Q-D5: Should we continue with the approach to include a high-level strategic policy within the Part 1 plan and to utilise heritage assessments to inform the growth strategy, and delay detailed policies to Part 2?
Before any further development progresses we need massive investment in infrastructure and services which needs to be achieved to bring us up to the 21st century. We need to keep our rural status, the destruction of masses of land and some properties for HS2 is going to take years to address.
No answer given
Travelling through S.warwickshire from Coventry to the south of the county, the destruction of the countryside for the construction of HS2 is horrendous, it will take years to recover, so lets keep the rest of the county as unspoiled as possible. The Duty to co-operate for the shortfall from both Birmingham and Coventry also concerns me, although my answer to where we should develop should it be required, was as close to the area of the shortfall. On reflection I then wonder on whether such areas will then start to encroach the two cities towards K'worth,Leamington and Warwick-resulting in a huge suburban area (along with HS2 running between them!) Also concerned about the possible proposals of the high density of housing and employment in a small area of S.E warwickshire, I know these are only proposals, nothing has been set in concrete but the 2nd call for sites will be of concern.
No comment
No answer given
Heritage assets are a fundamental part of South Warwickshire's character and are the reason the area is renowned world wide. This area literally shaped the course of British history. We applaud the aspiration for a well designed and beautiful SW and would like to be consulted/involved in the ways that this is to be achieved.
There is more to South Warwickshire then Shakespeare and Warwick castle!!
No answer given
The heritage and natural environments needs to be protected and be independently separated from the plan; reason -by allowing the possibility of development to these environments will lead to unnecessary harm being imposed on them.
I believe that the use of open land - open space is important - space in-between communities. I know many people who live in Cubbington come out to Weston under Wetherley and Hunningham to walk in the countryside - if this land were developed for building then these paths and open walks would be lost. I believe that trees are a vital part of the living community. Planting trees in areas where people live is very important. having the options to walk and cycle for leisure/recreation and also as an option to access work and shops is important. creating cycle paths and footpaths is important to reduce the use of the motor vehicle. In Weston under Wetherley we would welcome a cycle path and footpath linking Weston to Cubbington. a well designed and beautiful south Warwickshire should have plenty of trees, open fields, foot paths, cycle paths.
D2: Answer D2b – Perhaps reconsider the concept of Village Design Statements? D5: Yes, but ALWAYS assess balance of public benefit for every proposal, as per NPPF
For Stratford upon Avon itself it should be accepted that it is a market town rather than a city and it should remain as such, so development with the large tower blocks which are built in places such as Manchester and London should be excluded.
Q-D2: Please select all options which are appropriate for South Warwickshire 6.1 L&Q Estates intend to engage with the local community and other stakeholders through public consultation events to help influence the design of the land east of Banbury Road, Southam development during the preparation of the outline planning application, following the adoption of the South Warwickshire Local Plan. A site-specific design code will be developed for the Site in accordance with NPPF Paragraph 129. 6.2 Therefore, L&Q Estates are supportive of Option D2c: Develop design guides/codes for strategic development sites/locations, particularly as the planned public engagement will ensure the design of spaces and buildings will be appropriate and will respond to local context and identified needs in terms of size, type and tenure. The Vision Document demonstrates that much work has already been undertaken into achieving a welldesigned neighbourhood. Q-D5: Should we continue with the approach to include a high-level strategic policy within the Part 1 plan and to utilise heritage assessments to inform the growth strategy, and delay detailed policies to Part 2? 6.3 L&Q Estates agree that a high-level strategic policy that seeks to protect and enhance existing heritage assets should be included within the Part 1 plan, in accordance with Paragraph 190 of the Framework. Detailed heritage policies should be deferred to Part 2. 6.4 The Site does not contain any Locally Listed or Statutorily Listed buildings, nor is it considered to be within the setting of a Conservation Area. The undulating topography of the area coupled with the obscuring effect of the intervening planted and built environment, has the effect of masking the historic core of the town and its listed buildings from the site. 6.5 Whilst the Grade I Listed Church of St. James is visible from parts of the Site, rising above modern development on the fringe of the settlement, it is not considered that the proposals would cause any heritage harm which would form a constraint to development on site.
