Stratford-on-Avon District Council has prepared a draft Stratford-upon-Avon Gateway Masterplan Framework Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and is holding a six-week consultation.
The consultation starts on Thursday 19 October 2023 and runs until 5pm on Friday 1 December 2023.
This document provides additional guidance on the interpretation and implementation of Policy TC.5 of the adopted Stratford-upon-Avon Neighbourhood Plan and Site Specific Proposal SUA.6 in the emerging Site Allocations Plan (SAP) which look to redevelop the site for a mix of uses including visitor attractions and accommodation, retail and commercial uses, residential, leisure, community and educational facilities, and an improved public realm. The SPD also provides guidance on the interpretation and implementation of Policy AS.1 (Stratford-upon-Avon Area Strategy) of the adopted Stratford-on-Avon District Core Strategy.
The Gateway site has been identified by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as a suitable location for a new museum and visitor attraction celebrating the life, works and times of William Shakespeare. The proposed World Shakespeare Centre (WSC) will anchor a broader mix of town centre uses on the Gateway site and provide a complementary addition to Shakespeare's birthplace and his other family homes in the town, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), and other cultural attractions around the town.
The SPD provides a framework to guide the re-development of the Gateway site. It is one of several Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) that accompanies the Core Strategy. The SPD will bridge the gap between the planning policies and proposals that are set out in the Core Strategy, Neighbourhood Plan and the emerging SAP and will help to co-ordinate delivery of development that will create a new World Shakespeare Centre and other uses.
Cllr George Cowcher, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder says: "This is a key site in Stratford and hopefully working with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust we can create a new part of the town which is a credit to local people and a first class addition to our international Shakespeare offer."
A copy of the draft SPD and all associated documentation can be viewed on the Council's website at www.stratford.gov.uk/gatewayspd
Hard copies of the consultation documents are available to view at the District Council Offices and at Stratford-upon-Avon library as well as all other District libraries.
The District Council is also hosting two drop-in sessions at Stratford-upon-Avon Library where Officers will be available to answer questions and provide information face to face at the following times:
- Thursday 26 October from 1pm to 5pm
- Saturday 4 November from 11am to 2pm
You are encouraged to submit your representations electronically. This can be done either by using the on-line form on the website at www.stratford.gov.uk/gatewayspd or by attaching a form to an email and sending it to policy.consultation@stratford-dc.gov.uk if you want to post your response, please send it to Planning Policy, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX.
