Stratford District Council’s Core Strategy published

Stratford-on-Avon District Council will this month consider a new document setting out the strategy and planning policies that will guide development across the District to 2028.

The proposals seek to protect the historic and environmental qualities of the area that make it so attractive.  The new strategy sets out proposals that balance the need for economic growth and housing provision with the wish to protect and enhance the environment.  It is based on new developments being more widely dispersed across the whole District.

The strategy recognises that the historic character and international significance of Stratford-upon-Avon would be compromised by further peripheral housing expansion.  It proposes that, during the plan period, the only additional housing development in the town (beyond that already committed) should be located within a proposed regeneration zone focused on the 'Canal Quarter'.

Elsewhere, the strategy proposes additional housing development at Alcester and Southam to reinforce their role servicing their respective areas.  It proposes that many smaller villages can accommodate more limited housing development as long as proposals are sensitive to the specific character of each village.

This approach leaves a gap between the quantity of development that can take place at existing settlements without damaging their role, character and distinctiveness and the overall need to provide 9,500 new homes.  This gap could be met by creating a new settlement at Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath, which has been identified as the preferred choice because it is well located to meet the local demand for housing and is adjacent to the major employment centre at Gaydon. 

Previous consultations have indicated that there is public support for the option of a new settlement being developed to help address the housing need and that this should be pursued in preference to further substantial expansion at Stratford-upon-Avon.  However, the Council recognises that this specific proposal should be subject to further public consultation before the overall strategy is submitted to the Government for independent examination.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “The strategy recognises that growth is needed but not at the expense of undermining the character of our communities.  After a lot of hard work and listening to local people we believe this gives us the best opportunity to move forward.  We look to local developers to work with the public and bring forward proposals for quality homes and employment opportunities that will respect and protect our landscape and heritage."

The Core Strategy will now go to The Cabinet on 15 July and Full Council on 22 July for approval.