Heritage and Settlement Sensitivity Assessment 84. The Heritage and Settlement Sensitivity Assessment details the range of historic environment assets in Kingswood and the ability for additional development to be brought forward in the settlement taking into account potential impacts. 85. The Assessment finds that land to east of Kingswood has potential for development, with the historic environment limited to two Listed Buildings (both Grade II) and Conservation Area. The Concept Masterplan and Vision Document for Land at Station Lane, Kingswood detail how suitable consideration has been afforded to these historic assets. 86. It is clear that further growth to the south of Kingswood is unlikely to be able to be accommodated without significantly impacting the local historic environment, including the Conservation Area and a series of Listed Buildings. Concerns are also raised with development potential of the west of Kingswood recognising the Listed Buildings (including Grade I Listed Packwood House) and Registered Park and Garden. 87. Land to the north of Kingswood performs well in historic environment terms, however development to the north of Rising Lane would not be proximal to any of Kingswood’s local services and facilities and would extend the built form of the settlement contrary to the existing pattern of the settlement. This is also likely to be challenging for a Green Belt release perspective, with no strong identifiable boundaries. As such, whilst development of land north of Kingswood may be most preferable from a historic environment perspective, other factors suggest this location is not suitable for further growth of the settlement. Deliverability 88. Land at Station Lane, Kingswood is available in the short-term, supported by landowners who are committed to bringing forward the site as soon as possible and promoted by MacMic Group who have the necessary experience and expertise to successfully guide a development proposal through to implementation. 89. MacMic Group are acutely aware of the need for landowners, promoters and developers to support the SWLP, and to that end would prepare a planning application to be submitted at an appropriate time as the SWLP progress. Subject to good progress being made on the SWLP, with a view to the Examination taking place in Summer 2025, and subject to planning permission being granted on the Site in a timely manner, delivery could commence as early as 2027. 90. The supporting Concept Masterplan indicates that the Site could sensitively accommodate around 125 dwellings, including affordable dwellings to meet local needs, along with significant new green infrastructure including sustainable drainage systems. It is expected that the Site could be developed at 50 dwellings per annum, resulting in a development period of around 2.5 years.
Yes, the heritage assessment is very important. I am not certain the Heritage assessment to date for Henley is sufficient to show that large scale development in the area would be highly detrimental to historic heritage and environmental heritage and feel of the Henley area. It is important that Local communities are able to work with the SWLP to meet their local needs and for the SWLP to accept that local residents will often understand their local area more comprehensively than the SWLP or developers, to that end NDPs should be respected.
Q-D2: Option D2d: None of these Design codes should not be unduly restrictive. Detailed design of a site should take into account the relevant technical considerations that cannot be fully investigated at the plan making stage. Q-D3: Option D3a: Include a policy which underlines the relevance and importance of density, but which does not identify an appropriate minimum density or range of densities across South Warwickshire. Option D3a is appropriate as this would enable a more locally tailored approach to density, which seeks to make the most efficient use of land, taking into account the specific context each site. This approach could also be adapted to align with the general requirement set out within the NPPF7 for Local Plans to include the use of minimum density standards for city and town centres and other locations that are well served by public transport. 7 National Planning Policy Framework: Paragraph 125.
Question D2: • Option D2b: Develop design guides and/or design codes for specific places (e.g. existing settlements or groups of settlements, or an ‘area’ in the case of a new settlement) where the spatial strategy identifies significant change. • Option D2c: Develop design guides/codes for strategic development sites/locations. 3.41 IM support the development of design guides for all allocated sites within the SWLP and will look to work with WDC and WCC to take an active role in producing them. 3.42 In relation to the safeguarded land at Westwood Heath Road, a development brief document should be developed which covers the whole of the Site area, setting out the general parameters of design including the access connections between the land controlled by IM and CEG. This can then inform separate design guides for both the IM and CEG sites(as required) and the subsequent separate planning applications. There is also potential for the wider South Coventry Masterplan being prepared by the Councils to provide initial design parameters at a high level, to help inform the development brief and design guides.
