Other

ID sylw: 107685

Derbyniwyd: 26/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Shakespeare Line Rail User Group

The draft policy clearly states that “development proposals should prioritise access to public transport” and “developments should aim to minimise car dependency.” However, the current
reality starkly contrasts these objectives.

Stratford, along with the proposed major new settlement at Long Marston Garden Village, is on a trajectory that continues to favour car reliance, potentially undermining the very goals outlined in the policy. It is imperative that the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) and Local Planning Authority (LPA) and Local Transport Authority (LTA) take responsibility for reversing this trend. Without a decisive shift in transport investment—focused on enhancing public transport, particularly rail-based options, and promoting alternatives to private car use—these developments will further increase traffic congestion and create added environmental concerns.

The SWLP, the LPA and the LTA hold a crucial responsibility to adhere to their policy intentions and ensure that future developments genuinely prioritise sustainable transport solutions. The LPA and LTA are accountable for delivering fostering a community that supports public transport accessibility and reduces car dependency.

Other

ID sylw: 107691

Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Pete Frteeman

I generally agree that a local plan should explore ways to reduce reliance on the private vehicle with emphasis on trams, cycle lanes, home working and rail routes closed down in error following the Beeching report.

In response to observing connectivity patterns over recent decades what generally happens is that
A by-pass is implemented that envelopes areas of pristine untouched greenfield countryside which is then “backfilled” to the town, village or settlement that it was intended to by-pass in the first place. This simply perpetuates a sprawl into rural settings …….. which in turn needs to by “by-passed” …….. this is not very intelligent planning in my opinion and simply plays into the hands of building firms whose only motivation is profit, share price and the creation sub-standard characterless dwellings. Reference: Wellesbourne and Bidford-on-Avon by way of example as well as the broader sprawls to the M40 otherwise known as Warwick Gates & Tournament Fields! ………nothing to be proud of there folks!
Considering broader connectivity on a national scale one cannot fail to mention HS2 with its intention to facilitate the “Northern Power House” and which inflicts itself through our county
This is the biggest example “Boondoggling” our nation’s [redacted] have embarked on to date! It is a national embarrassment and a complete and utter waste of money sprouting from leadership that had once proposed the infill of the Thames estuary to create an airport, and whose only specialist background does not have a “real world” basis, but is in Latin & Greek!
Fyi “Boondoggle” = to spend money or time on unnecessary, wasteful, or fraudulent projects.

Other

ID sylw: 107754

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bellway Strategic Land

Asiant : Savills

We are generally supportive of draft Policy Direction 31.
The second part of the Policy proposes to require developments to demonstrate that they will incorporate or contribute towards the provision of cycle lanes, pedestrian paths and public transport and public transport links should be integrated into the development. The policy should specifically note that not all development will be of a scale to enable public transport links through the site. Additionally, only developments subject to a S106 Agreement would be able to contribute to off-site sustainable access improvements and any requests for upgrades will be required to demonstrate that they are complaint with Section 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010.

Other

ID sylw: 107792

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bellway Homes

Asiant : Savills

We are generally supportive of draft Policy Direction 31.
The second part of the Policy proposes to require developments to demonstrate that they will incorporate or contribute towards the provision of cycle lanes, pedestrian paths and public transport and public transport links should be integrated into the development. The policy should specifically note that not all development will be of a scale to enable public transport links through the site. Additionally, only developments subject to a S106 Agreement would be able to contribute to off-site sustainable access improvements and any requests for upgrades will be required to demonstrate that they are complaint with Section 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010.

Other

ID sylw: 107799

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bellway Homes

Asiant : Savills

We are generally supportive of draft Policy Direction 31.Bellway’s land (Site reference 466/471) is part of proposed Strategic Growth Location SG19 which has been identified for growth and the settlement is also located in Priority Area 3, therefore is considered a sustainable and accessible location suitable for accommodating growth. Reference to two site ID’s is included as Bellway’s land has been assessed as the eastern half of site ID 471 (c.4ha) (Land North of Loxley Road, Stratford upon Avon) and the eastern part of a wider parcel, site ID 466 (c.16.73ha) (Land at Knights Lane, Loxley Road and Pimlico Lane, Stratford upon Avon).

