Yes

Representation ID: 103968

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Mr Stephen Norrie

I especially agree with the support for agricultural diversification and innovation, given the stresses this sector is going to be under due to climate change. There is a strong opinion amongst members of Stratford Climate Action group that the SWLP should consider these issues of future food supply in more detail.

Yes

Representation ID: 104283

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Mr Neal Appleton

Diversification should not be taken to mean Part Q conversion of farm buildings into dwellings.

Other

Representation ID: 104497

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Miss Ann Colley

As long as the re-use of buildings are made 'green'.

Yes

Representation ID: 104915

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Stratford-on-Avon Town Council

The policy should also note the importance of effective digital communication networks as infrastructure for people wanting to work remotely from a rural location.

Other

Representation ID: 107023

Received: 06/03/2025

Respondent: Ministry of Defence

DTC RESPONSE:

Section 6.7, Policy Direction 18 – Supporting rural employment and diversification
Similar to Policy Direction 12 above, the MOD would like to see this policy support additional development on
existing sites providing employment that are not within the Spatial Growth Priority Areas.

Yes

Representation ID: 107039

Received: 21/02/2025

Respondent: Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce recognises this as a key policy which contains positive provisions to encourage local growth. As the Chamber has noted much of the
proposed joint plan area comprises rural and semi-rural areas and these have fostered the growth of small businesses and enterprises. Many of these have grown and thrived.

In the plan areas smaller towns and villages have fostered new growth and expansion of small businesses and start-ups often initially from private homes. The recognition and
further support of this activity is welcomed. In addition, the recognition in this Policy Direction of the importance of encouraging diversification schemes in agricultural and rural holdings is welcomed. Opportunities for
diversification and in particular the repurposing of former agricultural buildings must be encouraged to promote the sustainability of modern farming operations.

Yes

Representation ID: 107259

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: R. Adams & Sons R. Adams & Sons

Agent: Iceni Projects

The sentiment of this policy is supported; however, specific reference should be made to the role that existing employment sites can play in supporting the rural economy and addressing employment land need. The plan confirms that draft site-specific allocations will be published at the Regulation 19 Local Plan. This should include employment sites such as the RA&S which should be awarded a bespoke site-specific employment allocation to guarantee its future prosperity. RA&S already operates a successful business in which it supports local supply chains with 250,000 tonnes of combinable crop movements annually, 2,000 tonnes per day on a 7-day week basis. Allocation of the Site for employment purposes will ensure the future prosperity of RA&S and will uphold the key principle of Draft Policy 18, as well as paragraph 88 and 89 of the NPPF.

Yes

Representation ID: 107355

Received: 06/03/2025

Respondent: National Trust

Supporting rural employment and diversification - The National Trust are supportive of the Local Plan’s definition of rural employment whereby the rural economy encompasses all businesses operating in rural locations; not just those engaged in agricultural or land-based activities such as farming, food production or tourism. The National Trust is a significant employer in the Local Plan area given the number of properties that we operate and open to visitors.
We are pleased to note that development that contributes to a prosperous rural economy will be supported in principle, including the diversification of agricultural businesses and the expansion of existing rural businesses. It is our view however that this assessment must be balanced against compliance with other emerging policies regarding landscape character, the Green Belt and protecting and enhancing the historic environment to ensure that the support of such opportunities would not compromise the setting of the special places that the National Trust cares for.

Yes

Representation ID: 107530

Received: 06/03/2025

Respondent: Richard Hall

This Policy Direction 18 is strongly supported and reflects policies already enshrined in the adopted Stratford District Local Plan. It is important to the continuing development and growth of the business that it retains an ability to expand and develop “in situ “based on the modest expansion of the existing buildings and supporting infrastructure. Inn Express Ltd represents a good example of the benefits of supportive planning policies aimed an appropriate development in rural areas. The principles outlined in this draft policy are welcomed. They improve the existing policy framework of both Council’s. This will help maintain a thriving local employment base in a predominantly rural area.

Yes

Representation ID: 108455

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Magdalen College, Oxford

Agent: Savills

Magdalen College, Oxford supports the inclusion of a Rural Diversification Policy. Where existing buildings are no longer suitable for modern agriculture, there should be support in this policy for their re-use, either for employment or residential purposes.

Other

Representation ID: 108919

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Warwickshire County Council

Rural diversification is supported but not at the detriment of food security.
Support to be given to farmers to look at how diversification can support their business rather than replace it.