Publication (Regulation 19)

Policy Justification

Stratford-upon-Avon Gateway

2.7.4 The majority of the Gateway site was safeguarded within Policy TC5 of the made Stratford-upon-Avon Neighbourhood Plan (2018) principally for hotel, educational, residential, retail and office uses. An expanded area for this site was also proposed for allocation within the Stratford-on-Avon Site Allocations Plan (SAP) (2022).

2.7.5 The Concept Masterplan sets out the key development parameters for the development and infrastructure. The Concept Masterplan has been informed by consultation from key stakeholders including, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon Strategic Partnership, Town Transport Group, The Town Council, The Royal Shakespeare Company with advice sought from Historic England and Warwickshire County Council (WCC) highways and prepared in alignment with the five overarching principles underpinning this plan.

2.7.6 The site has been identified to create a new mixed-use destination, including the World Shakespeare Centre (WSC), comprising well-designed and sustainable buildings and associated public realm whilst being firmly based in retention and respect to preservation of the heritage townscape. The redevelopment provides an opportunity to prioritise and unlock pedestrian movement and enhance cycling infrastructure in line with the Canal Quarter regeneration and would revitalise the Birmingham Road identified as a main artery into Stratford town centre to create a greater “gateway” quality.

Rother Street / Grove Road

2.7.7 The area to the west of Rother Street, (previously known as the Rother Quarter), is on the edge of the town centre and provides scope for a wide range of uses that would be suitable for this key location and enhance the role of the town and was proposed within the SAP (2022).

2.7.8 This policy would retain any existing uses deemed appropriate whilst supporting opportunities for sustainable redevelopment in the area. The policy provides an opportunity to improve the environmental quality of Greenhill Street as an important route between the railway station and the town centre which has suffered from visual decline in recent years. Contextually the policy would provide general support for the range of appropriate uses identified within the policy text.

Studley

2.7.9 The centre of Studley is divided into two ‘retail high street’ areas. The first lines Alcester Road and dissecting the village. The second area (the historic High Street) runs northeast to southwest and joins Alcester Road at a traffic roundabout. This area contains a variety of retail outlets and services with several outdated and now redundant community buildings lying to the south. These include the Youth Centre owned by Warwickshire County Council and the Health Centre acquired by the District Council.

2.7.10 In addition, Studley supports a wide range of small businesses, with a number in the Birmingham Road / Studley Point area. However, it does not have ‘easy-in, easy-out’ facilities for new start-up businesses and entrepreneurs as found in Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester. As a result, business start-ups tend to have to move into Redditch to access affordable and well-supported business incubation workspace.

2.7.11 Previous attempts at regeneration included the former youth club site within the Site Allocations Plan and the Council submission of a bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund in 2019. Unfortunately, this bid was not successful with Site Allocations Plan Revised Preferred Options Consultation (June 2022) suggesting that this was due to its lack of scale and ambition.

2.7.12 In reflection and the need to address some of the bigger challenges facing Studley, it is proposed to broaden the scope within this policy to stimulate wider regeneration in order to help facilitate a more comprehensive scheme; in essence to create a new civic centre for Studley.

2.7.13 The policy identifies a range of uses would be appropriate including an Enterprise Centre providing specialist workspace for local entrepreneurs working or starting in the digital and creative sector.

2.7.14 The policy covers a variety of land uses both in public and private ownership, including a number of successful businesses and organisations (including shops, offices, voluntary groups, healthcare, a play area and car park). Of critical importance is the need to ensure that all existing uses and owners/occupiers of the site are retained but in improved premises, benefitting both the business and the wider village.

2.7.15 Delivery of this proposal will be dependent upon the willingness of landowners and the Council will work with existing businesses and groups as well as the Parish Council, with the main desire to regenerate the area with no intention to force the existing successful and viable businesses out of their existing premises.

2.7.16 The opportunity for the site is to offer better-quality built environment and a more efficient use of land which may include making better use of a number of single storey buildings. From a design perspective there are a number of key considerations including successfully integrating the scheme with the adjacent village hall and library complex (and the treatment of the space in between) and the need to formalise the pedestrian and cycle routes through the site to improve legibility connecting High Street/Station Road, Pool Road and Foredraught/Needle Close. The policy also provides the opportunity to reconsider access to the car park in order to reduce vehicular traffic on Pool Road in particular.

Chandos Street, Royal Leamington Spa

2.7.17 Royal Leamington Spa is acknowledged as Warwick District’s most important town centre in the retail hierarchy. It has by far the largest number of retail, leisure and service outlets of any of the district’s town centres. To further support its future success in this role, and to provide a location for any potential future investment the Council will continue to support the Chandos Street area as the focus for the location of any future development proposals for main town centre uses that may be forthcoming over the plan period. This may be in the form of a mixed-use development and consideration will be given to combining main town centre uses.

