No

ID sylw: 107570

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

BW (Bearley and Wilmcote) sits entirely within the Green Belt, is prone to flooding and run-off of water on to the busy A3400, and is entirely undeveloped agricultural land. The site’s inclusion in the Preferred Options runs counter to what is said in Chapter 4 of the Consultation Documents about avoiding anything other than small-scale development in areas of the Green Belt, since these lack all the necessary infrastructure needed for a large development, such as roads, education and medical facilities, connection to utilities and local amenities. It is also contrary to what is said in Chapter 7 about avoiding building on land susceptible - now or in the future - to flooding. Furthermore, since there are no nearby sources of employment, it would be necessary for any new residents to travel outside the area for work – something which Chapter 6 says should be avoided. For all these reasons, BW should be ruled out as a Potential New Settlement.

Yes

ID sylw: 107571

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

The Society strongly endorses the intention of the SWLP to support Neighbourhood Development Plans in making housing and employment allocations. While it is acknowledged that not every brownfield site outside urban areas may be suitable for small-scale redevelopment, these should be considered in the first instance.
This chapter states plainly that, in the Green Belt, anything other than small-scale development would be inappropriate since these areas lack the infrastructure for larger development such as schools, medical facilities, meeting places, open spaces and shops. Instead, efforts should be made to develop a prosperous rural economy through diversification of agricultural businesses.

Other

ID sylw: 107572

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

In order to meet the needs of communities, it is necessary to understand their demographics. Currently, 25% of the population of the Stratford District is aged 65 or over. To determine the types of homes required, information is needed on how the population is expected to change between now and 2050. This has a bearing on the size of homes required, appropriate space standards, and the availability of accessible properties for the elderly and disabled. To date, developers are failing to provide affordable housing for those on medium to low incomes, and this needs to be rectified in any new developments.

Other

ID sylw: 107573

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

It is very regrettable that nothing is said in the Consultation Documents about the need to reduce the volume of traffic crossing the 15th century Clopton Bridge, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The congestion this causes on access roads contributes significantly to poor air quality in Stratford-upon-Avon’s surrounding residential areas and the town centre.
It is welcome that Stratford District Council is now looking at possible alternative routes for a bypass south-west of the town, which would divert some traffic away from the Bridge.
The Society agrees that Town Centres play a major role in serving both local communities and visitors. It is important to protect and enhance them, with development permitted only where it is on an appropriate scale and reflects the character of the centre. This should not rule out the conversion of existing properties to provide more residential accommodation in town, where appropriate. Tourism is a major part of the economy of South Warwickshire, and steps should be taken to foster this, including by reducing traffic congestion in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

Other

ID sylw: 107574

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

Given the legal duty placed on local authorities to tackle climate change, opportunities need to be sought to reduce carbon emissions through generation of renewable energy, and provision of facilities for electric vehicles. In designing new buildings – whether domestic or non-domestic - there are opportunities to find ways of incorporating ultra-low energy systems and increase the use of grey water. All new buildings must be designed and built to be Net Zero Carbon in operation. In considering Climate Resilient Design, development should be directed away from areas subject to flooding (current and potential) and run-off of water from farmland.

Yes

ID sylw: 107575

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

The Society strongly agrees that the creation of high-quality, well-designed and sustainable buildings, using materials appropriate to their surroundings, is fundamental. It is Stratford-upon-Avon’s many listed buildings which define the character of the town. Its streets and public spaces, including alongside the River Avon and Stratford-on-Avon Canal, need to be kept safe and attractive to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike. Support should be given to the Arts and Culture, which play an important role in drawing visitors into the town and make a significant contribution to its economy. The proposed World Shakespeare Centre, as part of the Gateway Project, would be a very welcome addition to the town’s attractions.

Yes

ID sylw: 107576

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

The Society gives its whole-hearted support to the approach outlined in Draft Policy Direction (DPD) -27 Protecting and Enhancing Heritage Assets/the Historic Environment. The DPD spells out in detail what is required. The Stratford Society’s aim is to contribute to this, wherever possible.

Other

ID sylw: 107577

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

Any development should seek to minimise pollution which, with its adverse effects on air, land and water, negatively affects the physical and mental health of the population. Action needs to be taken at every stage, including during construction, to maintain air quality, and not (as DPD -29 implies) mitigated subsequently. No detail is given about monitoring or about the steps to be taken to counter potential adverse effects, both of which are important.

Other

ID sylw: 107578

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

The Society believes that developers should be required to produce a Health Impact Assessment for all major development proposals, regardless of scale, to safeguard the wellbeing of those who live or work in the area. Only where this meets the necessary standards should a planning application be considered.
It is regrettable that, at this time of climate change, there is little mention of the impact of new developments on ecosystems, wildlife and biodiversity. This is a matter of increasing concern which needs to be addressed.

Yes

ID sylw: 107579

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Stratford Society

The Society agrees that sustainable transport options are crucial to reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and supporting public health. Key to a low carbon future are well-connected, accessible systems which encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking. To date, too little provision has been made for safe cycling lanes and pedestrian paths that would, by reducing car dependency, lower carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the poor rail service between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa and beyond only encourages residents to use their cars. This points to the need for closer co-operation with Chiltern Railways to get the service on this line improved. To further expand rail options, no obstacle should be put in the way of the possible re-opening of the line between Stratford-upon-Avon and Honeybourne, linking with GWR services.