BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 107290

Derbyniwyd: 21/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Rail Transport Group

Reinstatement of the Stratford-Long Marston-Honeybourne rail link is required for Long Marston Airfield (LMAGV) and Meon Vale to be a sustainable community. Without a rail link the Garden Village status isn't credible. The proposal would no longer meet the vision detailed in the 2016 Expression of Interest, which contained 12 positive references to the benefits of reinstatement, and which formed the basis for government granting Garden Village status in 2017. The proposal would not be sound in accordance with NPPF tests b, c & d.

The Inspector's report on the Core Strategy stated reinstatement would “provide a long-term solution to the town’s traffic congestion.” (248-257) and "There can be no question that the service would provide a sustainable alternative to the use of the private car for many residents and Visitors.”

The Long Marston hinterland already has committed housing growth of 6,087 homes/25,000 people, including the Worcestershire part of Long Marston, Pebworth, Honeybourne and Mickleton, Glos. LMAGV already has a proposed development of 3,500 homes/8,750 people, while Meon Vale already has committed development of 1,430 homes including the 380 at the adjoining Codex site in Worcestershire and accessed onto the B4362, Campden Road. The SWLP is now proposing an enlarged LMAGV site, to potentially accommodate 10,000 new homes, or 25,000 additional people. That would increase the Stratford-Long Marston-Honeybourne rail corridor to 85,000 people, without adequate rail services and a credible alternative to the car and car dependency