford-herald.com/79891-former-stratford-pub-demolished-apartments.html

This plan has been kicked out. No doubt the architect will submit a slightly less ugly design that might just scrape through planning: http://www.stratford-herald.com/82143-inappropriate-apartments-plan-rejected.html

[rebbonk]

Often things are done that way on purpose. Ugly design that they know will be rejected followed by intended design that gets nodded through for fear of the original rejection being appealed.

[Lex]

Another potential development: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/old-laurentians-rfc-move-leads-to-fears-of-more-homes-1-8380043

[Lex]

So much for the supposedly community friendly CoOp encouraging people to live healthy lifestyles. This proves yet again that it's all about the bottom line: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/plans-to-build-retirement-village-on-oakfield-rec-submitted-1-8412877

[rebbonk]

It's all about the little god of money. - Sad really, isn't it? Especially when you consider that money is actually worthless and not backed by anything concrete. The promise on a note is totally meaningless.

[Lex]

More housing for Leamington/Warwick. No doubt the 40% social housing will be severely cut back: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/plans-to-be-put-forward-for-420-homes-between-leamington-and-warwick-1-8421668

[Lex]

Typical of local government policies: loopholes you can get a load of 4 bedroom houses through!

https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/housing-chiefs-slammed-for-not-complying-with-core-strategy/

[Lex]

Ye gods; someone's actually considering infrastructure!

http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/europa-way-near-leamington-to-become-dual-carriageway-as-part-of-transport-plan-to-cope-with-more-houses-1-8174444

Work on Eurpoa Way is due to start in the next couple of days: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/major-work-on-europa-way-to-start-next-week-1-8501205

[Lex]

The start of a continuous concrete belt between Coventry & Warwick/Leamington?

https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/major-plan-to-build-up-to-2-500-homes-northeast-of-kenilworth-1-8516196

[rebbonk]

Looks that way doersn't it?

Once gone, it's gone forever and that's what worries me. If we controlled immigration properly there'd be no need for all of this expansion and house building.

If (when) the sh*t really hits the fan, this country simply couldn't support itself with food. Surely, that is a security risk and one that ought be avoided at all costs?

[Lex]

Proof, as if we needed any, that the Green Belt doesn't matter any more: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/ryton-organic-gardens-up-for-sale-due-to-high-running-costs-1-8370777

Ryton Organic Gardens is getting a 6 month reprieve; one of David Cameron's gimmicky policies has actually been of some use: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/new-lifeline-campaign-save-ryton-14802538

[Lex]

A bit of drip-drip development in Kenilworth: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/rural-land-in-kenilworth-could-be-sold-to-housing-developers-in-auction-1-8554440

[Lex]

Good to see existing properties being improved instead of new ones being thrown up https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/council-set-to-invest-more-than-14-million-on-improving-warwick-district-homes-1-8620582

[rebbonk]

That looks an interesting development and one that potentially has long lasting future benefits.

[Lex]

Good to see another brownfield site being used: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/politics/rugby-s-poor-quality-biart-place-is-likely-to-be-demolished-as-part-of-23m-redevelopment-1-8640457

[rebbonk]

If the figures are correct the proposed strategy makes sense.

[Lex]

Someone wants to send their parents to a nice care home: https://solihullobserver.co.uk/news/care-village-plans-set-for-approval-as-council-officers-override-greenbelt-protections/

[rebbonk]

Green belt is there for a reason!

As a country we seem to be running headlong into further housing problems. If we controlled immigration properly, we wouldn't be needing all this building.

In order to be seen to be doing 'the right thing' politicians, by their inaction are betraying future generations.

[Lex]

Ye gods; someone's actually considering infrastructure!

http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/europa-way-near-leamington-to-become-dual-carriageway-as-part-of-transport-plan-to-cope-with-more-houses-1-8174444

It's usually some idiot's great idea to close a major road like Europa Way on a Monday morning, and keep it closed until Friday evening to carry out works like this; has some planner somewhere developed some sense?: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/section-of-europa-way-between-leamington-and-m40-will-close-for-weekend-in-november-1-8673599

[cathidaw]

Green belt is there for a reason!

As a country we seem to be running headlong into further housing problems. If we controlled immigration properly, we wouldn't be needing all this building.

In order to be seen to be doing 'the right thing' politicians, by their inaction are betraying future generations.

It was not the fault of immigrants that Thatcher allowed the right to buy council houses, which were built for one reason only.For those of us who preferred to rent or couldn't afford to buy.