The second part of the Policy proposes to require developments to demonstrate that they will incorporate or contribute towards the provision of cycle lanes, pedestrian paths and public transport and public transport links should be integrated into the development. The policy should specifically note that not all development will be of a scale to enable public transport links through the site. Additionally, only developments subject to a S106 Agreement would be able to contribute to off-site sustainable access improvements and any requests for upgrades will be required to demonstrate that they are complaint with Section 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010.

Other

ID sylw: 107851

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Catesby Estates Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

The policy direction broadly conforms with national policy requirements. Catesby Estates Plc are supportive of the aspiration to encourage sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles. The policy needs to acknowledge that given the spatial spread and rural nature of much of South Warwickshire, use of the private car will still be the preferred (and, in some cases, only) option for many residents, in the short-to-medium term.

The Council should therefore ensure there are appropriate parking standards in place for new developments. Concurrently, the Council should seek to identify and support improvements to sustainable transport throughout the plan period, to reduce dependency on private vehicles to a greater degree in the decades ahead. Residents should have the opportunity to use efficient and reliable public transport and safely walk or cycle to destinations where possible, as acknowledged in the policy direction.

It is stated that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate or contribute to high-quality infrastructure that facilitate sustainable travel. Commentary with regards to infrastructure provision has already been provided in relation to Policy Direction 5, and similar considerations apply here. It is recommended that the policy provides some flexibility, clarifying which types of proposals should address this within submissions (i.e. major development, but not renewable schemes, where this is not applicable).

Yes

ID sylw: 107883

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land

Asiant : Turley

The Draft Policy Direction is supported in principle. However, the policy should provide clarity on what “access for all” comprises, including possible examples, to give clarity to applicants and decision makers.

Other

ID sylw: 107972

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Rainier Developments Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

The policy direction broadly conforms with national policy requirements. Rainier Developments are supportive of the aspiration to encourage sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles. The policy needs to acknowledge that given the spatial spread and rural nature of much of South Warwickshire, use of the private car will still be the preferred (and, in some cases, only) option for many residents, in the short-to-medium term.

The Council should therefore ensure there are appropriate parking standards in place for new developments. Concurrently, the Council should seek to identify and support improvements to sustainable transport throughout the plan period, to reduce dependency on private vehicles to a greater degree in the decades ahead. Residents should have the opportunity to use efficient and reliable public transport and safely walk or cycle to destinations where possible, as acknowledged in the policy direction.

It is stated that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate or contribute to high-quality infrastructure that facilitate sustainable travel. Commentary with regards to infrastructure provision has already been provided in relation to Policy Direction 5, and similar considerations apply here. It is recommended that the policy provides some flexibility, clarifying which types of proposals should address this within submissions (i.e. major development, but not renewable schemes, where this is not applicable).

Other

ID sylw: 108050

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Rainier Developments Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

The policy direction broadly conforms with national policy requirements. Catesby Estates Plc are supportive of the aspiration to encourage sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles. The policy needs to acknowledge that given the spatial spread and rural nature of much of South Warwickshire, use of the private car will still be the preferred (and, in some cases, only) option for many residents, in the short-to-medium term.

The Council should therefore ensure there are appropriate parking standards in place for new developments. Concurrently, the Council should seek to identify and support improvements to sustainable transport throughout the plan period, to reduce dependency on private vehicles to a greater degree in the decades ahead. Residents should have the opportunity to use efficient and reliable public transport and safely walk or cycle to destinations where possible, as acknowledged in the policy direction.

It is stated that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate or contribute to high-quality infrastructure that facilitate sustainable travel. Commentary with regards to infrastructure provision has already been provided in relation to Policy Direction 5, and similar considerations apply here. It is recommended that the policy provides some flexibility, clarifying which types of proposals should address this within submissions (i.e. major development, but not renewable schemes, where this is not applicable).

Land at Walton Road, Wellesbourne is sustainably located. Development would encourage sustainable modes of travel as the site benefits from frequent bus services on Ettington Road to Warwick, Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon. The Site will seek to link to the existing pedestrian and cycle links. This aligns with the aspirations of this policy direction and Strategic Objective 11.