Warwick Café Quarter

2.7.18 The opportunity to build upon the creation of a café quarter to form a specific location for restaurants cafes and drinking establishments within Warwick town centre will provide visitors with an attraction to complement shopping and leisure related journeys and give the town centre an opportunity to respond positively to the potential for tourism and visitor- related income. This approach reflects Government advice to ensure that town centres provide a diverse range of attractions that complement their retail offer, and also to promote leisure uses and the evening economy.

2.7.19 This will further enhance the creation of stronger physical links between Warwick Town Centre and the castle. It is intended to achieve this by creating more attractions within the town centre and making visitors aware of them. This opportunity capitalises on the pedestrianisation of and enhancements to the marketplace that have taken place.

St Mary’s Land

2.7.20 Warwick Racecourse and St Mary’s Lands provide an important recreation, leisure and entertainment facility. Given the role of the Racecourse and St Mary’s Lands in the local economy and community, the ongoing vitality and viability of this facility is supported. However, the Racecourse and St Mary’s Lands lie within the Warwick Conservation Area, the main stand is a Grade II listed building, and the site includes an area rich in biodiversity, designated as a potential Local Wildlife Site. This area is important in the setting of Warwick and provides open spaces close to the town centre that is well used and appreciated by those who live and work in the town.

2.7.21 In this context, any development will need to be sensitive to the heritage assets, the setting of the town, the ongoing enjoyment of the area for recreational purposes and the need to maintain local habitats and biodiversity.

2.7.22 Warwick District Council approved a master plan for the St Mary’s Land area in 2017. The master plan represents a balanced response to the opportunities and threats posed at St Mary’s Land. It recognises there may be a need to invest in developments that support the wider economy, such as a hotel and expansion of the caravan park, but where any such need exists, it cannot be at the detriment to the greenspace. The objectives of the master plan are: -

• To manage, enhance and promote the landscape character of St. Mary's Lands, including increasing its biodiversity
• To manage, enhance and promote St. Mary's Lands as a green space distinctly different to the more formal parks and open spaces in Warwick, ensuring access is maintained and enhanced to a large area of more natural open space within walking distance of the town centre
• To promote St. Mary's Lands as a visitor destination, where any such increase in visitor numbers are compatible with preserving and protecting the site's landscape quality, biodiversity and sense of place
• To support the many organisations that contribute to the broader community needs or local economy, where such support does not lead to a loss of landscape quality, biodiversity or sense of place

2.7.23 It is recognised that the masterplan should be kept under review. Should other development proposals for the St Mary’s Lands not included in the masterplan be promoted, these will be considered in light of the objectives of the master plan as set out above, the scale and nature of the development proposed and other policies within this Local Plan.

Myton Community Stadium

2.7.24 Following on from the adoption of the Warwick District Local Plan in 2017, which included an allocation for a community stadium on land north of Harbury Lane, Warwick District Council has been developing plans for a range of interrelated projects in the Myton Green area, alongside Fusiliers Way. The strategic aims of this group of projects are to: -

• create a new community heart for a new sustainable community (20-minute neighbourhood)
• Deliver on a proposal in the Local Plan to construct a Community Stadium in this area and to relocate the current athletics track provision and to
• Provide the final major schemes of Warwick District Council’s Leisure Development Programme

2.7.25 An updated Masterplan was approved by Warwick District Council in July 2024. This includes provision for: -

• a new primary school;
• a new alternative provision school;
• an extension to Evergreen Special Educational Needs school;
• improvements to the school sports provision at Myton School;
• changes to the sports provision at Warwick School;
• a new neighbourhood centre to include a nursery and an opportunity for a community church/space;
• other commercial/employment generating activities;
• a significant new footpath/cycleway to connect Myton Road and Fusiliers Way;
• an additional footpath/cycling access into the Technology Park; and for
• the construction of a new athletics facility to replace the current facility at Edmondscote.

2.7.26 The extent of the Masterplan area is shown on the policies map. The Masterplan proposal in turn would enable the relocation of Leamington FC to the new Stadium and open the opportunity to secure a Gypsy and Traveller site for the district by using their existing site.

Harbury Lane Traveller Hub

2.7.27 The Harbury Lane site at Leamington Spa has been the subject of a feasibility study that indicates that it could deliver a mix of uses that includes permanent residential pitches as well as a transit site to serve South Warwickshire. It is proposed that the site will also provide a base for a hub facility to provide ongoing support to the traveller community across South Warwickshire. It should be noted that the Harbury Lane site will not become available for redevelopment until Leamington Football Club has been relocated. It is envisaged that this would be 2029/30 at the earliest.

2.8 Other Growth Locations

2.8.1 As set out in Policy DS.2, the SWLP will also support proposals on unallocated sites in accordance with Policy DS.8 and subject to other policies in the SWLP and any relevant Supplementary Plan and Made Neighbourhood Plan.

