WORK has started on a development of more than 500 homes in Southam.
The Flying Fields estate will include 530 homes, a community building and convenience shop built on a former Second World War air base between Daventry Road and Welsh Road East. The Taylor Wimpey development will consist of one to five bedroom properties.
When plans were submitted residents raised a number of concerns about the number of homes being built in Southam, the impact on the surrounding countryside, and the lack of public transport.
Proposals have also been put forward for homes on land opposite the former air base.
Stratford District Council Southam south ward member Coun Andrew Crump has voiced concern.
He said: “Such an increase in houses would place a great strain on the town’s resources and the town centre would become totally congested at peak times, affecting sustainability of the town centre.”
But Taylor Wimpey say the Flying Fields development was much-needed and there had been great interest from potential house buyers.
There has also been outrage at another development on land off nearby Manders Croft, which recently had 51 homes approved.
Residents sent more than 100 letters of objection to the district council about the plans, with many concerned about the large number of homes being built in the area.
Under Stratford District Council’s Core Strategy – which will shape the future of the district until 2031 – Southam has been earmarked for 900 homes and employment space around the size of three football pitches.
