Final public consultation on Core Strategy before Government submission

Over the next six weeks local residents, businesses and other interested parties will have the opportunity to make final comments on the plan that, once adopted, will manage development across Stratford-on-Avon District over the period to 2031. 

Today, on 5 June Stratford-on-Avon District Council published its final version of the Local Plan in advance of its submission to the Government for independent examination. This version was approved by Councillors at the District Council's Full Council meeting in May - see Stratford-on-Avon District Council Proposed Submission Core Strategy

This final round of public consultation enables interested parties to submit representations for consideration via the public examination process.  It focuses on whether the plan is sound and has been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements – matters that will be judged by the independent inspector.  It starts at 4pm on Thursday 5 June and runs to 5pm on Thursday 17 July 2014.

The Core Strategy looks ahead to 2031 and identifies the broad locations, scale and type of development and supporting infrastructure that will take place in the District as well as highlighting those areas which will be protected from future development. It also covers community issues such as quality of life, the environment, housing, education, community safety and the economy

The proposals include:

• Planning for 10,800 new homes in Stratford-on-Avon District (an average of 540 a year), including 3,000 at Gaydon and Lighthorne Health (with 2,500 dwellings to be built by 2031).
  
  
• An additional 35 hectares of employment land, plus 100 hectares of land to support the expansion of JLR at Gaydon.
  
  
• To improve the affordability of housing across the District, 35% of dwellings on eligible sites will have been provided as affordable homes.
  
  
• Maintaining the rural, historic and local distinctiveness of the District and protecting the Green Belt and open countryside.
  
  
• Maintaining the flood plain.
  
  
• Improving transport services and reducing traffic congestion.
  
  
• Ensuring new development is of high quality design.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “This stage is different from previous consultations as we are now required to ask residents and other interested parties if they believe that the plan is sound and whether we've provided enough evidence to support our proposals.  This is clearly an important milestone in the future of the District, as we formally define how we will manage the range and location of development up to 2031. 

I will particularly welcome views from the public at this stage of the plan, even if they have made comments previously.  This Plan is the document that defines what we do in the public interest and any new comments will be considered by the Planning Inspector before it can be formally adopted."

This is the final round of consultation before the formal examination of the Local Plan takes place.  All comments go forward to the appointed inspector, who will then determine which topics warrant being considered at a public hearing.  The inspector will set the timetable for these hearings and decide which organisations and individuals should be invited to take part in them.  At this stage it is anticipated that the examination will take place in autumn 2014.

It is important that all comments are received by the District Council by 5pm on 17 July 2014 as they will not be valid if received after this time.  

Further information on where you can see the documents and guidance notes on how to make representations can be found at www.stratford.gov.uk/corestrategy or by calling Planning Policy on 01789 260334.

Do it online
Use our interactive document which allows you to click and comment online or go straight to the online representation form

Do it by email
By downloading a form and emailing it to planning.policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk

Do it by post
Alternatively, forms can be posted to: FREEPOST RSLH – ZYKJ – TYAZ, Stratford on Avon DC, PO BOX 5341, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 1LE

Do it in person
Print out a comment form and hand it in at the District Council offices Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX

Copies of the form can be provided on request.

The Proposed Submission Core Strategy, along with all accompanying documents including the Statement of Representations Procedure, Sustainability Appraisal, Consultation Statement and Duty to Co-operate Statement are available on the District Council's website at www.stratford.gov.uk/corestrategy and are available for inspection and purchase at the District Council offices between 8.45am and 5.15pm Mondays to Wednesdays and between 8.45am and 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Where there are large numbers of people who share a common position on the Core Strategy, it would be very helpful to all parties, including the Inspector, if that group submitted a single representation, appending the names and addresses (and email addresses, if available) of those represented. If requested, all the individuals listed will be notified of future stages in the process.

They are also available to view at all libraries in the District during their normal opening hours. See www.warwickshire.gov.uk/findalibrary for information.