Policy Justification

2.8.2 Whilst the South Warwickshire Local Plan allocates the majority of the expected needs of South Warwickshire within the plan period to 2050, it does rely on a small amount of windfall development. Windfalls refers to development that occurs on sites that have not specifically been identified within the SWLP. Given this, a clear strategy for supporting such windfalls needs to be established. Policy DS.8 does this. No plan can anticipate every development proposal, especially over a 25year plan period, and DS.8 also provides flexibility to deal with such schemes. It also allows for communities to continue to evolve and retain their vitality within the framework set by the South Warwickshire Local Plan. This pragmatic approach is consistent with the NPPF.

2.9 Approach to Development in the Countryside

2.9.1 Reflecting its largely rural nature, many of the economic generators in South Warwickshire are located outside of the main urban areas. Whilst the SWLP seeks to encourage new proposals in the most sustainable locations, it must acknowledge the reality of the local economy. As such, the SWLP therefore seeks to support existing businesses and communities to continue to grow and thrive. This approach is consistent with the South Warwickshire Economic Strategy. The SWLP also seeks to support a number of Major Investment Sites (MIS); these are existing large employment sites of regional and national significance and importance that are crucial to not only safeguard but also to support to continue to grow.

Policy Justification

2.9.2 South Warwickshire has a diverse economy with many thriving employment and research clusters covering a variety of sectors which include national and international businesses. When considered spatially, these clusters cover a core area across the centre of South Warwickshire connected by the A46 and the central section of the M40. The South Warwickshire Economic Strategy identifies a Core Opportunity Area as a way of attracting inward investment into South Warwickshire, encouraging businesses to co-locate in this area and take advantage of economies of scale

2.9.3 The Core Opportunity Area will build on existing employment hubs, harness the potential offered by co-locating businesses and research facilities and support the strategy for attracting significant inward investment to the area. This will be against the backdrop of national planning policies, most notably those relating to the Green Belt, and subject to compliance with other relevant policies in the SWLP. The Council’s will continue to seek to promote improvements to the transport network and ensure that any schemes coming forward within the Core Opportunity Area provide adequate improvements to transport, particularly active travel initiatives.

Policy Justification

2.9.4 National Planning Policy focusses on achieving sustainable development and is underpinned by an economic objective which requires planning policies and decisions to create conditions where businesses can invest, expand and adapt, offering significant weight to support economic growth and productivity. Policies are also directed to set out a clear economic vision using criteria and identification of strategic sites over the plan period.

2.9.5 The intention of this policy is to ensure that a sufficient amount and range of employment land is both retained through appropriate existing employment sites and provides opportunity for continual expansion of the existing major employers within South Warwickshire to meet the required need across the plan period. The major investment sites (MIS) identified within this policy and their delivery would contribute to other Economic Policies within this plan and therefore the submission of planning applications on the MIS identified should conform with the package of economic policies within the SWLP.

2.9.10 The MIS identified within the policy will also be protected for employment use. The policy outlines the general support for the expansion of identified MIS and where appropriate opportunities for growth which may be located on adjacent and functionally appropriate surrounding land.

2.9.11 Other policies within this Plan may also relate to the MIS and should be referred to separately in consideration of any proposals affecting the MIS. These include Policy DS.5Locations of Local Employment as well as specific Site Proposal policies, where relevant.

Proposal MIS.A - Gaydon (Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin Lagonda)

2.9.12 This automotive hub is home to the iconic British brands Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Aston Martin Lagonda. Through the SWLP, there is an opportunity to capitalise on the existing economic base and grow this area with further automotive-related employment land. This part of South Warwickshire has the potential to intensify use of the site, and exploit the interrelationships with automotive and advanced engineering, especially in respect of alternative fuel technology.

2.9.13 Additional land is allocated at this location specifically for the expansion of JLR and Aston Martin, to support the growth of these regionally and nationally important employers. This involves, for Jaguar Land Rover, the allocation of 51ha of strategic employment land for general industrial and logistics uses, and 73.5ha specifically for testing tracks. 7.5ha is allocated for the expansion of Aston Martin Lagonda for industrial and logistics uses.

Proposal MIS.B - Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre

2.9.14 The Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre is the UK's only looped test track and with its connection to the national rail network, provides a unique opportunity to act as a catalyst for growth in the rail technology sector.

Proposal MIS.C - South of Coventry Area including Coventry Airport

2.9.15 The area of South Warwickshire to the south of Coventry has started to see considerable change. The sub-regional employment site to the south of Jaguar Land Rover's Head Quarters at Whitley is allocated for E(g), B2 and B8 class uses and comprises SEGRO Park and Whitley South. Outline planning permission has been granted for development and the parcels form part of the wider West Midlands Investment Zone.

