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ID sylw: 107353

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: National Trust

Green Belt – We note the changing position in terms of Green Belt as set out in the revised NPPF (December 2024), which has opened up the consideration of land within the Green Belt as grey belt and being suitable for development where such land meets the “golden rules”. We understand that a Call for Sites and there is the intention to review villages washed over by the Green Belt designation to identify whether they would be appropriate for infilling. The National Trust are supportive of a plan-led system and accordingly are pleased to hear that further consideration of the Green Belt is going to be taking place, and that a sequential approach is likely to be taken forwards.
The Regional Park concept that the National Trust is developing in the north west Stratford on Avon area and covering Bromsgrove and south west Solihull lies in the Green Belt. We consider that the regional park presents the opportunity to enhance Green Belt policy by promoting the multi-functional purpose of the Green Belt in terms of outdoor recreation which can be enhanced through improved access to open space in the regional park area but also requiring any development which takes place in the Green Belt to secure the highest quality green infrastructure that would connect into the regional park and hold developers to greater account in respect of how development can contribute to the regional park within the area, and the prevailing character of the area, which will also deliver public benefits beyond addressing the housing needs of the Housing Market Area.
We would be keen to discuss the contribution that the Regional Park could make towards achieving a number of objectives set out within the South Warwickshire Local Plan Preferred Options consultation with Officers, including relating to Green Belt, open space, biodiversity, health and wellbeing, and equitable access to nature.
In terms of our specific land interests within South Warwickshire, Packwood House, Baddesley Clinton and Coughton Court are all located in the Green Belt. The designation of Green Belt at these locations contributes towards the preservation of the special character of the places we care for however we are mindful of our visitor business at these properties, with the need to ensure that our visitor facilities are fit for purpose and able to preserve and enhance the heritage assets we are responsible for. We therefore seek to ensure that any development that is proposed on site accords with national Green Belt policy.