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ID sylw: 108515

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: The Bird Group

Asiant : Framptons

This submission is made on behalf of the Bird Group, in relation to their interests at Wildmoor Fields land (Site Ref. 486 and part of 545) (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’).
The Site is located in potential Strategic Growth Locations (SGL) in the emerging plan (ref. SGL 18).
It is considered that the site is deliverable, available and suitable (as previously recognised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in its emerging Site Allocations Plan) to deliver a high-development that will significantly assist in meeting South Warwickshire’s identified housing and employment need as well as any unmet needs arising from Coventry and from Greater Birmingham and the Black Country.
Draft Policy Direction 1 sets out that the South Warwickshire Local Plan will make provision for the delivery of at least 1,679 dwellings per annum, in line with the HEDNA; with sufficient flexibility to accommodate up to 2,188 dwellings per annum, in line with the 2024 NPPF Standard Method. This is not consistent with the Framework which states at Paragraph 62.
The HEDNA is over two years old (November 2022) and therefore provides outdated evidence, with a housing need figure that is significantly lower than the minimum number of homes set out in the Standard Method. Indeed, the Sustainability Appraisal (December 2024) states at paragraph 4.2.5 that:
‘It is recommended that the HEDNA calculation is updated to reflect the latest population information and trends to determine whether this figure remains fit for purpose.’
A number of West Midlands authorities have seen a significant increase in their Local Housing Need figure under the new Standard Method (save for Birmingham, Sandwell and Coventry). The West Midlands would be expected to deliver 29,940 dwellings per annum, a 21% increase compared to the previous method. The Greater Birmingham and Black Country Housing Market Area (GBBCHMA) Position Statement Addendum (April 2023) identifies a shortfall of some 106,654 dwellings. Whilst this Position Statement is out of date on account of the Local Plan preparation and revisions to calculating housing need through the new Standard Method, it is anticipated that the updated position (which is currently being prepared) will conclude that there is a significant shortfall.
Given the pressing need for additional housing within the Stratford-on-Avon District, the site is clearly a sustainable location to accommodate additional housing growth. The Site has been carefully considered to enable a comprehensive planned development to be achieved to deliver new housing (market and affordable) which is well-located in relation to the town and will enhance its vitality in line with national planning policy. Accordingly, it is considered that the Site should be allocated as a mixed-use site within the South Warwickshire Local Plan as part of SG18.