Residents in Hatton are taking action against proposals to build 4,500 new homes in the village.

The campaign group Keep Hatton Station Rural (KHSR) has been launched in response to Hill Residential's proposals for the huge development, which could also include two new primary schools and a secondary school.

The proposals - put forward in partnership with landowners the Arkwright Family - have come as part of work towards the new South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP), which will decide where some 35,000 homes will be built in the south of the county by 2050.

A 320-page report has outlined why the 262 hectares of land around Hatton Station would be ideal for a new development, and should be allocated for housing in the new local plan.

But Hatton residents say the plans cannot be allowed to go ahead - particularly considering the amount of ongoing disruption that has been caused by just 120 houses being built on Birmingham Road.

The canal and main line would run through the development (image via SWLP)

"It can't happen here, we haven't got the infrastructure here," KHSR secretary Joyce Bevan told Nub News. 

"It can't happen here. This is the wrong place and the wrong development for this area."

She added: "There is a real lack of infrastructure for 4,500 homes - that is the equivalent of 360 Wembley football stadia which puts it in perspective! 

"One of our key issues is infrastructure in terms of highways."

What Do the Plans Say?

The huge proposal document - put together by planners Turley in March 2023 - came in response to the 'issues and options' consultation of the much-delayed SWLP.

Hill Residential has been working since summer 2022 to promote the site and "refine" the plans for a possible new settlement.

If the site was allocated for housing in the new local plan, any development would then need to go through planning before it was allowed.

"Hill Residential are pleased to present a plan for an innovative and bold new community on land within the Arkwright Estate which exhibits a rare combination of existing sustainable transport infrastructure that is in perfect proximity to the towns of Warwick and Leamington Spa and already has a thriving micro-economy and community," the document states.

It added: "In this context, the evolution of the estate at Hatton from a successful rural enterprise and visitor attraction into a railway-connected, technology-rich new residential community of around 4,500 homes is made possible by a single ownership amounting to 262 hectares which will continue the legacy of the Arkwright family who have owned this estate for over 200 years." 

A CGI impression of a cycle hub at Hatton Station (image via SWLP)

The report claims the development could provide up to 3,000 jobs, and would require a six-form entry school to provide places for 932 secondary and 186 sixth form pupils.

It also says there would be opportunity to create cycling routes to Warwick and substantial amounts of public open space.

"The Hill Residential and Arkwright Family partnership will provide the availability of land alongside the expertise and capacity to deliver a new community at this scale," the report added.

"There will be an early focus on community creation, health and well-being. 

"Both parties are committed to delivering carbon net zero and BNG. 

"There is also a strong joint focus on ensuring that the Arkwright Family legacy at Hatton is retained and that there is an appropriate long-term stewardship model for all future residents."

Residents' Reaction

Joyce said many residents first became aware of the plans at a parish council meeting earlier this year, during which a representative of Turley went over the plans.

"We were so shocked by the size of the proposed development," she said. 

"We came away and immediately decided that we needed to do more than just be aware of it, we needed to start a website and so on. 

"We have done all the things you would expect and we have just finished delivering leaflets around the area with a QR code which links you to the website."

Some 2,000 leaflets have since been shared with residents, drawing their attention to the "hidden" report on the SWLP website.

The group is also looking for residents with specific skills and knowledge of planning to get involved in the campaign.

"There were so many people who didn't know this was happening," Joyce explained. 

"So we have a group of volunteers who have helped deliver around 2,000 fliers around the village. 

"We are really trying hard to get the word out. We have also launched a newsletter to update people."

She added: "The key thing we are doing, apart from ensuring the communities here share their objections or views with the councils and the planning department, doing it as individuals. 

"We are about as a volunteer group, writing a factual and data-driven report to the district council and the planning department, so they get a full and honest account. 

"We are even handed, we are reasonable, but we are not accepting 4,500 houses in Hatton."

Originally supposed to be adopted in 2025, the SWLP is now not expected until at least 2027.

See the KHSR website here. See the full Turley report for Hatton here.