Other

ID sylw: 108086

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Seven Homes

Asiant : Pegasus Group

The policy direction broadly conforms with national policy requirements. Seven Homes are supportive of the aspiration to encourage sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles. The policy needs to acknowledge that given the spatial spread and rural nature of much of South Warwickshire, use of the private car will still be the preferred (and, in some cases, only) option for many residents, in the short-to-medium term.

The Council should therefore ensure there are appropriate parking standards in place for new developments. Concurrently, the Council should seek to identify and support improvements to sustainable transport throughout the plan period, to reduce dependency on private vehicles to a greater degree in the decades ahead. Residents should have the opportunity to use efficient and reliable public transport and safely walk or cycle to destinations where possible, as acknowledged in the policy direction.

It is stated that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate or contribute to high-quality infrastructure that facilitate sustainable travel. Commentary with regards to infrastructure provision has already been provided in relation to Policy Direction 5, and similar considerations apply here. It is recommended that the policy provides some flexibility, clarifying which types of proposals should address this within submissions (i.e. major development, but not renewable schemes, where this is not applicable).

Yes

ID sylw: 108176

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bellway Homes (West Midlands)

Asiant : Cerda Planning

We support the SWLP approach to prioritising access to public transport, walking and cycling routes.
Policy Direction 31 should also reference park and ride options as contributing to sustainable transport accessibility.
Applying the provisions of Policy Direction 31 it is clear that focussing development on the main towns, and locations at the main towns which have good connections including in relation to park and ride facilities, is a sound and justifiable approach.

Other

ID sylw: 108229

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Persimmon Homes (South Midlands)

Asiant : Pegasus Group

The policy direction is broadly in conformity with national policy requirements. Persimmon are supportive of the Council’s aspiration to encourage sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles. However, the policy will need to acknowledge that given the spatial spread and rural nature of much of South Warwickshire, use of the private car will still be the preferred (and, in some cases, only) option for many residents, in the short-to- medium term. Taking this into account, the Council should ensure that there are appropriate parking standards in place for new developments.

It is stated that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate or contribute to high- quality infrastructure that facilitate sustainable travel. Commentary with regards to infrastructure provision has already been provided in relation to Policy Direction 5, and similar considerations also apply here. It is recommended that the policy should provide some flexibility, clarifying which types of proposals should address this within submissions (i.e. major development, but not renewable schemes, where this is not applicable).

The Site is sustainably located, and development here would encourage sustainable modes of travel. The closest bus stop is approximately 30 metres away (Anson Close), and pedestrian and cycle links will be provided onto Dovehouse Drive, Loxley Road, and Pitt Avenue.

Other

ID sylw: 108402

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Alscot Estate

Asiant : Jonathan Thompson Land & Consultancy Limited

The Estate agrees that “a well-functioning, sustainable transport network is essential for creating vibrant, accessible and inclusive communities” and “It will support the economic growth, reduce environmental impacts, and improve the quality of life for residents in South Warwickshire.”

We recognise there are transportation issues in both local authority areas that need to be mitigated against when delivering new development to avoid exacerbating the situation. We broadly support the approach in Draft Policy 31. However, there needs to be a degree of flexibility in determining whether a site can deliver suitable sustainable transport options when directing development towards rural areas.

NPPF Paragraph 10 emphasises that ‘opportunities to maximise sustainable transport solutions will vary between urban and rural areas, and this should be taken into account in both plan-making and decision-making’. There is clear support in the NPPF for rural housing, which can support local services. In some cases, development in one village can support services in a nearby village where there are groups of smaller settlements. The NPPF also supports employment growth in rural areas, where sites ‘may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements, and in locations that are not well served by public transport’. The emerging Local Plan should reflect this.

Other

ID sylw: 108410

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: The Kler Group

Asiant : Cerda Planning Ltd

We support the SWLP approach to prioritising access to public transport, walking and cycling routes.

The provisions of Policy Direction 31 illustrate the objections we have made in respect of applying a sequential approach to delivering brownfield land before considering green field release – our underlying objection is that broader sustainability considerations must outweigh any notion of sequential site release. An inherently sustainable approach is to minimise reliance on the private car, rather than determining development strategy by reference to a policy designation.

Applying the provisions of Policy Direction 31 it is clear that focussing development on the main towns and settlements, which have good connections, is a sound and justifiable approach.

