‘Massive battle’ over Southam homes plan

More than 80 homes could be sited on Holy Well Field by the Grade II-listed monument.

The Holy Well, along with the Manor of Southam, was granted to the Priory of Coventry in 998 by King Ethelred.

The water was said to cure eye ailments and the well was restored in 2007.

The well and field are in what is known as the Stowe Valley area of development restraint – designated by Stratford District Council as landscape area providing a “distinctive and attractive green corridor” to the town centre.

Gareth Oubridge, who is part of a campaign group formed to fight off housing by Redrow Homes, said: “For more than 1,000 years this area has been enjoyed by the people of Southam.

“If the plans go ahead the Holy Well area will be spoiled for future generations. Redrow will say it’s not building on the Holy Well, but if you build next to it you destroy the environment around it.”

Mr Oubridge, who lives in Hillyard Road, next to the field, said a consultation questionnaire sent out by Redrow was a “sham and loaded”.

He said Southam already met its target for new homes in the council’s strategy.

And added: “The principal is not about whether there should be affordable housing, but that Redrow should not be building on a beautiful site.

“Redrow will have a massive battle on its hands. ”

He can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling 07803 233099.

A spokesman for Redrow said it would liaise with Southam Town Council and added: “We are preparing a planning application to provide up to 85 homes.

“The homes will comprise a number of sizes, including 35 per cent affordable housing.

“We intend to retain the wooded copse surrounding the Holy Well and provide green space, plus a possible water drainage pond which could enhance the biodiversity of the area.”