[rebbonk]

But continuing to yet more people in when we can't house what have is pure lunacy. Sinking the lifeboat helps nobody.

I worked with a guy who was chairman of the local young conservatives at the time Thatcher did this. He was totally aghast and complained bitterly. I thought, 'that guy has a heart, after all.' Then we got talking about it and his reason was that the people buying were too stupid to own houses! We didn't speak much after that.

[cathidaw]

A few random thoughts...
When we were young,many of our school friends lived in diabolical condemned houses.Even at that young age I sort of noticed although it didn't sink in.Kids don't see it in an adult way.
We had a new council house near Whitley village, a cul de sac of not many houses.Everyone was proud of them and I thought it was normal living this way.I suppose that was their limit of the hardworking working class people's aspiration then, just to find a nice home. All in the same boat as it were.
We had lived in a Spon street court in a back to back, with wash house, toilets and taps in the yard.I don't remember it but my mum loved it and didn't want to move but they wanted space for future kids. After the war when they built the council blocks it all went wrong and the council estates which sprang up were rubbish.Later as I grew up I was a nurse at Gulson Road and later- on the district - and saw such shocking conditions of life. mainly due to the shoddy way they were built.New houses, damp, mildewed bedrooms and poor brickwork..

i HAVE FORGOTTEN MY THREAD NOW so am off to bed. I think I was trying to say people don't know when they are well off.
I knocked a cup of tea on my keyboard yesterday and borrowed this one which is big bright yellow and ancient and keeps duplicating or missing letters, whatever it feels like doing.
New one should be here tomorrow.

[Lex]

More housing for Kenilworth, adding to the soon-to-be continuous concrete between Coventry and Warwick: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/masterplan-for-hundreds-of-houses-on-land-east-of-kenilworth-drawn-up-1-8682782

[rebbonk]

If you listen to what the politicians are saying (Rees-Mogg most recently) it looks like our once sacred greenbelt land is about to become rather less sacred.

[Lex]

Interests in the construction industry?

[rebbonk]

Since we dropped the gold standard, I think it might be that the UK economy is influenced by construction. - Yet another cock-up the politicians have made.

[Lex]

More housing being squeezed in: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/politics/plans-for-150-homes-in-warwick-given-the-go-ahead-1-8696096

[Lex]

This raises more questions about why we need more newbuild houses: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/hundreds-of-homes-in-rugby-left-lying-empty-1-8708955

[Lex]

I doubt Kenilworth Town Council's objection will amount to much: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/major-640-home-plan-for-kenilworth-objected-to-by-town-council-1-8712281

[Lex]

Developers ignoring affordable housing quotas, and the council doing nothing about. Not surprising, really: https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/approved-housing-plans-do-not-meet-affordable-homes-quota/

[rebbonk]

Money talks, Lex!

[Lex]

It does indeed, Rebbonk.

[Lex]

Some development controversy in Solihul: https://solihullobserver.co.uk/news/campaigners-step-up-fight-to-save-land-from-housing-after-draft-local-plan-changes/

[rebbonk]

They can build as much as they like, but they simply aren't facing the elephant in the room.- We are over-populated, and overcrowded. Our basic infrastructure can't cope with what we have now, continuing building is absolute madness. - But there's money to be made, so some greedy b@st@rd will get in on the act.

[Lex]

More housing having to be replaced in Rugby: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/politics/rugby-councillors-asked-to-back-plans-to-demolish-rounds-gardens-and-redevelop-site-with-new-council-homes-1-8787559

[Lex]

15 meter buffer zones don't amount to much. From experience of living in other cities, small patches of greenery like this just turn into dumping grounds: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-news-new-houses-arden-15791761

[rebbonk]

Pure madness.

[Lex]

More homes for Coventry: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-news-eastern-green-houses-15903405

[rebbonk]

About as welcome as a f@rt in a space suit.

I was reading that the local development plan is seriously flawed, but nobody seems to want to take the claims seriously.

[Lex]

It's usually some idiot's great idea to close a major road like Europa Way on a Monday morning, and keep it closed until Friday evening to carry out works like this; has some planner somewhere developed some sense?: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/section-of-europa-way-between-leamington-and-m40-will-close-for-weekend-in-november-1-8673599

There seems to be a trend developing with regards to government contractors going out of business: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/transport/work-stops-on-major-road-project-between-leamington-and-warwick-1-8858476

[Lex]

One way of avoiding losing votes: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/politics/exclusive-inspector-sent-rugby-council-final-report-on-plan-which-could-radically-change-the-borough-but-you-are-not-allowed-to-see-it-until-after-local-elections-1-8891540

[rebbonk]

I really think that we're about to see a massive change in politics. People are so fed up with under-performing representation and sleight of hand tactics.

