BASE HEADER
Strategic Growth Location SG17 Question
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105369
Derbyniwyd: 03/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Pauline and Peter Boynton
We would like to register our objection to the proposals raised in the South Warwickshire Local Plan.
Since moving to Shipston on Stour from Stratford upon Avon, 14 years ago, we have seen massive new housing developments whilst the supportive infrastructure has not been developed and in some cases, I.e. the hospital, fire services and police, have in fact been reduced. This is not acceptable to us as residents of the town.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105380
Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Hannah Louise
Upon arriving in Shipston on Stour, I faced challenges with high school placements, as local schools are full. Health services are inadequate for the population, and the recycling centre is essential for our community. The bus service is infrequent, and there are no train services, complicating travel to nearby towns. The roads struggle with heavy traffic, and the sewage system is over capacity, posing flooding risks. Job opportunities are limited, and the market square is small with insufficient parking for visitors.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105395
Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Mrs Elaine Pettit
I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed development of 1600 new properties in Shipston-on-Stour. I believe Shipston has already seen enough development and that this plan is inappropriate for our greenbelt. Our infrastructure cannot support more houses; the doctors and schools are already overwhelmed, and parking and traffic issues would worsen. As a pensioner, I struggle with parking in our town centre. I fear the loss of our refuse centre will lead to fly-tipping. Additionally, the area is prone to flooding, and existing drainage and electricity systems cannot handle more demand. I urge you to reconsider these plans.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105429
Derbyniwyd: 03/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Iain Wallace
As a long-time resident of Shipston-on-Stour, I formally object to the proposed SG17 housing development. The town's inadequate transport infrastructure, overstretched utilities, flooding risks, and lack of local services cannot support further expansion. There are currently congestion and safety issues on local roads. Sewage capacity is insufficient. Healthcare services are strained. Additionally, the loss of green spaces would negatively impact residents' health and well-being. I urge the council to reject any housing proposals unless substantial infrastructure improvements are guaranteed to ensure sustainability and quality of life for existing residents.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105442
Derbyniwyd: 26/02/2025
Ymatebydd: Lynne Green
I am writing to object to the additional housing planned for Shipston-on-Stour. My concerns include that some sites are in or near flood zones, the existing infrastructure cannot support more homes, and the town already has limited car parking and significant congestion. I believe the character of our historic town would be compromised, and the loss of the recycling centre could lead to increased fly tipping. Furthermore, there would be added pressure on local schools and health services, as well as a negative impact on our green spaces. I hope my objections are taken into account.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105485
Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Lynette Breton
In response to the consultation about the suitability of area SG17 I feel this area is not suitable for housing development for the following reasons:-
The proposed scale and number of houses is far too great, it would fundamentally alter the character of the natural environment to the detriment of flora and fauna and the market town of Shipston on Stour to the detriment of those living, visiting and working there
There are not sufficient health, education and other public services in the town to cope with such a large increase in population.