2.9.16 The former Coventry Airport is also located adjacent to the sub-regional employment site and also forms part of the West Midlands Investment Zone. This site has already been accounted for within the strategic site supply for Area 7 of the West Midlands Strategic Employment Sites Study under its extant planning consent for the development of a Gigafactory – a large-scale battery manufacturing facility (Planning ref: W/21/1370). Whilst delivery of a gigafactory remains the primary objective for the site, it is considered appropriate to broaden the scope of potential uses on site to include other advanced manufacturing activities to afford sufficient flexibility. Full details of this site allocation are included within the separate site Proposal COV.2.

2.9.17 Significant transport infrastructure improvements have been implemented, including a new bridge over the A45 and transport improvements to connect JLR/Whitley Business Park to the new sub-regional employment site comprising Whitley South and Coventry Gateway.

2.9.18 Further transport investment is being considered in the area. A new bridge deck and signalised gyratory system will be delivered at the Stoneleigh Junction of the A46. The potential for a new railway station near Kenilworth is being explored as part of a wider multimodal transport interchange comprising bus-based park and ride and very light rail provision. The interchange would be served by a new multimodal transport corridor connecting the improved A46 Stoneleigh Junction to Warwick University and Westwood Heath Road, thereby addressing highway capacity, public transport and active travel deficiencies within the area and improving to access to employment opportunities.

Proposal MIS.D - Stoneleigh Park

2.9.19 Stoneleigh Park is located to the east of Kenilworth and south of the village of Stoneleigh, home to the headquarters of the Royal Agricultural Society for England and a number of other agricultural and countryside organisations. The park hosts a wide range of shows and events and is an established part of the rural economy both locally and nationally.

2.9.20 The site will be significantly impacted by HS2 as it intersects Stoneleigh Park. This necessity for change to the site means that the Local Plan provides an opportunity to reassess the use and purpose of the site and the density of development. The expansion of the existing site is considered appropriate to provide further opportunities for employment in this location.

Proposal MIS.E - University of Warwick Main Campus Area

2.9.21 The University is a leading employer in South Warwickshire and plays an important role within the local economy as well as being of national and international importance. The campus has been developed following a Masterplan approved in 2009 that has now largely been implemented. A further planning application granted in 2019 enabled construction of two major projects.

2.9.22 The University has aspirations to continue to improve and develop its campus and therefore the Plan will need to ensure that the aspirations of the University can be met, whilst ensuring any negative impacts of growth are mitigated. The relevant authorities worked closely with the University to develop a Concept Masterplan for the site.

2.9.23 The Concept Masterplan provides a framework for guiding the level and broad location of growth on the main University of Warwick campus. Proposals outside of the Masterplan area will be viewed positively where they help contribute to the University delivering a world-class research and development focussed campus with the necessary supporting facilities.

Proposal MIS.F - University of Warwick, Wellesbourne Campus

2.9.24 The Local Plan seeks to support and develop the integral relationship between the university campus and nearby Wellesbourne Airfield site, with the campus growing as a centre for cross-fertilisation research and development in high-tech automotive, battery and biosciences. The proximity of an operational airfield would hold the potential that aviation technology could add to these scientific endeavours.

2.9.25 Development of the site should accord with the Concept Masterplan and Character Areas Plan. Proposals outside of the Masterplan area will be explored with the University and will be viewed positively where they help contribute to the University delivering a world-class research and development focussed campus with the necessary supporting facilities.

Proposal MIS.G – Wellesbourne Airfield

2.9.26 Wellesbourne Airfield is an important local aviation asset, and its retention as a functional airfield will be a critical consideration for any further development of the site.

2.9.27 However, it is considered that the airfield site has the potential to accommodate employment development, included in use class B2, B8 and E(g) uses. This would involve the relocation of the existing runway to allow for this employment development to the east of the site. Any such employment development would be subject to demonstrating that this would not threaten the viability of the remaining airfield or aviation function of the site.

Proposal MIS.H – JLR Fen End (former Honiley Airfield)

2.9.28 The former military airfield has been used for a variety of aeronautical and automotive uses since the 1950s and most recently for vehicle testing and research and design associated with the automotive industry. It is unique in allowing the co-location of research and development facilities together with a test track for off road testing.

2.9.29 National planning policy allows for limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites within the green belt (whether redundant or in continuing use) that would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the green belt.

2.9.30 However, the Council recognises that this site has a unique and important role in the local and subregional economy. It is considered that there may be very special circumstances to justify further development within the boundaries identified on the policies map, provided that proposed uses are relating to the automotive and motorsport industries and employment associated with these sectors.

Policy Justification

2.9.31 Rural businesses are recognised as a key part of South Warwickshire’s economy, and it is therefore vital that the continued function and expansion of rural businesses is appropriately supported by local planning policies. This includes supporting the diversification of existing agricultural businesses to ensure their viability and protect the national food supply chain. The South Warwickshire Employment Land Study (2026) identified that there are 91 'agri-tech' businesses within South Warwickshire supporting 1,610 jobs. The sub-sector is driven by rural businesses such as food production, farming, food processing, food logistics rather than high-technology companies.

