“It’s time to act,” is the "urgent message" from locals trying to block plans for over 8,000 new houses in Hatton.

The village is one of 12 spots across South Warwickshire shortlisted for potential new settlements, but angry locals say it cannot support that many new homes.

Residents can have their say on the locations - as well as 24 other development areas - as part of the next stage of the new South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP).

But members of the Keep Hatton Station Rural group are calling on residents to rally against thousands of new houses in Hatton which they say would "destroy" a large area of the green belt and "overwhelm the roads and local services". 

Signs have been put up around the village (image via KHSR)

A spokesperson for Keep Hatton Station Rural said: “The new local plan will run until 2050.

"This is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that development happens in suitable locations – and Hatton is categorically not the right place.

"Far too much reliance has been placed on the existence of Hatton Station, a tiny rural station on an extremely constrained site with a poor service to a limited number of locations.

"The railway and the roads are virtually at capacity and the cost of upgrading the transport infrastructure would be eye-watering, quite apart from being massively disruptive.” 

Campaigners say the houses will 'overwhelm' local roads (image via KHSR)

Residents have until March 7 to respond to the latest consultation.

If included in the SWLP, Hatton could see up to 8,156 new houses built across 403 hectares of land.

These developments - which would mostly be in the green belt - would necessitate a new secondary school and up to six new primary schools to be built.

The much-delayed plan will not come into effect until 2027 at the earliest, with major development in Hatton not likely until 2037.

The council's reports also state the fact land in Hatton is already being actively promoted for development is a major plus for choosing the village.

Residents have already voiced their serious opposition to the proposal for 4,500 houses to be built on land owned by the Arkwright Family around Hatton Station.

Land around Hatton which could be turned into houses (image via SWLP)

Other potential new settlement sites include Long Marston, Bearley and Wilmcote and the land between Leamington and Wellesbourne.

These - along with Hatton - are the preferred options "based on holistic planning judgement of the evidence collated to date".

Plans suggest the 326 hectares south of Leamington could accommodate 6,500 homes, with 6,762 possible for Bearley and Wilmcote.

The report explained: "The aim of a new settlement in planning terms is to deliver a new community that can fulfil most of its day to day needs within the settlement itself limiting the need to travel. 

"New settlements can provide access to employment opportunities which in turn can create more internalised trips and opportunities to deliver non-motorised infrastructure to create a sustainable environment. 

"Further sustainable credentials can be met through local level service provision and local centres, helping to create 20-minute neighbourhoods. 

"Ensuring education facilities (primary and secondary schools) are provided and accessible by sustainable modes of transport is an important part of reducing car trips."

Find out more about the 12 potential new settlements here.

Potential new housing sites across Warwick and Stratford districts (image via SWLP)