The road and public transport services would be insufficient for an increased population
Shipston on Stour is very prone to flooding, in particular the Fell Mill Site is very vulnerable to flooding and development of this area could lead to increased flooding in other nearby areas.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105495
Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Mr Dan Hill
Nifer y bobl: 2
We strongly object to the plan to build 1,600 new houses in Shipston-on-Stour due to the town's overstretched infrastructure. Key issues include inadequate road networks and public transport, oversubscribed schools, insufficient health services, and a lack of green spaces. The area's susceptibility to flooding poses additional risks, and the local economy cannot sustain such growth without jobs. There are concerns about increased crime and the strain on emergency services. We believe this development will lead to traffic gridlock, overloaded facilities, and a decline in community well-being, urging a rejection of the proposal.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105600
Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Dianne Smith
I support the Local Plan concept but have serious concerns about including the SG17 Shipston area, particularly Fell Mill Lane (148, 747), and the recycling centre (552). This area experiences frequent flooding despite mitigation efforts, and this would be worsened by potential housing developments. The lack of adequate transport links forces reliance on cars, compromising sustainability goals. Local roads are often congested. The recycling centre is also vital for the community. I urge that the SG17 site be deemed unsuitable for development in the consultation process.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105686
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Bernard Keavy
SG17 Shipston On Stour - Increased risk to existing flood issues and sewage facilities, and a lack of rail connectivity.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105695
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Ebony Gilkes
I am writing to object to the proposed SG17 developments in Shipston on Stour. Local amenities are already under strain, and the additional population would further burden our schools and health services. The developments threaten valuable green spaces, particularly sites 148 and 747, which are frequently used by the community. Flood risk has risen with recent housing, and the proposed sites are in known flood zones. Additionally, failing sewage systems and the loss of the recycling centre would lead to increased travel for waste disposal, potentially resulting in more fly tipping. Thank you for considering my objections.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105744
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: C Willey
I believe that growth in South Warwickshire must be paired with adequate infrastructure, which has not occurred with recent housing developments in Shipston. Current amenities, such as primary school spaces and health services, are insufficient for existing residents. Green spaces are lacking, and proposed developments threaten walking areas. Public transport is inadequate, with no train station and limited bus services, while road networks are already congested. Flood risks and drainage issues are increasing, and employment opportunities are minimal. Overall, I am concerned that major development could negatively impact Shipston's character and services.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105847
Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Robin Grimston
Objections to Planning at SG17
I OBJECT to the proposal of building 1,600 houses on the Fell Mill site (Ref-148, 747, 552) for several reasons:
1. River Stour: The development lies mostly east of the river, with inadequate infrastructure to support the increased traffic. The two existing bridges servicing the site—one narrow and congested on B4035 and at Honington, a grade 2 listed, single-lane bridge—and are totally unsuitable for the potential increase in commuter traffic. The development is a ludicrous proposal unless the road network, such a bye pass, substantially improved and new bridges across the Stour built.
2. Flooding: Recent years with advent of global warming and higher rainfall, the area floods several times a year, with the river acting as a large flood plain on the Fell Mill site. The development would exacerbate flooding issues, affecting surrounding areas. Additionally, it will harm precious local riverside habitat and ecosystem. Fell Mill site is within the 3km buffer zone of CNL (AONB) and is part of Feldon National character area.
3. Employment: Shipston on Stour lacks sufficient local employment, meaning residents would need to commute long distances, primarily by car, which would increase carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and delays. There is no railway station and public transport not fit for purpose.
4 Infrastructure Needs: The massive population increase would overwhelm local infrastructure, such as schools, medical services, sewage, and roads.
This development will ruin what has been a traditional market town
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105865
Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Mark Barnes
I write to express my opposition to the proposed option relating to Shipston on Stour.
The proposal for large scale housing development on sites around Shipston on Stour will have a hugely damaging effect on the character and functioning of this beautiful market town.
I do not believe that the existing infrastructure can support such over development, with the medical, educational and leisure provision in the town already stretched.
Flooding continues to be a problem and parking and the restricted flow of traffic (particularly over the bridge on the Shipston / Brailes road) will be exacerbated by any more large scale development.
I am particularly concerned about, and opposed to, the about Angelas Meadow and Fell Mill proposals.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105883
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Miss Kelly Reynolds
Shipston does not have the adequate infrastructure to support more housing. Before any development can take place infrastructure including primary and secondary school, health services need to be provided. The town lacks job opportunities. There is no train station and bus links are minimal. There is no major supermarket and parking is a problem. Some of the sites which make up SG17 are in floodplain. The current sewage system at Shipston is over capacity. There are not enough green spaces for residents. Some of the sites within SG17 are within 3km of CNL AONB.The villages of Barcheston and Honnington are both mentioned in the Doomsday Book and have remained undeveloped since the Middle Ages.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105888
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Chris Saint
The site SG17 at Shipston represents development in the neighbouring Parish of Barcheston and incorporates the site of the well used and well-established local recycling centre that should not be lost. An ancient narrow bridge links this site with the town that will be a handicap to access to and from the proposed land for development. Other local infrastructure, such as the capacity for sewage treatment and medical facilities may well not be sufficient to develop this land.
