Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet agree a way forward for the Co-op site in Studley

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 12 March endorsed a proposed course of action for the Co-op Site at Priory Square in Studley.   

Members and Officers from the District Council have been working with the Co-op for some time with a view to finding a long term sustainable solution that improves the condition of the site.  

The following timeline has been endorsed:

March 2018 - Co-op engineers obtain highway advice
April 2018 - Pre-application advice submitted
May 2018 - Pre-application advice issued
June - August 2018 - Market Site
September 2018 - Developers submit bids
November 2018 - Site sold, detailed planning obtained and site developed.  

Cllr Peter Richards, Housing and Infrastructure Portfolio says: "The regeneration of the Studley Co-op site has been a priority to the District Council over a number of years. For reasons outside this Council's control, the redevelopment of the land has been delayed. The decision made today, once again moves the project in a positive direction. The recent changes at the Co-op seem to have given a renewed impetus from their side and there appears to be an emerging path to a long term solution.  Alongside these actions, The Cabinet has also included £50,000 in next year's budget to enable preparation for a Compulsory Purchase Order of the site, should there be further delays."  

Cllr Justin Kerridge, local ward member for Studley with Mappleborough Green says: "I'm very pleased with the robust words and intent of Cllr Peter Richards and The Cabinet in holding the Co-op to account and the very real threat of Compulsory Purchase as an alternative."  

Cllr Hazel Wright, local ward member for Studley with Sambourne says: "The proposed actions and indicative timeline that the Co-operative Stores Ltd intends to take on the site is welcomed. However, the intended process and action to pursue Compulsory Purchase Order by the District Council should continue to be vigorously pursued." 

Background Information

The site of the former Co-op in Priory Square, Studley has been vacant and derelict for many years and occupies a central location within Studley.

The Co-op has recently been restructures and propose that:
The current food store will be retained and refurbished as part of the 2019 refit programme.
The footprint of the store could be reduced by subdivision and there is the possibility that the space released could accommodate the Co-op funeral business.
Proposals will be developed for the remainder of the site in conjunction with the District Council's Planning department including some possible changes to the highway access so that the unused part of the site can be marketed for development during 2018.