Preferred Options 2025

10. A Well-Connected South Warwickshire

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

However, there are significant issues associated with transport that this Plan needs to address. These include safety, air quality, impact on climate change, congestion and the impact that transport infrastructure can have on the historic environment and community cohesion. These impacts need to be managed carefully through this Plan so that the provision of an efficient and effective transport network is not achieved at the expense of health, the environment and community well-being.

The transport objectives and policies of this Plan need to be consistent with the Local Transport Plan. This chapter outlines our ambitions to enhance accessibility, promote sustainable modes of transport, and reduce reliance of private vehicles.

10.1 Sustainable Transport Accessibility

The provision of sustainable transport options is crucial to reducing congestion, improving air quality, and supporting public health within local communities. A well-connected, accessible transport network encourages the use of public transport, cycling, and walking, reducing reliance on private vehicles and promoting a low-carbon future. This policy seeks to ensure that development proposals within the South Warwickshire area are aligned with sustainable transport principles, supporting a modal shift toward active and public transport systems.

What was said in the I&O

The Issues and Options consultation document addresses the challenge of sustainable transport accessibility across South Warwickshire, particularly in its rural areas, which currently lack adequate public transport options and are heavily dependent on private cars. The general view is that sustainable transport needs significant improvement to provide equal access, regardless of whether residents live in urban or rural areas of the districts.

The Issues and Options consultation sought input on whether the South Warwickshire Local Plan should include a hierarchical approach to prioritising transport infrastructure development. A large majority of respondents supported option T2a, favouring such a policy. They believe that this approach would not only explore the use of existing green and blue infrastructure to promote active travel but also help tackle accessibility issues in rural areas and support local rural businesses. Additionally, respondents emphasised the importance of incorporating emerging technologies and diverse modes of transport, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, into the hierarchical approach to encourage sustainable commuting options.

Justification

This policy supports the overarching goals of reducing carbon emissions, improving local air quality, and promoting healthy lifestyles through active travel. Prioritising sustainable transport will help the South Warwickshire area contribute to national and regional climate targets, reduce traffic congestion, and improve public health by encouraging physical activity. Providing adequate infrastructure, such as cycle lanes, public transport stops, and EV charging points, will ensure that developments are future-proofed and adaptable to changes in transport behaviour. Additionally, by making transport networks more inclusive and accessible to all users, the policy supports equity in mobility across different community group, thereby enhancing social inclusion.

The NPPF provides clear support for policies around Sustainable Transport Accessibility. It sets out principles regarding sustainable transport, contributing to the creation of accessible, healthy and resilient communities. Specifically, paragraph 110 of the NPPF emphasises the need to promote sustainable transport options to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and contribute to overall sustainability and well-being.

Additionally, the inclusion of travel plans and transport assessments to mitigate the transport impacts of new development is promoted in the NPPF (paragraph 118). By requiring major developments to provide travel plans and sustainable transport assessments, this policy ensures that the impact of new growth on the transport network is managed.

By embedding the principles set out in the NPPF, the policy direction on sustainable transport ensures that future development will support the shift to a low-carbon transport system.

10.2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Strategy

The transition to electric vehicles is critical to achieving national and local goals for reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and supporting sustainable transportation.

WDC & SDC have a responsibility to install EV infrastructure in their regions to work towards meeting the demand that is coming because of the switch to EV. The responsibility for WDC & SDC is for Council owned land, normally non-highway, i.e. off-street public car parks. The anticipated EVI need for the region is significantly greater than the current provision, which will be partly met by Warwickshire County Council with on-street charging and partially by the private sector, but there is still a place for WDC & SDC in this as the landowner of sites such as car parks and social housing. In comparison, the modelled need in car parks in the region is significantly more towards high-powered charging due to the use cases of car parks, but this may change because of the increase in EVs. The modelled need also doesn't account for geographic proximity, so it is recommended to account for this to create lower and higher-powered hubs where car parks are close together.

What was said in the I&O

The Issues and Options consultation did not include a specific question on electric vehicle charging infrastructure. However, respondents expressed general support for promoting electric vehicles in South Warwickshire. Respondents suggested that policies should be developed to support the enhancement of pedestrian and cycle connectivity, as well as the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Justification

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) emphasises the importance of integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure into new developments. It aligns with the Government's broader goals for sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions. Specifically, it requires local planning authorities to encourage the provision of EV charging points in new housing and commercial developments, in line with the push for greener transportation.

Warwick District Council's Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document sets out in paragraphs 2.27 to 2.32, the requirements for electric charging facilities on residential developments. It details the number of EV charge-points per property and design standards for Electric Vehicles.

Stratford-upon-Avon District Council's Part R – Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document requires different mitigation measures for different types of development and for minor developments it requires the installation of EV Charging Points for both residential and commercial/retail developments.

10.3 Road Travel, Employment, and Freight

This Policy Direction is intended to support and encourage more sustainable employment and freight related road travel, to ensure that we meet out climate change obligations.

Policy Direction 12 (Locations for Employment Growth) sets out that new employment development should be directed to existing settlements in the first instance. This will help to ensure that employment development is located at the most sustainable locations, reducing the amount of vehicle journeys and carbon emissions created through commuters, freight or customers to employment sites. However, there are also other ways in which the carbon impact of employment related road travel can be reduced, for example, through the use of electric vehicles and 'last mile' freight journeys.