[Lex]

A small town's worth of housing for Rugby: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/inspector-gives-rugby-council-green-light-to-adopt-controversial-local-plan-which-will-see-12-400-new-homes-1-8917608

[rebbonk]

Withheld til after the elections! - That speaks volumes!

[Lex]

Shows how much developers care about the areas they build in: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/developers-halt-destruction-of-hedgerows-on-ashlawn-road-while-rugby-council-seeks-legal-advice-1-8920746

At least the council acted quickly: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/here-is-what-rugby-council-said-about-developer-s-removal-of-hedgerows-on-ashlawn-road-1-8921648

[rebbonk]

It's all about the money, developers don't give a stuff about anything else.

What a horrible world we live in, where the little God of money reigns supreme

[Lex]

And the deveoloper's response: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/developer-responds-to-public-outrage-following-removal-of-hedgerows-on-ashlawn-road-1-8923026

[Lex]

A slap on the wrist for the developer; I wonder if they'lll stick to their word?

https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/developers-who-chopped-down-ashlawn-road-hedgerows-have-28-days-to-explain-how-they-will-rectify-the-situation-1-8937427

[rebbonk]

But the damage is done, isn't it?

[Lex]

Unfortunately it has. It'll take decades to grow back to it's original state.

[Lex]

It's been a while since I came across the word 'yuppie': https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/plan-for-360-yuppie-flats-in-rugby-will-local-plan-force-developer-to-make-some-of-them-affordable-1-8964578

[Lex]

A lot of objections are about the Long Marston development are coming in : http://www.stratford-herald.com/99870-conservation-organisation-objects-garden-village.html

[rebbonk]

3500 homes means a lot of people. I can understand the concerns

[Lex]

Moved to Living in/Moving to Warwickshire thread - seems a better place. :)

[Lex]

Another decision kicked into the long grass: http://www.stratford-herald.com/100218-relief-road-decision-unlikely-year.html

[rebbonk]

Not enough plain brown envelopes available?

[Lex]

Money laundering is really being clamped down on nowadays.

[Lex]

It's a shame the flats being demolished can't be replaced with the equivalent number of houses: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/wyken-tower-block-demolition-16551950

[rebbonk]

Coventry is desperately short of homes, so one can only wonder why this decrease in dwellings is being allowed and the block is not being refurbished.

[margaret]

We've had social housing built near us with the usual problems that arise from that. During the summer holidays, kids are bored out of their little skulls, so they put my garden fence in and came back to make more holes just for fun. I got the police involved , they gave me a crime number. I think I managed to scare the kids off!

When I first moved here it was a peaceful little haven.

[rebbonk]

Their parents ought be made pay for any damage.

But, in our blue-rinsed, lilly-livered, liberal thinking, non judgemental society, it'll never happen. :(

[margaret]

Their parents ought be made pay for any damage.

But, in our blue-rinsed, lilly-livered, liberal thinking, non judgemental society, it'll never happen. :(


I know, nothing will come of it. I asked the police If can make a citizens arrest if I caught them , they warned me that if I do detain some kid until the cops arrived , the parent of that child will take exception, I then replied to the police that I take exception to criminal damage.
I suppose in theory you can't really touch kids, unless you got a photo of them which opens up another can of worms. So the little terrors can get away with doing a demolition job on your property and get a way with murder.. little brats!

[rebbonk]

A few years back a guy who worked for me was arrested for something very similar Margaret. The police were absolutely on the child's side and accused my employee of all sorts of crimes. When my employee complained that the child had destroyed several expensive plants in his garden the police took the attitude, 'so what!'

A former neighbour caught someone breaking into his car. He treated the guy to a damned good hiding. Guess who got hammered by the courts?

The law is not on the side of the law abiding these days!

[Lex]

Building on a brownfield site; makes a change!: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/affordable-homes-coventry-ryton-16781326

[rebbonk]

We are littered with brownfield sites, but companies often won't develop them because of the clean-up costs. To my mind, until all brownfield sites are used up no building should be permitted on greenbelt land.

