Public Inquiry - 221 Banbury Road, Stratford-upon-Avon

A public inquiry starts next week, Wednesday 3 August, following an appeal by McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd and Exemplar Homes against the refusal of outline planning permission for the development of land at 221 Banbury Road, Stratford-upon-Avon for 21 'Age Exclusive for the over 55's' homes.  

The appeal relates to the proposed planning application for the demolition of an existing building and the building of 21 'Age Exclusive for the over 55's' homes including landscaping and car parking under planning reference 15/01068/FUL.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council refused the planning application on the following grounds: 

• Scale, bulk and massing of the proposed building and substantial car parking area to the front of the site would result in an overdevelopment of the site and result in significant and demonstrable harm to the streetscene.  The development would also adversely impact on the landscape character and the visual amenity of the area, specifically when viewed in the local landscape from public footpaths, the Banbury Road and D6202 Road and has considered the likely loss or substantial loss of the existing tree planting along the eastern boundary of the site which would increase the dominance of the development within the landscape.
  
  
• Adverse impact on neighbours amenities due to overbearing impact and loss of sunlight.
  
  
• Absence of a S106 obligation to secure the provision of financial contributions towards off-site affordable housing, and open space, resulting in  the proposal placing further pressure on these facilities and services
  
  

The inquiry, expected to last for up to 2 days, will be held at the District Council offices, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV 37 6HX, starting at 10am.  A Government Planning Inspector will preside over the inquiry.

Members of the public may attend the inquiry and express their view – at the discretion of the inspector.

Planning Inspectorate Reference: APP/J3720/W/15/3138547.