BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 99014

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: C Willey

Growth can be positive where infrastructure is properly planned and implemented alongside new and improved facilities and services. In Shipston this has not happened. Existing infrastructure does not adequately serve current residents and large improvements are needed before population growth.

More primary school, high school, and sixth form places are required. Health services are inadequate for the existing population. The new hospital does not replace previous provision unless rehabilitation beds, X-ray, minor injuries, and other departments are reinstated.

Green spaces are inadequate for the current population. Some proposed sites include spaces currently used for walking (Ref:148 & 747), and footpaths including The Shakespeare Way. Part of Fell Mill Site (Ref: 148 & 747) is located within an ‘Area of Restraint’, preventing development. Ref: 148, 747, 552, & 062 are within the 3km buffer zone of the AONB and are part of the Feldon National Character area. The recycling centre (Ref: 552) is within proposed land. This is a vital and valued service for Shipston and surrounding towns/villages and recycling is environmentally important. Essential services such as the Fire Service and the bank are being cut. The negative impacts will be even worse if population increases.

Transport provision is inadequate for the existing population. There is no train station and an infrequent bus service. It takes more than 30 minutes to reach Stratford or Banbury. Car use is essential for commuting to work. The nearest motorway is 15 miles away. Shipston's one-way system ind single track bridges at Shipston, Barcheston and Honington are struggling with traffic volumes.

Sewerage systems are currently over-capacity. There are increased flooding risks already affecting Shipston. The Fell Mill site is split by a flood plain. 42% is in flood zones 2 & 3. The Angela’s Meadow site (Ref: 062) is fringed by flood zone 2. Surface water run-off on Fell Mill site will be increased by development, increasing flood risk in Shipston and villages downstream.

There are minimal local job opportunities. It would be difficult to create employment for the current population, let alone an increased population. New residents would have to travel long distances to the major employment hubs. Shipston has an attractive centre and Market Square which is part of the Conservation zone. The town’s character would change with major development, which would cause significant congestion. The town centre is small with limited parking and no space for expansion.