Stratford-upon-Avon Area Transport Strategy endorsed by Council

Yesterday, Tuesday 24 April, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Full Council endorsed the Stratford-upon-Avon Area Transport Strategy.  

It will now be added as an addendum, once approved by Warwickshire County Council, to the Warwickshire Local Transport Plan 2011-26 and added to the list of District Council Plans and Strategies within Part 3 of the Constitution.  It will also be material consideration within any future review of the Stratford-on-Avon District Core Strategy.  

The Stratford-upon-Avon Area Transport Strategy has been produced jointly by Warwickshire County Council and the District Council.  It sets out the general principles that need to underlie the development of the town's transport infrastructure over the next 15 to 20 years.  

Key messages in the Stratford-upon-Avon Area Transport Strategy include:

The Southern Western Relief Road (SWRR) has been retained in the revised Strategy. It had been identified by the Strategic Transport Assessments (STAs) in order to provide the evidence base for the Stratford-on-Avon District Core Strategy as being essential to enable the full development of the allocated housing site at Long Marston Airfield.

Inclusion of a position statement on the Stratford-upon-Avon to Honeybourne railway line has been incorporated in the revised Strategy.

The current status of the Birmingham Road Improvement Scheme as fully funded with delivery planned for 2019/20 has been reflected in the Strategy.

The Strategy highlights the importance of maintaining cycling infrastructure and The Stratford-upon-Avon Cycle Network Plan.

A measure that proposes a town centre bus station has been added to the revised Strategy.

Future work will also include focusing on reviewing current load restrictions through the town centre.

Consideration will also be given to improved park and ride facilities, train connectivity and shared space in the centre of the town.      

Cllr Peter Richards, Housing and Infrastructure Portfolio says: "The Stratford-upon-Avon Area Transport Strategy is the culmination of vast amounts of work undertaken over a number of years.  This is one of the most important documents that will influence the Town and its future.  A primary concern is the increasing levels of traffic congestion and the impact future housing and employment growth will have on the character of the town and transport infrastructure already operating under considerable strain.  The Strategy includes measures designed to tackle congestion and improve the transport system and town environment to meet the development needs and benefit residents, businesses and visitors."  

During the debate an amendment was proposed by Cllr Lynda Organ and seconded by Cllr Kate Rolfe that the Eastern Relief Road included in principle be deleted from the Strategy which was approved.