Other

ID sylw: 107616

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Network Rail

Asiant : CBRE

Chapter 4 of the draft Plan provides the overarching spatial growth strategy for South
Warwickshire, setting out the scale and distribution of new development for the Plan Period
up to 2050.
Section 4.5 (pp 44-45) identifies that infrastructure is an integral component to support
development, focusing on enhancements to transport and infrastructure in line with
development proposals. These commitments are also repeated elsewhere in the Plan.
Network Rail supports the Plan’s recognition of the importance of focusing on enhancements
to transport and infrastructure. In this regard, and in line with Policy Direction 5 below,
developments should make provision for associated necessary rail infrastructure as an
important part of the future investment needed in improving the transport network.

This Policy Direction requires development proposals to be consistent with and contribute to
the implementation of transport strategies set out in relevant strategies (including the West
Midlands Rail Executive’s Rail Investment Strategy, The Warwickshire Local Transport Plan,
Warwickshire Rail Strategy, Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, Bus Improvement Plan,
and the Stratford-upon-Avon Transport Strategy).
It also confirms that all new development must provide appropriate on- and off-site
infrastructure. Development proposals of a strategic nature will need to contribute and help
deliver infrastructure that is contained within the Local Plan and IDP. In addition to strategic
infrastructure requirements, the Local Plan will identify development requirements that will
apply to each of the allocated sites. This will include requirements relating to e.g. ecology,
flood risk, heritage, active travel, highways, education, healthcare, renewables and utilities.
The written justification to the Policy Direction states that the Councils will work in partnership
with infrastructure providers and other delivery agencies in updating the Infrastructure
Delivery Plan (January 2025) to ensure an up to date evidence base regarding infrastructure
requirements and costs is maintained, for example in relation to upgrades to the rail network.
These commitments are supported by Network Rail.
In accordance with comments made in relation to the Plan Evidence base earlier in the
response, it is requested that any Infrastructure Policy / Policies pursuant to this Policy Direction (and the Infrastructure Development Plan) be expanded to make specific reference
to Network Rail’s West Midlands Strategic Advice (October 2022).

Other

ID sylw: 107617

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Network Rail

Asiant : CBRE

Network Rail supports the safeguarding of land for key transport projects. Due to the changing landscape of the rail network (with HS2 being a good example of an ongoing variable), the currently defined rail strategies, priorities and projects may be subject to change over the Plan period, including because of the future of HS2 and the rail needs of the West Midlands becoming clearer. In line with the commitment to keep the IDP up-to-date, it is requested that in addition to projects to be specified in any Future Infrastructure Safeguarding Policy, that the Policy also includes an additional provision to safeguard land required for other key transport priorities and projects not listed but that may arise during the course of the Plan period.

Other

ID sylw: 107618

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Network Rail

Asiant : CBRE

Network Rail does not object in principle to development, including housing and similar
allocations, close to the railway. It is important however such development does not restrict
existing or likely future operational rail requirements in line with the ‘agent of change’
principle established in paragraph 200 of the National Planning Policy Framework (“NPPF”).

It is therefore requested that any future new settlement and housing allocations, and general
policies concerned with the development of housing (e.g. pursuant to Policy Direction 25)
include a criterion that development should not impact on the railway or the ability to carry
out activities reasonably necessary for its ongoing operation. It is additionally recommended
that the Plan refers to the need for appropriate Asset Protection Agreements to be entered
into to protect railway infrastructure as part of future development.

Additionally, Network Rail requests that they be involved in discussions for any major new
settlement or similar proposals that could have implications in terms of requirements for new
and / or enhanced rail infrastructure.

Other

ID sylw: 107619

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Network Rail

Asiant : CBRE

Network Rail has prepared a national Biodiversity Action Plan (“BAP”) (December 2020) to
inform its management and improvement of the rail network. This BAP aims to strike a
balance between safety, performance, and environmental outcomes. The importance of the
railway for biodiversity, including in connecting habitats, is fully recognised, and supported by
Network Rail. There is however a need to ensure the best balance between biodiversity
objectives and the ability to maintain and improve the railway to keep it running safely and
smoothly. It is not always safe or practical to avoid all impacts on existing biodiversity
features, including trees and hedgerows, as part of this balance, and in situations where
certain on-site impacts are unavoidable, Network Rail will seek to create appropriate habitats,
including in the local area where possible, to mitigate for and offset any impacts, also having
regard to national legislative requirements.

It is requested that any future ecology, and tree and hedgerow policies acknowledge that
there may be exceptional circumstances where the need for a development would clearly
outweigh protection of trees, hedges and other nature conservation resources, notably where
unavoidably required to maintain and improve the railway to keep it running safely and
smoothly.