Question D2: 3.70 Design guides and codes can be an effective measure for ensuring that new development is in keeping with the existing surrounding environment and character, which is particularly important for South Warwickshire, and contributes to the sense of place. 3.71 Taylor Wimpey strive to create attractive and successful places where their customers will live, grow and thrive - places that will be valued by the community over the coming years and will endure true sustainability. To achieve this, TW design and build with care and integrity and put the customer and the community at the heart of every decision they make. 3.72 The implementation of any design codes should be explored on a site-by-site basis, most aligned with Option D2c. In some instances, TW may choose to prepare design codes on complex, multi-phased sites, particularly when they wish to retain control over the quality of land parcels when sold to other developers.
Question D3: 3.73 Option D3d is the most appropriate option for South Warwickshire to ensure an effective and efficient use of land in meeting the need for homes in accordance with paragraphs 119 and 124 of the NPPF. 3.74 Specifically, the paragraph 125 of the NPPF is clear that it is “…especially important that planning policies and decisions avoid homes being built at low densities”. It also states the following (underlining for emphasis): “a) plans should contain policies to optimise the use of land in their area and meet as much of the identified need for housing as possible. This will be tested robustly at examination, and should include the use of minimum density standards for city and town centres and other locations that are well served by public transport. These standards should seek a significant uplift in the average density of residential development within these areas, unless it can be shown that there are strong reasons why this would be inappropriate; b) the use of minimum density standards should also be considered for other parts of the plan area. It may be appropriate to set out a range of densities that reflect the accessibility and potential of different areas, rather than one broad density range.” 3.75 For example, Land North of Leamington is highly accessible to existing services and facilities, adjoining the existing settlement boundary of Royal Leamington Spa. This includes being located alongside the bus route between Royal Leamington Spa and Coventry, and within an accessible distance to Royal Leamington Spa railway station which offers frequent train services to Birmingham, Coventry, Birmingham Airport, Oxford and London - all key destinations and economic hubs for commuters from South Warwickshire. 3.76 Furthermore, paragraph 154 of the NPPF relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation (a key overarching principle of the SWLP) sets out new development should reduce greenhouse gas emissions via its location. This can be made possible by increasing densities at sustainable locations such as Land North of Leamington, which is highly accessible to ensure a low impact on the environment.
Must have protected areas of conservation, - both historical sites and for nature conservation. I also hope to have the opportunity to comment on individual sites being considered for the local plan in the near future.
It is important that the design principles do not stifle innovation through prescriptive policies. The South Warwickshire Local Plan will deliver strategic allocations which, by their nature, will include large development sites. All development necessarily introduces change into the landscape. The Local Plan should consider what level of change is acceptable and where change can be appropriately accommodated. These are high level considerations and it is imperative for the success of the Plan that it does not become ‘bogged down’ in prescribing detailed design. Instead, it should set ambitions for innovation; designs which address the climate agenda; improving connectivity and movement; and respecting the individual sites’ context.
2.77. While Design Guides can sometimes be helpful in providing clarity on the design approaches and standards that are likely to be acceptable in a local authority area, they are generally overly prescriptive and lack flexibility, which can do more harm than good from an urban design perspective since they can give rise to homogeny. 2.78. The Respondent would also caution against the preparation of design guides for numerous different areas, which would seem an overly complex approach. 2.79. If the Councils decide to proceed with the preparation of design guides or codes for specific places, then it is considered imperative that these are publicly consulted on. 2.80. If intended to be used as policy rather than flexible guides, then Design Guides must be brought forward as Development Plan Documents (DPD) and independently examined given the implications that they could have on the viability and delivery of development.
Q-D3: Please select all options which are appropriate for South Warwickshire Option D3a: Include a policy which underlines the relevance and importance of density, but which does not identify an appropriate minimum density or range of densities across South Warwickshire. 2.81. The Respondent is not convinced that a policy that prescribes densities is entirely necessary and considers Options D3c and D3d to be unduly complex. However, it is acknowledged that density does need to be optimised in accordance with Paragraph 141 of the NPPF if Green Belt release is to be justified. Considering the options therefore, the Respondent would suggest the inclusion of a policy that is in line with Option D3a but which is perhaps supplemented with explanatory supporting text with regards to the sort of density ranges that developments should be aiming for depending on their location, accessibility and context.