[Lex]

One in the eye for developers: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/judge-brands-developer-s-attempt-to-force-rugby-council-to-reduce-amount-of-parks-required-close-to-being-totally-without-merit-1-9077552

[Lex]

Coventry City Council won't scrap the plan; the development will lead to more cash in the coffers: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-housing-local-plan-finham-16939012

[rebbonk]

Money talks!

[Lex]

One in the eye for developers: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/judge-brands-developer-s-attempt-to-force-rugby-council-to-reduce-amount-of-parks-required-close-to-being-totally-without-merit-1-9077552

Another knock back for McCarthy & Stone, but they're trying again: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/breaking-developer-trying-to-build-on-oakfield-rec-pulls-out-of-appeal-inquiry-on-the-first-day-1-9083841

[Lex]

Work starts on more houses in Warwick: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/people/work-begins-on-hundreds-of-new-homes-off-europa-way-between-leamington-and-warwick-1-9090596

[margaret]

Work starts on more houses in Warwick: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/people/work-begins-on-hundreds-of-new-homes-off-europa-way-between-leamington-and-warwick-1-9090596



''Of the 375 new homes to be built on the site, 185 two, three and four bed houses are to be offered as affordable, social rented or shared ownership dwellings''.

I have always wonder why they call it, affordable housing! Affordable for who?

I would steer well clear of shared ownership too. In theory stair casing sounds a reasonable idea for people who want to get on the property ladder but a lot of people just get stuck and find they don't have the money, they are paying rent and mortgage. Originally say 30 years ago, solicitors fees were quite reasonable, but given that conveyancing now costs nearly £2000, you would have to factor that in. To stair case will involve a solicitor and valuation and administrative costs . Let's say you buy 50% you could stair case in 10% tranches, or 2, 25% . Given the costs involved will be about the same. The original idea wasn't a bad one but is now rather dated and doesn't reflect current realities.

And renting alone can expensive too, including council tax and ground rent.

[rebbonk]

Housing prices are being kept artificially high. The reason is down to government policies and our fractional reserve banking system. However, like all bubbles, at some stage it will burst. The fall out won't be pretty.

[Lex]

A 'consultation' on housing in Rugby: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/learn-more-about-the-5-000-home-south-west-rugby-plan-at-dunchurch-meeting-tonight-1-9124413

[Lex]

More houses for Coventry: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/first-phase-keresley-800-homes-17277164

[rebbonk]

When I was at school, Keresley was a small pit village and my mate's brother was the village bobby: it's now a small town! The whole area has changed beyond recognition, and not always for the better.

[Lex]

Good to see brown field sites being used: https://solihullobserver.co.uk/news/more-brownfield-land-earmarked-by-council-for-new-homes-16213/

[rebbonk]

It is Lex. There are plenty of brown-field sites around, but developers resist taking them on because the profits are often lower. Sad world that we live in, isn't it?

[Lex]

A brownfield redevelopment in Stratford. I hope the current building is kept - it one of the nicer buildings in town: https://www.stratford-herald.com/105254-housing-plan-former-ta-centre.html

[Lex]

The 1st batch of houses in Long Marston will be thrown up soon: https://www.stratford-herald.com/105555-work-first-400-long-marston-airfield-homes-begin-spring.html

[rebbonk]

3500 houses? I wouldn't give tuppence to be around there at peak period

[Lex]

Traffic's bad enough around there already. There's plans to build a relief road on that side of Stratford, but a lot of people are up in arms about the design/location.

[rebbonk]

The root cause is being missed. We are overpopulated, but no politician will dare say so, or raise his head above the parapet on the subject. It's a nettle that really needs grasping.

[Lex]

Planned housing in Coventry that's NOT for students!

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/107-homes-planned-old-london-17830922

[rebbonk]

Another location that I'd not particularly like, but at least it's not greenbelt

[Lex]

Planners seem to be getting the message that brown field sites should be made use of. (Although plenty of green field sites are still being dug up!)

[rebbonk]

They're trying to put up industrial units near me. Green belt, but also a flood plain and with already inadequate roads. They are completely barmy in their worshipping of the little God of money.

Of course, the problem will become someone elses once the units are built, likely the existing residents who already suffer with flooding.

[Lex]

350 homes for Rugby as part of the planned development: https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/350-more-homes-coming-rugbys-houlton-development-2522168

[Lex]

Plans for houses for the old London Taxi Company site: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/old-london-taxi-site-coventry-18123689

[rebbonk]

Another area I'm not to keen to see new houses placed. The roads around there are bad at the best of times.