Other

ID sylw: 108441

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr R Wilding

Asiant : Cerda Planning Ltd

We support the SWLP approach to prioritising access to public transport, walking and cycling routes.

The provisions of Policy Direction 31 illustrate the objections we have made in respect of applying a sequential approach to delivering brownfield land before considering green field release – our underlying objection is that broader sustainability considerations must outweigh any notion of sequential site release. An inherently sustainable approach is to minimise reliance on the private car, rather than determining development strategy by reference to a policy designation.

Applying the provisions of Policy Direction 31 it is clear that focussing development on the main towns and settlements, which have good connections, is a sound and justifiable approach.

Other

ID sylw: 108489

Derbyniwyd: 03/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Lesley O'Connor

Public transport is not good in South Warwickshire, it needs to be improved. As an example of the lack of public transport-: there is no bus service from Kenilworth directly to Warwick hospital, in fact there are no buses going south towards Warwick from St Johns Church, this means that there is no public transport through Leek Wootton (another reason for not building between Kenilworth & Warwick)

Yes

ID sylw: 108526

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bevan Family

The Bevan Family endorses this policy, especially regarding the reduction of car reliance and the integration of public transport connections within developments. The Land South of Westwood Heath Road presents a prime opportunity to advance and apply these essential principles, facilitating a substantial sustainable development while also addressing the pressing need for housing.

No

ID sylw: 108554

Derbyniwyd: 29/06/2025

Ymatebydd: Hayfield Homes

Hayfield supports the ambitions of draft Policy Direction 31 in promoting active travel. Within Hayfield’s developments, including the development proposals at land at Tailors Lane in Upper Quinton, enhancements to footpath and cycle connectivity are proposed within attractive green spaces, recognising the range of associated health and well-being benefits to both existing and future residents.
However, Stratford and Warwick are predominantly rural in character as recognised within the SWLP Preferred Options Consultation document. It would therefore be unrealistic to expect that all journeys can be made by sustainable modes of travel, as is more commonly seen in urban areas within other parts of the UK which benefit from significant public transport infrastructure. The wording of Policy Direction 31 should be amended to reflect a more flexible approach, which responds to the context.

No

ID sylw: 108588

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Corbally Group (Harbury) Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

The policy direction is broadly in conformity with national policy requirements. Corbally Group are supportive of the Council’s aspiration to encourage sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles. However, the policy will need to acknowledge that given the spatial spread and rural nature of much of South Warwickshire, use of the private car will still be the preferred (and, in some cases, only) option for many residents, in the short-to- medium term. Taking this into account, the Council should ensure that there are appropriate parking standards in place for new developments.

It is stated that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate or contribute to high- quality infrastructure that facilitate sustainable travel. Commentary with regards to infrastructure provision has already been provided in relation to Policy Direction 5, and similar considerations also apply here. It is recommended that the policy should provide some flexibility, clarifying which types of proposals should address this within submissions (i.e. major development, but not renewable schemes, where this is not applicable).

Other

ID sylw: 108635

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Kiely Bros Holdings Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

Policy Direction 31 – Sustainable Transport Accessibility
9.1.
The policy direction is broadly in conformity with national policy requirements. Kiely Bros are supportive of the Council’s aspiration to encourage sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles. However, the policy will need to acknowledge that given the spatial spread and rural nature of much of South Warwickshire, use of the private car will still be the preferred (and, in some cases, only) option for many residents, in the short-to-medium term. Taking this into account, the Council should ensure that there are appropriate parking standards in place for new developments. Concurrently, the Council should seek to identify and support improvements to sustainable transport throughout the plan period, to reduce the dependency of residents on private vehicles to a greater degree in the decades ahead. Residents should have the opportunity to use efficient and reliable public transport and safely walk or cycle to destinations where possible, as acknowledged in the policy direction.
9.2.
It is stated that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate or contribute to high-quality infrastructure that facilitate sustainable travel. Commentary with regards to infrastructure provision has already been provided in relation to Policy Direction 5, and similar considerations also apply here. It is recommended that the policy should provide some flexibility, clarifying which types of proposals should address this within submissions (i.e. major development, but not renewable schemes, where this is not applicable).