.Shipston has suffered from overdevelopment in recent years, often at the hands of the planning inspectorate, so the land SE of the town, accessed along a narrow country lane to the rear of the cemetery should not be developed. Such proposals do not fit in with the aims of the adopted Shipston Town Plan.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105906
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Mrs Catherine Spratt
This area was one of the places that I walked around during the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions. It provided, not only a good walk, but also beautiful views. I learned so much about my town while walking along the footpaths and country lanes. If you build on this land, this vital and uplifting green space will be lost. Shipston already lacks enough green space for its residents.
The Shipston recycling centre is essential to reduce carbon emissions – if it is removed, Shipston’s residents will have to drive further, not only more expense but also producing more carbon.
How will the residents of these new houses get around? They will probably drive to get supplies, deliver their children to schools and go to work: no shops, no improved transport links and no employment opportunities are planned. Thus Shipston and its residents will be even more polluted.
Honington and Shipston bridges are single track and historic constructions. They are not suitable for increased rates of traffic.
The area around Fell Mill Lane is a flood plain. Development would increase the risk of flooding, not only in Shipston but also downstream.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105908
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Paul Syrett
Part of the proposed/offered site SG17 is very prone to flooding and with the weather being influenced by global warming, I fear that this be a more frequent event. Building houses in the valley will have a negative impact on the carbon emissions as the development is a fair way from the town centre and local amenities necessitating additional car journeys.
.Fell Mill Lane is a single track road with soft verges, no passing places and is already busy and a rat run when Shipston is grid locked or flooded. The last major flooding at the end of last year saw the 50 Bus Service take a detour to avoid the floods by using Fell Mill Lane only to get stuck and block the road for two hours.
.Access to Fell Mill Lane is currently via two single lane bridges, one of historic importance that would normally have a weight restriction if there was an alternate option.
.The exit from Idlicote road on to the A3400 at the Honington turn is a notorious blind junction. The speed limit on the A3400 is 60mph making turning right towards Stratford a nightmare.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105922
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Stephen Miles
At a strategic level SG17 arguably makes little planning sense in terms of delivering sustainable development aims and meeting the economic, social and environmental objectives as required by the NPPF. The Main Rural Centre designation does, as was noted,
make sense; and it withstood examination. A better way forward for the town would be to get on with the various policies and projects that have not been progressed. That will make the town more fit-for-purpose relative to the lately added dwellings, and the continued decline of local jobs.
3.2 At a local level SG17 does seem to comprise several speculative sites that have come forward again, having been previously rejected for sound planning reasons. The large area east of the river is not in that category, but other factors make it highly questionable, notably highways access, flood risk, and very likely an impact on the nearby Cotswolds national landscape. And how you would integrate it with the main town area and commercial
centre needs some explanation.
3.3 There are other SG locations that likely make more sense than SG17.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105983
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Nick Chambers
SG17 fails to meet the SWLP's principles and objectives and is unsuitable for development based on the technical evidence and sustainability rankings:
It is remote from significant employment opportunities, with poor transport connections (remote from rail, very limited public transport, poor roads); creating very high car dependency.
There are very limited amenities in the local area (shopping, leisure, medical, schools, emergency). On top of recent large-scale development in Shipston-on-Stour, it would overwhelm these amenities and add to local road congestion.
Development of this site would inevitably increase the risk of flooding into the River Stour (particularly sites 148 and 707).
The high-density nature of SG17 (especially Fell Mill and Leasowe Farm) is not in keeping with the local rural character of Shipston-on-Stour and the adjoining Conservation Areas.
The land east of Fell Mill is referenced in the Domesday Book, making it an area of great historical importance. Extensive archaeological survey work should have been undertaken prior to consideration of this site.
The site is in conflict with majority of the strategic objectives.
