Issue and Options 2023

No

No – We welcome the including of tourism potential under a “well-designed and beautiful South Warwickshire.” However, we consider that “protection and growth of visitor attractions, recreation and leisure facilities and visitor accommodations” should be a strategic growth objective under “Meeting South Warwickshire ‘s Sustainable Development Needs.”

Yes

Q-E10: Do you agree that Tourism should be addressed in Part 2 of the South Warwickshire Local Plan? Yes – We consider that detailed policies for tourism, including policies for the provision of new hotels, should be addressed in Part 2 (as with St Mary’s Land Masterplan Allocation), provided that the vision and strategic objectives in Part 1 includes the protection and growth of tourism/visitor attractions as suggested in our response to Q-V3.1.

Nothing chosen

We note that Part 1of the SWLP will set out the strategic vision, objectives and growth strategy for South Warwickshire and that Part 2 will set out detailed policies for specific areas, including site allocations and area action plans. Therefore, we note that St Mary’s Land (including Warwick Racecourse) Masterplan/Allocation will be addressed in Part 2 of the SWLP.

Warwick Racecourse JCR is the largest racecourse group in the UK by turnover and attendees. It is governed by a Royal Charter and its profits are reinvested in the long term development and enhancement of its racing venues and British racing as a sport. JCR is the longstanding operator of Warwick Racecourse, which is one of the 15 leading racecourses which form part of JCR’s national portfolio. It is a National Hunt racing venue and holds 17 race meetings per annum. Horseracing at Warwick Racecourse has a longstanding history as early as the turn of the 18th century, and it is the first course to host a jump race in the UK. Therefore, it is important to the District and the racing industry in terms of its history and heritage, as well as being part of the social, cultural and economic infrastructure of the District. More specifically, the Racecourse’s primary function as a racing venue, it brings significant economic benefits, as a visitor attraction and an employer. There is a need for Warwick Racecourse to diversify the function of the racecourse facilities in order for the primary function as a racing venue to be financially viable in the long term. in addition to the principal business of the Racecourse as a horseracing venue, there are other complimentary function and activities operated by the Racecourse, which are integral to JCR’s businesses all year round outside the racing calendar. These include: • The Racecourse’s facilities being used for hosting corporate events, conferences, meetings, weddings, exhibitions and trade shows; • The operation of the Caravan Park which is located within the race track; • Hosting a number of community events in conjunction with Rotary Club, the Court Leet, Warwick Lions, contributing valuably to their valuable causes. The Racecourse is therefore a major leisure and sporting venue and visitor attraction in the District. The diverse range of functions and activities provides evidence for the Racecourse’s important role and function as key social, cultural and economic infrastructure. JCR continually strives to improve business operations and will look for opportunities for improvements to, and enhancement of, the existing facilities. In this regard, JCR has a number of key objectives, including: • Securing the long term future of Warwick Racecourse as a National Hunt racing venue through investing in the ongoing improvement to the facilities and business operations, including supporting the provision of a new visitor accommodation. • Giving consideration to the future modernisation and upgrades of the facilities as a major sporting venue and visitor attraction. • Retaining and creating jobs through the year-round employment of administrative staff based at the Racecourse, the employment of additional staff during race meetings and other events, and the potential for further employment through future enhancement of the facilities. JCR seeks to ensure that there is an appropriate planning policy framework for the racecourse, which protects and supports the ongoing operation and future improvements/enhancements of the racecourse and its diverse functions to secure the long term future of the venue as a racing facility. St Mary’s Land Masterplan Policy The Racecourse is within the “Warwick Castle and St Mary’s Land” under Policy CT6 of the adopted Warwick District Local Plan (2017) (‘WDLP’). Within the designation, development will be permitted where it is brought forward in line with an approved Masterplan setting out the development principles and broad areas of development, including the type of uses proposed. The WDLP recognises that Warwick Racecourse provides an important recreation, leisure and entertainment facility and plays an important role in the local economy and community. Therefore, its ongoing vitality and viability of the facility through the development for uses associated with visitor accommodation, recreation, leisure and horse racing is supported provided that they are sensitive to the heritage assets, the setting of the town and ongoing enjoyment of the area for recreational purposes and the need to maintain local biodiversity. A Masterplan for St Mary’s Lands is being advanced by Warwick District Council and prepared by a Working Group which is made up of key stakeholders including JCR. Therefore, JCR is working collaboratively with Warwick District Council and other stakeholders on its development aspirations as part of the Masterplan preparation.