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ID sylw: 107616

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Network Rail

Asiant : CBRE

Chapter 4 of the draft Plan provides the overarching spatial growth strategy for South
Warwickshire, setting out the scale and distribution of new development for the Plan Period
up to 2050.
Section 4.5 (pp 44-45) identifies that infrastructure is an integral component to support
development, focusing on enhancements to transport and infrastructure in line with
development proposals. These commitments are also repeated elsewhere in the Plan.
Network Rail supports the Plan’s recognition of the importance of focusing on enhancements
to transport and infrastructure. In this regard, and in line with Policy Direction 5 below,
developments should make provision for associated necessary rail infrastructure as an
important part of the future investment needed in improving the transport network.

This Policy Direction requires development proposals to be consistent with and contribute to
the implementation of transport strategies set out in relevant strategies (including the West
Midlands Rail Executive’s Rail Investment Strategy, The Warwickshire Local Transport Plan,
Warwickshire Rail Strategy, Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, Bus Improvement Plan,
and the Stratford-upon-Avon Transport Strategy).
It also confirms that all new development must provide appropriate on- and off-site
infrastructure. Development proposals of a strategic nature will need to contribute and help
deliver infrastructure that is contained within the Local Plan and IDP. In addition to strategic
infrastructure requirements, the Local Plan will identify development requirements that will
apply to each of the allocated sites. This will include requirements relating to e.g. ecology,
flood risk, heritage, active travel, highways, education, healthcare, renewables and utilities.
The written justification to the Policy Direction states that the Councils will work in partnership
with infrastructure providers and other delivery agencies in updating the Infrastructure
Delivery Plan (January 2025) to ensure an up to date evidence base regarding infrastructure
requirements and costs is maintained, for example in relation to upgrades to the rail network.
These commitments are supported by Network Rail.
In accordance with comments made in relation to the Plan Evidence base earlier in the
response, it is requested that any Infrastructure Policy / Policies pursuant to this Policy Direction (and the Infrastructure Development Plan) be expanded to make specific reference
to Network Rail’s West Midlands Strategic Advice (October 2022).