Issue and Options 2023

It has recently come to my attention that as part of the updated Local Plan, a second call for development sites in Warwickshire, interactive plan has been prepared. I have concerns about one of the sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, titled; Little Clopton in the Avenue/Clopton ward. Changing this site from agricultural to residential would be a significant (potentially Major Adverse) change to the outlook and character on the nearby public footpaths, some located in the Welcombe Hills. Alongside this, the Birmingham Road from the A46 junction to the town centre suffers from various traffic issues due to several factors; likely including the additional housing at the northern end of the Birmingham Road and more recently in Bishopton. The updated Environmental Bill places greater importance on the habitats and ecological features with every development site, considering this location and its proximity to the Welcombe Hills, developing this site would be damaging in a number of ways to the existing setting here. There is a mature copse/small woodland and mature native hedge boundaries to all the fields, all housing a variety of local fauna and mammals and providing continued benefits to local environment. • What consideration has been given to the visual and character impact of changing these agricultural fields to an area of residential properties? • Has a review of the additional traffic impact, as a result of these fields being developed into the town/local area been considered? • Can the local schools, surgeries etc cope with further increases? • Has any consideration been given to the environmental and ecological impact with the changing of these fields? Further consideration and support should be given to farmers to retain and maintain their land in a profitable way, instead of forcing sales for development and change of use. I would welcome your speedy response and any documents you have relating to the suitability process when selecting development sites and specifically the Lower Clopton site mentioned above.