Stratford District Council’s Shottery High Court Appeal unsuccessful

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been unsuccessful in its landmark High Court ruling challenging the Secretary of State's decision to approve the proposed development for
800 homes in Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon.

His Hon Mr Justice Hickinbottom has dismissed the District Council's application.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “This is a sad day for Stratford and localism and a bitterly disappointing decision.

“At no time has the Council or its members actively proposed development of this scale West of Shottery that undermines the setting of that internationally famous icon, Ann Hathaway's Cottage.  The site was introduced by developers, forced into our Plan by the Planning Inspectorate, granted by the Secretary of State and now ratified by a Judge.  I am stunned that the aspirations of local people have been so roundly dismissed

“We have proved before that there are ample sites available elsewhere in the District and we are more than happy to put our faith in building to support our economic future, but at the right location; land close to Ann Hathaway's Cottage was never our choice for development.

“We have gone as far as we can to try and stop this and sadly, we must now abide by the High Court ruling.  As there is a need for a further planning application to cover design and layout of buildings, we still have some control over what the developers eventually provide."

 

• Stratford-on-Avon District Council's legal challenge against the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for land west of Shottery near Stratford-upon-Avon was heard on Tuesday 2 July 2013 at Birmingham Justice Centre (33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS) and lasted for 1 day.
  
  
• On 25 October the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles announced his decision to approve an appeal by JS Bloor Homes to build 800 homes land west of Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon - http://apps.stratford.gov.uk/eplanning/AppDetail.aspx?appkey=KS84HSPM00C00
  
  
• The planning application by JS Bloor Homes and Hallam Land Management (09/02196/OUT) for up to 800 new homes, a new primary school, health centre and local shops was originally rejected by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in 2011.  Further to an appeal held earlier this year, The Secretary of State decided that planning permission should be granted.  The District Council will now contest that decision based on legal advice.