The SA ranks this site poorly against a few SA objectives.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 105989
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Rebecca Coote
Shipston on Stour is a small market town with a significant number of new-build houses already. Some of the proposed sites are on a flood plain, and access to these areas is difficult due to narrow country-style roads and weak bridges. The town is already struggling with oversubscribed GP services, congested roads, lack of transportation and ongoing sewerage issues. Beyond the practical concerns, this area is on the edge of the Cotswolds, valued for its natural beauty and recreational use. Crucially, the area around Fell Mill Lane has remained undeveloped until now, making its preservation all the more important.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106009
Derbyniwyd: 03/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Carl Nash
The area and all of its infrastructure are above capacity.
Schools are overcapacity the roads cannot handle the ever-increasing traffic. The doctors surgery which is bursting.
The homes proposed will be built in areas that are prone to flooding and either side of a town accessed by single track bridges.
The infrastructure cannot handle any more load. We are a small market town and should be such.
The housing system which has already been imposed on the town had helped pressure the small town to its limit.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106020
Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Steve Butler
1. Flood Risk and Historical Precedents
SG17 is located on a Tier 3 floodplain, indicating a very high risk of flooding and is marked by the Council as “An area of Restraint”. Developing this area will significantly exacerbate surface water runoff, increasing flood risks both within Shipston, Stratford and downstream communities. Providing effective mitigation at this scale would make the development unviable and despite their promises, developers have a very poor track record of implementing effective mitigations.
2. Lessons from Past Flooding Incidents
A recent case study from Yorkshire serves as a stark warning. A new housing development on a tier 3 floodplain flooded shortly after completion, leading to a costly class-action lawsuit against both the developers and the local authorities that approved the project. Proceeding with this development in Shipston could expose Stratford District Council to similar legal risks and contingent liabilities.
3. Lack of Essential Infrastructure
Shipston’s existing infrastructure is already struggling to cope with current demands. An additional 3,000 houses would introduce over 6,000 more vehicles, worsening congestion on already burdened roads. Public services such as schools, healthcare facilities, and emergency response units are stretched thin and would not be able to support such an influx without massive, costly upgrades.
4. Bypass Requirement and Logistical Challenges
A development of this scale would necessitate a bypass for Shipston. However, the feasibility of constructing such a bypass is uncertain due to land constraints and environmental concerns. Approving this development without a clear plan for mitigating traffic impacts would be highly irresponsible.
5. Strategic Plan Conflicts
The Council’s strategic development plan has designated this area as high flood risk and unsuitable for large-scale housing projects. Approving this development would contradict the Council’s own planning policies and could undermine the credibility of the strategic planning framework.
6. More Suitable Alternative: Long Marston
A more viable alternative would be an existing planned area such as Long Marston, which does not face the same flooding issues and has better transport links. Directing development to safer, more sustainable locations aligns with responsible planning principles and long-term environmental considerations.
7. Environmental and Community Impact
Beyond exacerbating flood risks, the proposed development threatens local biodiversity and green spaces. The River Stour and its surrounding habitats support diverse wildlife; increased urbanisation could lead to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity. Additionally, the town's Victorian-era drainage system is ill-equipped to handle increased runoff, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding events.
The local community has actively voiced opposition to large-scale developments due to flood risks and infrastructure strain. A public drop-in event at Shipston Leisure Centre on January 28, 2025, saw residents expressing frustration with proposed plans, emphasizing the need for the Council to heed local sentiments. One resident stated, "The council needs to start listening to the residents. We don’t need any more houses in Shipston."
8. Instances of Unfulfilled Infrastructure Promises
There is a track record of developers and government failing to implement committed infrastructure supporting new developments.
9. Systemic Issues with Infrastructure Delivery
• Financial Contributions Not Utilised: Developers often provide financial contributions to local authorities, intended for infrastructure development. However, reports indicate that some councils have not effectively utilised these funds, leading to a lack of necessary services and facilities in new developments.
housingtoday.co.uk
• Viability Assessments Affecting Commitments: Developers may submit viability assessments during the planning process to demonstrate the financial feasibility of a project. Critics argue that these assessments can be manipulated, allowing developers to renege on commitments to provide affordable housing or infrastructure improvements, citing financial constraints.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106025
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Heidi Ellis
I would like to object to the proposal to build houses in area SG17, Shipston on Stour. The town has seen significant development over the past 10 years and this has not been matched by increased infrastructure. The town has lost hospital beds and the schools and medical centre are at capacity. Some of the proposed areas sit in land which regularly floods in the winter making ideal sites for biodiversity and wildlife and particularly poor for building. The increase in traffic through the town centre would make Shipston a less attractive place for residents and tourists, as the noise and difficulty in crossing the A3400 is already problematic. Brown field sites and refurbishment would be much more sustainable.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106029
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Muriel Fidler
As a local resident I have concern over the proposed future Housing .
