Issue and Options 2023

As set out in Para 7 of the NPPF and reflected within the vision for the sub region, the purpose of planning is to achieve sustainable development which is underpinned by three overarching objectives, of which one is a social objective. Included within this is the need to ensure that a sufficient number and range of homes can be provided to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by fostering well-designed, beautiful and safe places (Lichfields emphasis added). Housing underpins this objective of the NPPF by being the key factor in delivering welldesigned, safe places, and Cala therefore supports the requirement for some form of health policy that will require the design of new developments to have appropriate regard to the health and safety of future residents.

No answer given

In line with the vision for the sub-region of encouraging sustainable development, it will be necessary for the Local Plan to support a modal shift towards public transport and away from private car use. There is therefore a need to introduce policies which support sustainable transport, requiring the appropriate infrastructure to be delivered which is particularly important across the sub region as the quality of public transport services is generally low. On this basis it would seem reasonable that policy makes specific reference to the principles of 15-minute cities/20-minute neighbourhoods, and ensure that sustainable, active forms of transport are included within early design scope. LMA specifically also benefits from the close proximity of the Stratford Greenway, which provides a circa4 mile sustainable transport corridor for both cyclists and pedestrians between Stratford upon Avon and Long Marston. The greenway is part of a national cycle route and is extensively used by both recreational users and commuters. The greenway was formerly part of the Stratford to Honeybourne railway and is itself safeguarded land under Policy CS.26 of the SDC Core Strategy. The greenway could provide the basis for numerous sustainable transport options and initiatives, including the potential reinstatement of the railway line southwards from Stratford to Long Marston (linking to existing lines extended from there beyond). As identified on the accompanying policies map, a section of land adjacent to the greenway within the site boundary of LMA is identified as a potential train station location. The greenway, either in existing form, or alternative use such as rail, can help as part of a strategy for this part of South Warwickshire to deliver growth which makes best use of non-car modes of transport, and alleviates pressures on the existing highway network. However, this will require vision and new ways of thinking.

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Q-B5 – Please select the option which is most appropriate for South Warwickshire The approach of adopting an ‘Environmental Net Gain’ to provide a flexible approach to other environmental matters such as Air Quality, Water Quality and Carbon capture is supported in principle. Further work however, will need to be undertaken as to how a quantifiable ‘environmental gain’ will be assessed against factors such as Air Quality.