Q-D4.1: Do you agree that this is an appropriate range of topics for a policy on the design of safe and attractive streets? Sport England supports the topics set out for the policy and it considers that the Local Plan should embed Sport England’s Active Design Guidance principles, such as promoting active routes between origins and destinations that are safe, continuous, attractive to use and direct, which will encourage more people to consider and use them. For further details on the guidance please view the recent Active Design Guidance consultation document https://sportengland-production-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-01/Active%20Design%20Consultation%20Draft%20Guidance.pdf?VersionId=XYtn.92qWkDjJOUR3QwFzRDlNuaK3CWU
Issue D3. Designing Adaptable, diverse and flexible places. If authorities wish to create diverse and flexible places, there is no point in imposing fixed density requirements. The clue is in the title! Each area and/or application should be considered on its merits. The appropriate option is therefore Option D3a.
HERITAGE AND SETTLEMENT SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT FOR WARWICK AND STRATFORD-ON-AVON LOCAL PLAN (SWLP) – SEPTEMBER 2022 This assessment confirms that the area north of Kingswood has few heritage constraints, stating that development may be possible with careful protection of designated assets and their setting and giving the area a ‘green’ score, whereas the other areas around Kingswood are ‘red’ or ‘amber’. In particular, the area south of Kingswood, indicated as an area for consideration for a new settlement, is scored as ‘red’ and it is stated that the heritage assets in this area retain their links to the rural landscape which provides an important contribution to the significance of these assets. It concludes that this area has little potential to accommodate development. Therefore, the Heritage and Settlement Sensitivity Assessment does not support the location south of Kingswood for a new settlement and we would submit that the location north of Kingswood should be considered.
HERITAGE AND SETTLEMENT SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT FOR WARWICK AND STRATFORD-ON-AVON LOCAL PLAN (SWLP) – SEPTEMBER 2022 This assessment identifies the following heritage sensitivities within the ‘Warwick North’ area: “On the eastern side of the area beside the Avon is the Registered Park and Garden, Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings that make up Guy’s Cliffe. The site is already on the Heritage at Risk register and is vulnerable to further incremental damage to its historic fabric and surroundings. However, there may be scope for development within this area, subject to careful master-planning and appropriate mitigation of the designated assets”. We support the finding that there may be scope for development in this area, subject to careful master-planning and would highlight that we have already submitted a masterplan for 260 dwellings, supported by Heritage Assessment, to the previous consultation. In particular, given that the Guy’s Cliffe RPG is on the Heritage at Risk register, there would be scope for conservation and restoration of this historic landscape as a country park in association with the proposed development. Indeed, the assessment notes that opportunities should be sought to address the needs of Heritage at Risk sites in the ‘Potential Enhancement’ section of the document.
Q-D2.1. Please select all options which are appropriate for South Warwickshire Option D2b. Developing design guides and / or design codes for specific places will be particularly important for the Cotswolds National Landscape. Several of the ‘special qualities’ of the National Landscape relate to the built environment, including: . The unifying character of the limestone geology – its visible presence in the landscape and use as a building material; . Variations in the colour of the stone from one part of the AONB to another , which add a vital element of local distinctiveness. . Distinctive settlements, developed in the Cotswold vernacular (with) high architectural quality and integrity. As such, these are amongst the aspects of the area’s natural beauty which make the area distinctive and nationally important. Design guides and / or design guides covering the Cotswolds National Landscape section of South Warwickshire should have regard to these special qualities and to relevant guidance published by the Cotswolds National Landscape Board, including: . Cotswolds AONB Management Plan;31 . Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment;32 . Cotswolds AONB Landscape Strategy & Guidelines;33 . Cotswolds AONB Local Distinctiveness & Landscape Change.34 Regard should also be given to the Cotswolds Natural Character Area Profile.35 31 Cotswolds National Landscape Board (2018) Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2018-2023. Policy CE3 (Local Distinctiveness) is particularly relevant in this regard. (N.B. A new AONB Management Plan, covering the period 2023-2025 has recently been adopted by the Board and soon be published on the Board’s website). 