Issue and Options 2023

Issue S4: Growth of existing settlements Q-S4.1: Do you think that growth of some of our existing settlements should be part of the overall strategy? 2.11 It is considered that growth of some of the existing settlements should feature as part of the overall strategy as this will help to ensure a sustainable pattern of development through aligning growth with jobs, services and facilities and infrastructure provision. As noted in response to QI-1, Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath is a Main Rural Settlement that is well placed to contribute towards this pattern of development. 2.12 Specifically regarding Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath, this is a 3,000 home new settlement allocated in the Stratford Core Strategy. The development features a range of services, facilities and green infrastructure including; • a village centre with a range of shops and services to support the development itself and the wider area. • A community hub to include meeting space, health, police office and leisure facilities • A three-form entry primary school • A network of green infrastructure 2.13 The site is now delivering a significant number of housing completions and the community is quickly becoming established. Indeed, completions are taking place at a pace beyond that envisaged within the Core Strategy, which assumed 150 dwellings per annum at 2021/22 and over 250 homes are now occupied. 2.14 The Core Strategy recognises the sustainability and significance of Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath through the supporting text to policy CS.15 which confirms that it will become the equivalent of a Main Rural Centre and complement their role. 2.15 As a consequence of the sustainability and role of Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath, this Site, which is currently within the GLH extant allocation but safeguarded for Jaguar Land Rover, should therefore be considered for growth for a mixture of uses as part of the overall strategy within the SWLP. Further justification for this is provided in the answers to questions S7.2 and E7.2.