2.9.32 The NPPF states that policies should create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt, and that planning policies and decisions should enable the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business in rural areas. The NPPF recognises that sites to meet local business and community needs in rural areas may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements, and in locations that are not well served by public transport. However, the use of previously developed land and well-located developments close to settlements should be encouraged.

Policy Justification

2.9.33 The SWLP seeks to ensure that all three aspects of sustainable development - environment, economy and society - are achieved in a balanced manner in the countryside and the villages that lie within it. The attractive environment, combined with relatively low crime and unemployment rates, make rural parts of Stratford-on-Avon District attractive places to live, work and visit. This exerts pressure for development in the countryside.

2.9.34 The importance of maintaining and enhancing the environmental quality of the countryside, whilst at the same time providing for the needs of rural communities and businesses, is a critical function of planning policy relating to the countryside. Rural services have declined significantly in recent years through the processes of centralisation and rationalisation. Public transport is poor or non-existent in a number of rural settlements and house prices remain high and out of reach of those in rural jobs. In many villages there remains a significant need for affordable housing. Given all of the above, the approach in the SWLP seeks to strike the right balance of ensuring the vitality of rural villages remains. This will be achieved by supporting developments that meet local needs, including through the production of neighbourhood development plans, whilst at the same time, not requiring or expecting development to be brought forward in such locations.

2.10 West Midlands Green Belt

2.10.1 The purpose of the Green Belt is to maintain the openness of land and prevent urban sprawl i.e. unplanned development. Allocated sites are by definition, planned, and therefore do not constitute urban sprawl. Green Belt is not a landscape designation and can contain both greenfield and brownfield sites. In accordance with the NPPF, grey-belt sites may be suitable for development. The extent of the West Midlands Green Belt within South Warwickshire is shown on the Policies Map.

Policy Justification

2.10.2 Parts of the West Midlands Green Belt extend into South Warwickshire. A Green Belt Review has been undertaken, which assesses:

• How different areas of the Green Belt perform against the 5 purposes of Green Belt set out in national policy;
• Whether different areas of the Green Belt could be considered to be grey belt;
• Whether evidence suggests that existing villages within the Green Belt should be excluded from the designated area;
• Whether there would be cumulative harm to the wider Green Belt if combinations of sites were excluded from the designated area.

2.10.3 Exceptional circumstances exist which justify making changes to Green Belt boundaries. These boundary changes are necessary in order to deliver a sustainable spatial growth strategy, locating housing and employment growth in the most appropriate locations. The pattern of existing larger settlements and public transport infrastructure in South Warwickshire means that many of the most sustainable locations fall within the Green Belt. The Green Belt releases align with and underpin the Development Strategy (see Section 2.5 above) and are critical to its success. The SWLP needs to address the wider sub-regional context which is to the north in Green Belt locations. The Development Strategy sets out a pattern of growth that fosters sustainable development, generally seeking to meet needs closer to areas where they derive. This explains the decision for each District to meet its own needs and for the scale of Green Belt release in Warwick District. Long Marston Airfield is perhaps an exception to this, but given the scale of the development requirements and the wider benefits that a new community in this location can bring – as well as the long-term potentially for strategic fit - LMA is consistent with the Development strategy.

2.10.4 The exceptional circumstances for removing land from the Green Belt in general, and for each specific change proposed, are set out in full in Topic Paper. The role of Grey Belt has been considered but it is right that this policy assessment has not been the driving factor in the creation of the Development Strategy. The Development Strategy must come first with assessments regarding Green Belt and Grey Belt informing which sites with that overall strategy could be released.

2.10.5 NPPF paragraph 145 allows for detailed amendments to Green Belt boundaries to be made through Neighbourhood Development Plans, where a need for such changes has been established through strategic policies. The need for Green Belt boundary changes is established in this Green Belt policy, in combination with Policies DS.2, DS.5, DS.6 and DS.7.

2.10.6 The SWLP does not duplicate the NPPF in respect of the Green Belt. Proposals will be assessed against the NPPF, with reference to the evidence in the South Warwickshire Local Plan Green Belt review in the first instance, or other suitable evidence where appropriate.

2.11 Safeguarding our Valued Landscapes

2.11.1 Great weight will be given to conserving and enhancing the landscape and scenic beauty of the Cotswolds National Landscape; this includes consideration of the impact of development outside the National Landscape, where such development has the potential to harm the natural beauty of the National Landscape (for example, as a result of impacts on views to and / or from the National Landscape). The boundary of the Cotswolds National Landscape, and the 3km buffer is shown on the Policies Map.

2.11.2 In addition to the Cotswolds National Landscape, South Warwickshire is home to a number of other important local landscapes, each distinctive, valued and special in its own right. These different landscapes are central to the character of South Warwickshire, not only the character of its countryside but also the character of its settlements.