32 Cotswolds National Landscape Board (2004) Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment. 33 Cotswolds National Landscape Board (2016) Cotswolds AONB Landscape Strategy & Guidelines. 34 Cotswolds National Landscape Board (2004) Cotswolds AONB Local Distinctiveness and Landscape Change. 35 Natural England (2015) Natural Character Area (NCA) Profile 107: Cotswolds. The Cotswolds National Landscape also extends into: NCA 95 (Northamptonshire Uplands); NCA 96 (Dunsmore & Feldon); and NCA 107 (Severn & Avon Vales). Q-D3. Please select all options which are appropriate for South Warwickshire Option D3c. This is the most relevant option because different settlements and / or localities are likely to have different levels of density. The principle of basing density ranges upon the prevailing characteristics of existing places is particularly important in locations such as the Cotswolds National Landscape. For example, that should influence the density range include: Settlement type o Market town o Compact village o Dispersed village o Compact hamlet o Dispersed hamlet o Settlement form: Settlement type o Linear o Radial o Organic o Planned External form o Skyline o Settlement edge (soft / hard) Further information on these topics is provided in the Board publication ‘Cotswolds AONB Local Distinctiveness and Landscape Change’.36 The issue of density is also relevant for settlements within the setting of the Cotswolds National Landscape as the density of development may influence the extent to which the development affects views from the National Landscape. When setting density ranges, it is also important to ensure that the density range makes sufficient provision for green infrastructure, open / recreational space and climate mitigation and adaptation measures. 36 Cotswolds National Landscape Board (2004) Cotswolds AONB Local Distinctiveness and Landscape Change. Chapter 4. Q-D5. Should we continue with the approach to include a high-level strategic policy within the Part 1 plan and to utilise heritage assessments to inform the growth strategy, and delay detailed policies to Part 2? Yes. The Local Plan should acknowledge that cultural heritage (including the historic environment) is one of the factors that contributes to the natural beauty of the Cotswolds National Landscape. It should specify that this topic would be taken into account when assessing the potential impact of proposed developments on the Cotswolds National Landscape. Relevant ‘special qualities’ of the National Landscape include:37 .Significant archaeological, prehistoric and historic associations dating back 6,000 years, including Neolithic stone monuments, ancient drove roads, Iron Age forts, Roman villas, ridge and furrow fields, medieval wool churches and country estates and parks. .A vibrant heritage of cultural associations, including the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th and 20th centuries, famous composers and authors and traditional events such as the Cotswolds Olympicks, cheese rolling and woolsack races. 37 The special qualities of the Cotswolds National Landscape are listed in Chapter 2 of the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2018-2023
Q-D2 – Please select all options which are appropriate for South Warwickshire As is set out in the vision for the sub region, there is a focus on the design of new development to create great places, spaces and buildings that are of a high quality and cater for the needs of all users, and which respect the setting of our many settlements (Lichfields emphasis added). The desire for a high-quality public realm, and spaces which cater for the needs of all users in new developments is supported, and it will be important that developments respond to the local character and existing identity of the area. In helping to deliver a high quality public realm, proposals for new development should integrate measures to minimise carbon emissions., Blue and green infrastructure should be encouraged, with accessible transport such as cycling and walking routes delivered to provide future residents with forms of active travel to mitigate a potential reliance on private transport. Cala considers that an effective way to promote this, is through site specific design codes and SPDs, such as that at LMA, which provides guiding principles and enables a fully integrated approach to high quality aesthetic design in respect of homes and buildings, as well as that of green infrastructure, open spaces and play space.
QD5: Should we continue with the approach to include a high-level strategic policy within the Part 1 plan and to utilise heritage assessments to inform the growth strategy, and delay detailed policies to Part 2? Yes, the heritage assessment is very important. I am not certain the Heritage assessment to date for Henley is sufficient to show that large scale development in the area would be highly detrimental to historic heritage and environmental heritage and feel of the Henley area. It is important that Local communities are able to work with the SWLP to meet their local needs and for the SWLP to accept that local residents will often understand their local area more comprehensively than the SWLP or developers, to that end NDPs should be respected.