Shottery Planning Appeal decision - lost

On Thursday 25 October the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced his decision to approve an appeal by JS Bloor Homes to build 800 homes at land west of Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “This is a bitterly disappointing decision.  JS Bloor have relentlessly pursued Stratford-on-Avon District Council over many years until they got what they wanted. The Appeal system clearly made us vulnerable, which does seem against the Government's objectives of localism.

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.

Despite all the local support from residents and evidence emerging for the production of our Local Plan we are now going to have to consider our development plans in light of this decision."

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 at land west of Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon was originally rejected by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in 2011 on the grounds that the development would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance at this location; produce significant visual harm to Anne Hathaway's Cottage; increased traffic flow causing further congestion and increased noise levels and would not be environmentally sustainable.