What was said in the I&O

The Issues and Options consultation said that "Active travel and public transport should be given high importance and be prioritised in terms of available space on the road network and influencing new development, however there is still an acknowledgement that there will be a need for people to travel by private car for several reasons. Walking and cycling are good means of sustainable transport but predominantly for shorter journeys. Where journeys are likely to be longer (10km and above) and for purposes such as employment, weekly food shopping, childcare commitments, alternative modes of transport may be more appropriate including travel by car. It is important to acknowledge this but to encourage a shift away from fossil fuel powered cars.

Road travel will continue to be important for employment use and transport facilities that will support efficient freight journeys through and within Warwickshire will need to be provided. There is currently a large amount of work being undertaken to upgrade the A46 in order to bring it in line with expressway standards and improve traffic flows.

There are several ways in which travel by private car and freight can be more sustainable. Electric vehicles or the use of low and zero emissions vehicles should be encouraged which includes making the necessary infrastructure to support this easy and readily accessible."

There was therefore an overall preference among respondents to introduce a policy encouraging more sustainable road-based transport for businesses.

Justification

NPPF Section 9 "Promoting Sustainable Transport" states at paragraph 109 that transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of plan-making and development proposals, so that:

1. the potential impacts of development on transport networks can be addressed;
2. opportunities from existing or proposed transport infrastructure, and changing transport technology and usage, are realised – for example in relation to the scale, location or density of development that can be accommodated;
3. opportunities to promote walking, cycling and public transport use are identified and pursued; and
4. the environmental impacts of traffic and transport infrastructure can be identified, assessed and taken into account – including appropriate opportunities for avoiding and mitigating any adverse effects, and for net environmental gains.

Paragraph 110 states that significant development should be focused on locations which are or can be made sustainable, through limiting the need to travel and offering a genuine choice of transport modes. This can help to reduce congestion and emissions, and improve air quality and public health. However, 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.

Paragraph 118 says that all developments that will generate significant amounts of movement should be required to provide a travel plan, and the application should be supported by a transport statement or transport assessment so that the likely impacts of the proposal can be assessed.

The NPPG clarifies this by stating "Local planning authorities must make a judgement as to whether a proposed development would generate significant amounts of movement on a case-by-case basis (i.e. significance may be a lower threshold where road capacity is already stretched or a higher threshold for a development which proposes no car parking in an area of high public transport accessibility)."

10.4 Vale of Evesham Control Zone

The Vale of Evesham Control Zone is another designation specific to Stratford-upon-Avon District. The designation and accompanying policy seek to control the number of additional HGV movements within the area resulting from business developments. The policy thereby seeks to reduce the impact of HGV vehicles on local communities.

What was said in the I&O

The issues and options consultation asked whether we should remove the policy if our neighbouring authorities also sought to drop the policy from their local plans, as the designation and policy would work ineffectively in isolation. 55% of respondents felt that we needed to retain the Vale of Evesham control zone to limit HGV movements within the area.

Wychavon, as part of the South Worcestershire Local Plan Review, and Cotswold within their Local Plan review, are both proposing to delete the policy and the Vale of Evesham control zone designation. Should neighbouring authorities delete their policies, consideration needs to be given to how such a policy can be effective in isolation.

Justification

Given the concerns of the local highways authority (Warwickshire County Council), it is considered prudent to retain the policy until an alternative approach is identified. It is worth acknowledging that whilst neighbouring councils are proposing to remove the Vale of Evesham Control Zone Policy, this has not passed examination, and the local plans proposing the removal have not yet been formally adopted. Until such a time that neighbouring authorities have officially removed the designation, it is considered appropriate to retain it within the South Warwickshire Local Plan.

10.5 Smart Cities

The smart city concept describes the use of data and technology to improve the performance of infrastructure networks and create more liveable urban areas. However, the benefits could go much further. Technological innovation can support local authorities as they work collaboratively to develop integrated plans which cover a wide range of people, places and issues.

What was said in the I&O

The Issues and Options consultation asked respondents to provide suggestions for how smart cities technologies could be supported in South Warwickshire. There was a general support for smart technologies to be used wherever applicable and practical.

Justification

Paragraph 20 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) refers to the need for strategic policies that support the provision of infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, waste management, water supply, energy and other utilities. Smart city technologies improve the management and efficiency of such infrastructure, making it more adaptable and responsive to real time demands.

Paragraph 119 of the NPPF advocates for advanced, reliable digital infrastructure, particularly high-quality telecommunications, to support local communities. This aligns with smart city ambitions to create robust digital networks (e.g.5G) that facilitate real-time data collection and smart services, such as traffic management systems.

Smart city strategies can improve connectivity, reduce traffic, and encourage the use of cleaner transport options. NPPF paragraph 105 stresses the importance of promoting sustainable transport systems that reduce congestion, lower emissions, and support active travel. Smart mobility solutions, including real-time public transport information and electric vehicle infrastructure are crucial tools for achieving these goals.

While the NPPF does not directly refer to 'smart cities', many of its core principles support the integration of smart city initiatives into local planning. From promoting sustainable development and modern infrastructure to enhancing public safety and boosting economic growth, smart city policies align with the overarching objectives of the NPPF. Integrating smart city approaches will enable local areas to meet the NPPF's sustainability goals, improve urban living standards, and future-proof communities for technological advancements.