BASE HEADER

Other

ID sylw: 106885

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Redditch Borough Council

A1 and A2 are identified in the SWLP Preferred Options as among the 'least preferred' of the potential new settlements based on the evidence base. These comments are provided given the proximity of A1, A2, and SG22 to the Redditch Borough Council (RBC) boundary.

RBC is reviewing its Local Plan. Growth Options are not confirmed. The potential of Redditch's infrastructure to accommodate Redditch's growth and potential impacts from residents of A1, A2, and SG22 has not yet been established. RBC acknowledges the methodology of locating A1 and A2 close to the A435 due to proximity to strategic road and rail links. The New Settlement Background paper identifies potential settlements with good access to both the road network and the main settlements in South Warwickshire. If A1 and A2 come forward RBC would need clarification on how they would meet SWLP need given their distance from the main SWLP settlements. The A435 severs potential for active travel links between A1 and A2 for short 'day to day' journeys. Even with local centres it is likely these settlements would generate significant numbers of short car journeys to Redditch.

RBC will work with the SWLP authorities if these proposals are advanced. Evidence would need to be provided that non-Green Belt sites are unsuitable before these sites come forward. As the evidence base identifies delivery challenges, RBC would require clarification on infrastructure delivery to ensure no adverse impacts on Redditch District should they come forward without full infrastructure in place due to development phasing. RBC would welcome further engagement on SG22 to confirm the details of this proposal given its proximity to Redditch.