Policy Justification

2.11.3 Nationally Designated Areas, including National Landscapes afford protection from development to ensure their scenic beauty is conserved and enhanced, and National Policy and adopted legislation, gives great weight to this. Historically called the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the designation is now referred to as the Cotswold National Landscape. This new name does not affect/alter the level of protection afforded to the area.

2.11.4 8.2% of the South Warwickshire area (including 10.6% of Stratford-on-Avon District) overlaps with the Cotswold National Landscape and 5.1% of the Cotswold National Landscape overlaps with South Warwickshire. The special qualities of the National Landscape, which make the area distinctive and are considered valuable, are outlined within the Cotswold National Landscape Management Plan (2025-2030) or any subsequent updates. It is these attributes which it is considered important to conserve, enhance and manage, to ensure the character of the area is not lost.

2.11.5 Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act outlines Local Authorities statutory duty to ‘seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty’ of areas of outstanding natural beauty. This goes beyond previous requirements to ‘have regard to’. This duty to ‘seek to further’ also applies in relation to development in the setting of the Cotswold National Landscape, as outlined in Defra’s guidance on the ‘seek to further’ duty. NPPF Paragraph 189 outlines that great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing the landscape and scenic beauty of National Landscapes and outlines that development within the setting of National Landscapes should be sensitivity located and designed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts. Case law has clarified that this great weight is a relevant consideration for development within the setting of National Landscapes as well.

2.11.6 The Cotswolds Conservation Board is responsible for producing a Management Plan and the latest version covers the period 2013-2018. This is a statutory plan and is recognised as being a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The Cotswold Conservation Board should be engaged as necessary and in line with their current consultation thresholds, to ensure that development proposals within the National Landscape, and its setting are considered by this important Stakeholder.

2.11.7 The implementation of a 3km buffer around the Cotswold National Landscape (as shown on the policies map) is designed to ensure the ‘setting’ of the National Landscape is given due consideration in determining development proposals.

Policy Justification

2.11.8 One of the NPPF’s overarching objectives is to protect and enhance our natural, built and historic environment. NPPF Paragraphs 20, 135 and 187 all express the importance of protecting the natural landscape and utilising Special Landscape Areas is one way to protect the distinctive character of an area.

2.11.9 Special Landscape Area designations are a response to an areas defined qualities and these have been identified as part of a study looking at landscape designations. The purpose of the Special Landscape Area designation is to protect, enhance and facilitate better management of the best of the area’s landscapes outside the Cotswolds National Landscape. The Special Landscape Areas are focussed on larger scale areas which are of generally higher landscape value.

2.11.10 Special Landscape Areas have to be, by definition, ‘special’ at a district level to merit inclusion. All landscapes are important, especially to their local residents, and Policy DS.15 (above) emphasises the importance of assessing thoroughly the impact of proposed development on all parts of South Warwickshire’s countryside. However, to define entirety of South Warwickshire as ‘special’ would potentially undermine the purpose of designating specific areas for their landscape quality. Designation must be driven by the key qualities of a particular area of landscape. On that basis, the Special Landscape Areas identified represent particularly high-quality countryside in the context of South Warwickshire, based on their landscape and scenic quality, as well as natural and historic features.

2.12 Enhancing the Character of South Warwickshire

2.12.1 Pressures for growth, incremental change, and the expansion of built form mean that the landscape is increasingly vulnerable to erosion of character and loss of distinctiveness. It is therefore essential that new development conserves and enhances landscape qualities, supports wider green infrastructure and nature recovery objectives and contributes to climate resilience and biodiversity. In assessing proposals, consideration will be given not only to the direct effect of development but also to the cumulative impact of multiple changes over time on the character, quality and experience of the wider landscape.

Policy Justification

2.12.1 The landscapes of South Warwickshire are a defining feature of its character, identity and environmental quality. Development must be informed by and respond positively to; the distinctive landscape character identified in the Landscape Character Assessment and related evidence. Development should be designed and located in a way that conserves and enhances landscape qualities, minimises adverse effects, and contributes to the restoration and strengthening of landscape features. In considering proposals, attention will be given not only to individual impacts but also to the cumulative effects of development on the character and quality of the wider landscape.

2.12.2 South Warwickshire’s landscapes are a defining environmental and cultural asset. National policy requires planning decisions to recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, protect valued landscapes, conserve heritage assets and their settings and reinforce local distinctiveness. The Landscape Character Assessment provides a detailed understanding of the districts varied landscapes including landform vegetation patterns settlement form historic field patterns key views and areas of high sensitivity.

2.12.3 Landscape led design is essential to ensuring that development responds to landform key views settlement patterns and landscape sensitivities from the outset rather than relying on retrofitted mitigation. This approach ensures that development reinforces local distinctiveness, respects settlement patterns, and avoids avoidable harm to landscape character and visual amenity.