I feel that there insufficient infrastructure in place . Some of the development is in Green belt areas. This will have an impact on woods hedges and trees, therefore wildlife
These proposals feel like overdeveloped of a rural area. That already suffers from flooding and traffic congestion .
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106033
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Peter Hayward
I am a resident of Shipston on Stour. I strongly oppose the proposal for additional housing in Shipston. The existing infrastructure can barely support the town since the previous additional houses were built. I’ve never known a place to have continuous roadworks. The roads themselves are too busy. My house shakes from the large trucks. The Boots pharmacy is over subscribed. Doctor appointments are offered too long after booking. School class sizes increasing. Too many cars in the town centre. I am a blue badge holder and rely on my car to get about but there is only one disabled parking spot. Additional housing will destroy the local sense of community and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106061
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Peter Sercombe
I do not live in the area but have visited this idyllic area several times to see the historic sites and boost my feeling of health and wellbeing.
Shipton and surrounding villages have been mentioned in the doomsday book and have changed little in all that time. You will destroy the character of this area. The bridges near Shipton were built ages ago and will not be able to cope with the increased traffic.
Ref:- 148, 747 These areas will experience increased flooding risks from the run off that the proposed construction will inevitably cause.
Parts of Fell Mill fall within the Feldon National Character area, does this mean you will simply ignore this because it doesn't suit and are happy to destroy the green spaces and walking areas that have been used for many many years?
Shipton is in a conservation area and I love its character. It has limited parking and this development would alter the ability of anybody wishing to visit it, even for day to day shopping.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106066
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Julie Lee
Building new houses means families2 will be moving in and there is inadequate schooling here and no sixth form.
Public transport to and from Shipston is very limited, there being no trains and poor bus services. Cars will be essential for going to work as there is little chance of employment in Shipston.
There is a constant issue with flooding in Shipston, the sewage system is already overstretched and the sewage works are really close to the flood areas, so building here seems foolish.
Shipston has grown so much recently and the infrastructure is already inadequate, so to propose further developments seems crazy when we are struggling to cope now.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106079
Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Mike Moore
The bridge approaching this site floods on a regular basis, the town of Shipston
On Stour is stretched to the limit already, where would all the cars using the town of Shipston park? Let alone the massive increase in cars driving through the town.
Shipston on Stour is a unique town, with a great feeling of friendship and local support, I feel this would all go and the town would become a town just like many
Many others with no heart to it , and no individuality to it.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106101
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Jonathan Pym
It is crazy that SG17 is on the list of potential housing sites. I appreciate that there does need to be houses built but this site should not be on the list given the flood risks in that area.
No
Preferred Options 2025
ID sylw: 106146
Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025
Ymatebydd: Gemma Wallace
As a Shipston-on-Stour resident, I object to SG17. The town has expanded significantly in the past 15 years with negative impacts on the town and residents.
The nearest station is a 30-minute drive during peak times and doesn't link to nearby employment centres. Stations with links to employment centres are further away and there are no viable bus connections from Shipston to the stations. Buses are generally limited. Roads are narrow and already not coping with increased traffic. There is a lack of safe pedestrian crossings. The roads flood regularly and significantly, especially Shoulderway Lane and the Mill Street bridge over the Stour. There have been sewage leaks since new housing estates were constructed. Shipston does not have adequate sixth-form school facilities, dentists, or GP services. There are limited green spaces for the population size and many proposed sites would destroy existing popular routes, with consequences for quality of life and health.