Whitnash Neighbourhood Development Plan

Thank you for the opportunity for the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) to comment on the revised Neighbourhood Plan for Whitnash.
The CWLEP submission to the draft Whitnash Neighbourhood Plan (November 2014) provided support for the positive vision for the future of the area and appropriate use of evidence to develop policies to assist future decision making. In particular CWLEP welcomed the policy support for small to medium scale employment provision.
Concerns were raised, however, regarding proposed policies that were not considered to be consistent with the Warwick District Council Publication Draft Local Plan (April 2014) and the Sites for Gypsies and Travellers Preferred Options (March 2014). In particular this related to the designation of green spaces (and associated policies).
CWLEP are pleased to note alterations to Policy W7 - Green Space Designations to ensure consistency with the Warwick District Council Draft Local Plan and Preferred Options for Gypsy and Traveller Sites.
We note, however that the Consultation Statement does not recommend alteration to Policy W13 - Encouraging a mix of uses. CWLEP remains concerned that Policy W13 could be interpreted that mixed use development comprising housing and employment land would not be supported if it results in the loss of open space or green infrastructure. We would therefore respectfully request that the policy be qualified to ensure consistency with the revised Policy W7.