2.12.4 Requiring proportionate Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) for major development, larger sites and proposals in sensitive locations ensures that landscape and visual effects are properly understood including cumulative seasonal perceptual and nighttime impacts. This evidence is essential to shaping siting scale layout and design to avoid or minimise harm and where possible deliver landscape enhancement or restoration. The policy applies proportionality with requirements scaled to the sensitivity of the location and the nature of the proposal.

2.12.5 This policy therefore provides a robust, evidence-based framework to protect, enhance and restore the districts landscape character, settlement patterns and visual amenity for the future generation, while enabling high quality, landscape led development that responds positively to its context.

Policy Justification

2.12.6 The NPPF does express the importance of preserving and enhancing landscapes and ensuring that developments are sympathetic to local character and history, including the landscape setting.

2.12.7 Strategic and local settlement gaps maintain the separate identity of settlements prevent coalescence and safeguard both visual and perceptual separation. These gaps perform an important function role in maintaining openness rural character and the experience of leaving one settlement before entering another. Considering cumulative effects is essential as incremental change can erode the function of these gaps over time.

2.12.8 Identifying Areas of Restraint recognises the importance of open land within and around urban areas and its value to local people. Whilst open countryside is protected from most forms of development, this may not always be sufficient to protect areas of sensitive land such as river valley corridors on the fringes of a settlement which can be under particular pressure for development and intensified use.

2.12.9 Areas of Restraint are not considered to be local landscape designations in that they do not relate primarily to the quality of the landscape itself. They apply to relatively small areas within or adjacent to settlements and their overriding purpose is to protect the inherently open nature of a particular area because of the valuable contribution it makes to the character and physical form of the settlement. This includes significant areas of open space within the urban area or a physical feature which is important in establishing its setting.

2.12.10 It is not intended to restrict all forms of development within Areas of Restraint. There is a wide range of activity supported by each of them, mainly of an agricultural or recreational nature. It is reasonable to allow these uses to be maintained and to take account of their needs. On that basis, various forms of development may be appropriate, including limited extension or alteration to existing buildings, buildings related to existing or proposed outdoor sport and recreation facilities, cemeteries, allotments, farm diversification schemes and small-scale additions to existing groups of farm buildings.

2.12.11 Designated Areas of Restraint are shown on the Policies Map.

Policy Justification

2.12.12 Good design is fundamental to good planning. It is a key aspect of sustainable development, and it creates places that positively impact people and the environment. Chapter 12 of the NPPF highlights the importance of good design and states that significant weight should be given to development which reflects local design policies and government guidance on design, and to outstanding or innovative designs which promote high levels of sustainability or help raise the standard of design more generally. Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunity for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions.

2.12.13 This policy applies to all forms of built development. It is necessarily broad, and certain elements of the policy are not relevant to every form of development. Similarly, the information required to demonstrate compliance with the policy will vary depending on the type and scale of development proposed. Early engagement with the Local Planning Authority Development Management Service is encouraged to understand what is required in each instance, and these requirements will be proportionate and reasonable. This policy is based upon principles set out in the National Design Guide.

Policy Justification

2.12.14 The South Warwickshire Local Plan will be supported by a range of Design Codes. Where such a code exists, the code must be used to guide the design of proposals. In some locations, more than one code may apply covering different geographies – for example an area-wide code and a site-specific code may both apply.

2.12.15 In the absence of a specific local design code, the National Design Guide applies: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/602cef1d8fa8f5038595091b/National_design_guide.pdf

2.12.16 The information required to demonstrate compliance with Design Codes will vary depending on the type and scale of development proposed. Early engagement with the Development Management team is encouraged to understand what is required in each instance, and these requirements will be proportionate and reasonable.

Policy Justification

2.12.17 The benefits of building at increased densities are well-established. Not only does it reduce overall land-take, but it also encourages walking, cycling and use of public transport as well as potentially providing for a greater number of smaller homes, which in turn, can be more affordable. The SWLP therefore seeks to promote building at increased densities across South Warwickshire, not just on the allocated sites, but also within the built-up areas of the Main Urban Areas, main Service Centres and Local Service Centres.

2.12.18A particular focus for higher densities is sites with easy access to public transport facilities.

2.12.19 The National Model Design Code identifies the area typology “Urban neighbourhoods” as typically having net housing densities of 60-120 dwellings per hectare (dph) and a mix of uses. As the bottom end of this range, 60dph is considered to be a reasonable minimum density for the best-located sites. Densities above 60dph will be encouraged where compatible with the site context. Distances will be measured as a straight line to the closest pedestrian entrance to the relevant station building. The 60dph minimum is a net figure and will apply only to those parts of the site which fall within 1km of the station.

2.12.20 Extensive national permitted development rights exist which allow various forms of densification development to take place, including additional storeys to existing buildings. These rights are extended to buildings built after 1st July 1948, and which do not fall into Conservation Areas. Areas most suited to densification development are those in highly sustainable locations, in close proximity to town centre and public transport facilities. Much of the land in South Warwickshire in these most sustainable locations falls within Conservation Areas, has a high proportion of pre-1948 buildings, and many Listed Buildings. As such, the permitted development rights do not apply. Nonetheless it is considered that there are opportunities for sensitively designed densification development in some of these locations.

2.12.21 However, densification requires careful design to accommodate additional homes in spaces not originally designed for them. The aspects Policy DS.18 which are likely to need especially sensitive handling for densification development are Context, Identity, Built Form, and Liveability.

2.12.22 It is acknowledged that in some situations the conversion of upper storeys, or the addition of upper storeys, might involve the unavoidable loss of a small amount of viable floorspace, for example if there is a need to create a new entrance or stairwell. In such cases, the loss should be kept to a minimum, and the benefits accruing from additional dwellings will be balanced against the loss of employment or retail floorspace. Further guidance on sensitive and appropriate densification development will be produced, either in the form of area-specific design codes, or through Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.

2.12.23 This Policy also supports the use of Advanced Methods of Construction (also known as Modern Methods of Construction) that utilise technology, including off-site construction, the provide buildings that are more operationally effective and efficient. Modular build can also have benefits in respect of the speed of construction and in reducing the cost of construction and therefore lowering the cost of housing and helping making housing more affordable.

2.13 Vale of Evesham

2.13.1 The Vale of Evesham covers a substantial geographical area within Stratford-on-Avon, Cotswold and Wychavon Districts and has a traditional association with agriculture, horticulture and market gardening. The Vale is also home to a number of former military bases and airfields where redevelopment for employment uses, especially storage and distribution, has occurred on a large scale. The various employment uses have led to significant growth in the numbers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) passing through the area. The resultant intrusion due to noise and vibration, loss of tranquillity and impact on the character of the area is a major concern to the communities affected.

Policy Justification

2.13.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes it clear that policies relating to transport have an important role to play in facilitating sustainable development but also in contributing to wider sustainability and health objectives.

2.13.3 The Vale of Evesham Control Zone policy has been carried over from the Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy, and its retention is supported by Warwickshire County Council. Currently the policy is included in the adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan (2016) and the Cotswold District Local Plan (2018). Cotswolds District Council are proposing to retain the designation within their Local Plan review. However, Wychavon District Council’s position on the designation within the South Worcestershire Local Plan is to remove it as a policy, as they instead consider that the issue can be dealt with through amendments to the validation requirements for planning applications to address HGV impacts in the Vale of Evesham through a Transport Assessment and Statement. Nevertheless, the Vale of Evesham remains relevant as a zone in which to control the volume of HGV movements.

2.13.4 The policy seeks to control the extent to which new development or the expansion of existing businesses generates additional HGV movements in the Vale area. In general, employment proposals which can demonstrate that only a very modest increase in HGV movement would be generated will be acceptable where they are consistent with other policies in the Plan.

2.13.5 The 5% threshold specified in the policy has proven to be appropriate in that it recognises that small-scale developments do not have a significant impact on lorry movements. Where a proposal would result in a significant increase in HGV movements, it will be supported only if it can be demonstrated that the reasons for the proposal, such as economic benefits to the local economy, outweigh the impact of the increase in traffic. Increases of more than 5% may be acceptable where proposals are small-scale and the impact of additional HGV traffic would be of little consequence.

---

^[2] This relates to the 125ha advanced manufacturing site at Coventry Airport (117ha of which lies in Warwick District). The site benefits from full planning permission (see WDC refs: W/21/1370 and W/25/0265) and is allocated through policy COV.2. It also includes 71.8ha of net employment land at Coventry Gateway South and 16.3ha at Whitley South, which benefit from Outline Planning Permission (see WDC refs: W/18/0522 and W/16/0239) 11.73ha. at Whitley South also benefits from full planning permission (see WDC ref: W/25/0816). These sites are separate to the need within WMSESS Road Opportunity Area 8 (A46/M40) for 225ha.

^[3] This relates to the 125ha advanced manufacturing site at Coventry Airport (117ha of which lies in Warwick District). The site benefits from full planning permission (see WDC refs: W/21/1370 and W/25/0265) and is allocated through policy COV.2. It also includes 71.8ha of strategic employment land at Coventry Gateway South and 16.3ha at Whitley South, which benefit from Outline Planning Permission (see WDC refs: W/18/0522 and W/16/0239) 11.73ha. at Whitley South also benefits from full planning permission (see WDC ref: W/25/0816). These sites are separate to the need within WMSESS Road Opportunity Area 8 (A46/M40) for 225ha.

^[4] Homes with permission but not yet completed as 1^st April 2025

^[5] Pitches with planning permission as at 1^st April 2026

^[6] Up to 4,000 dwellings are allocated at Kings Hill as per policy COV.3, with 2,500 dwellings already benefiting from planning permission. These consented dwellings are shown within the row “Dwellings with planning permission at 1^st April 2025”