Yes

ID sylw: 107656

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Cala Homes (Cotswolds)

Asiant : Lichfields (London)

Yes, Cala broadly supports the proposals in the Vision and Strategic Objectives
South Warwickshire 2050 chapter, although highlights the importance that consideration of unmet need from other authorities should be a key consideration now, rather than at a later stage of the plan-making process.

Yes

ID sylw: 107672

Derbyniwyd: 26/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Shakespeare Line Rail User Group

We fully support the Vision and Strategic Objectives, with the understanding that housing development must attract effective investment in key infrastructure. The Local Planning Authority and its elected members will need to ensure this, as anything less will undermine the SWLP's Vision and Strategic Objectives.

It is imperative that a significant modal shift in transportation takes place. This necessitates a change in approach by the Local Transport Authority, where roads are not the preferred or exclusive solution.

Other

ID sylw: 107693

Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Pete Frteeman

Golly - didn't "Joan of Arc" once have a vision?
I guess the only vision I want to avoid is opening my eyes at the age of 91 and find myself surrounded by a "Los Angeles" style sprawl and that [redacted]!

Yes

ID sylw: 107742

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bellway Strategic Land

Asiant : Savills

Strategic Objective 6
Turley, Sustainability and ESG, have undertaken a review of Strategic Objective 6 and state that Bellway supports the need to deliver development which aligns with the UK’s Net Zero trajectory, and ensures development is designed to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, incorporating climate resilient design. We support the ambition set out in the requirements outlined within this objective, noting that there are likely to be challenges with elements of these which are reflected in responses to the draft Policies.

No

ID sylw: 107783

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Catesby Estates Ltd

Asiant : Stantec

It is apparent from the consultation version of the SWLP that it is now intended for the Development Plan for Stratford and Warwick Districts to comprise two parts; the SWLP as a ‘part one’ plan which considers strategic issues within South Warwickshire (including strategic
site allocations), followed by further ‘part two’ policy documents which would come forward and prescribe “…detailed policies for specific areas, neighbourhoods or types of development. This could include allocating sites and the provision of infrastructure at a local level, establishing design principles and setting out other more detailed planning policies.”
A two-part Development Plan was not suggested as part of the previously Regulation 18 consultation on the SWLP and is therefore a new proposition.
Catesby Estates does not support a two-part plan as it represents a failure of both Councils to properly grasp the difficult issues and decisions that need to be made in terms of allocating sites at the local level and delivering the development needs of South Warwickshire.
In all likelihood, the deferral of these issues to a part-two plan will result in three to five years delay whilst any subsequent plan is prepared, submitted for examination and subsequently implemented. It is also an inefficient duplication of Council resources.
This failure to make difficult decisions is particularly evident given section 1.4 of the SWLP identifies that:
“Some policy topics that would typically fall within Part 2 of the plan have been transferred to this Part 1. Given priorities within the two Councils it has been deemed
necessary to advance the creation of these policies. A list of these expedited policies can be seen below:
• Arts and Culture
• Climate Resilient Design
• Design Codes
• Multi-functional Sustainable Drainage Systems
• Outdoor sports and leisure
• Trees, Hedges and Woodland
• Parks Gardens, food Growing Open Space and local green space
• Providing the Right Tenure and Type of Homes
• Providing the Right Size of Homes
• Protecting Community Facilities
• Water Efficiency
• Whole Life Cycle Carbon Emissions Assessments.”
This list is clearly comprehensive and includes the vast majority of issues that would be expected to be covered by a part-two plan, except for the allocation of local sites for development.
This deferral does not reflect a positive approach to Plan-making as required by Chapter 3 of
the NPPF.

Other

ID sylw: 107784

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Catesby Estates Ltd

Asiant : Stantec

Catesby Estates broadly supports the Vision and Strategic Objectives as laid out within the
SWLP. However, it is submitted that Strategic Objective 2 (Delivering homes that meet the needs of all our communities) could be strengthened to make clear that the SWLP will also look to meet any unmet housing needs arising from neighbouring authorities within the Coventry and Warwickshire Housing Market Area.

Other

ID sylw: 107803

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Catesby Estates Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

We support the vision. It reflects Paragraph 7 of the NPPF which states that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to sustainable development. The overarching principles do not align with the vision. None of them refer to delivery of homes and jobs which are key to sustainable development. Reference must be made to this to then feed into the Strategic Objectives which do reference housing and employment. The selected spatial growth strategy, ‘Sustainable Travel and Economy’ should be referred to and woven into the other principles.

The vision and first principle strongly emphasizes the climate emergency. While generally supported this should not dominate the vision and strategic objectives to the detriment of delivery of development to meet identified needs. The second principle refers to a beautiful south Warwickshire. This is supported and Paragraph 131 of the NPPF makes reference to beauty but this needs to be defined and supported by guidance on what it means in practice.

The Strategic Objectives cover the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development as set out in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF and they are therefore considered consistent with national policy.

Yes

ID sylw: 107833

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land

Asiant : Turley

Overall, Taylor Wimpey supports the emerging vision. However, as noted, key issues raised with the previous version of the vision, such as giving unmet needs from other authorities greater priority and defining "strategic growth" and "Warwickshire's sustainable development needs", has not been translated into the updated vision.
The vision should also reference the importance of ensuring growth is located in the most sustainable locations to deliver the vision, for instance, on sites released from the Green Belt. This is a point that is made clear throughout the rest of the plan.
Taylor Wimpey supports the objectives overall.

Other

ID sylw: 107891

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: TERRA

Asiant : Lichfields (Birmingham)

The PO sets out the SWA’s proposed Vision for South Warwickshire over the plan period to
2050. It considers options for a planning policy response to ensure that it is able to meet
spatial planning and development needs and how individual policies will contribute
towards addressing the Vision. Terra broadly support the SWA’s proposed Vision and
Strategic Objectives, as they align with the key tenets of sustainable development in the
NPPF.
2.2 Terra is concerned that the SWAs have omitted the previous reference to addressing the
unmet housing needs of neighbouring authorities from the Vision and which was previously
set out in the Issues and Options [IO] consultation. The NPPF is clear that planning policies
should provide for objectively assessed needs for housing and other uses, as well as any
needs that cannot be met within neighbouring areas (Para 11b) In this respect, paragraph
24 emphasises that; “Local planning authorities and county councils (in two-tier areas)
continue to be under a duty to cooperate with each other, and with other prescribed
bodies, on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries.”
2.3 The NPPF is clear that for a Local Plan to be found sound, it must be ‘positively prepared’,
which means that it must provide a “strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the
area’s objectively assessed needs; and is informed by agreements with other authorities,
so that unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is practical to do
so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development” (Para 35a). Therefore, for the
SWLP to be ‘positively prepared’ both the Vision and Strategic Objectives and land use
policies and housing allocations should set out a positive approach to addressing unmet
housing needs.
2.4 In light of the above, and as discussed in detail below, there is a large quantum of unmet
housing needs arising in the Greater Birmingham and Black Country Housing Market Area
[GBBCHMA] which the SWAs are part of. The SWLP will consequently need to consider
whether it should make provision for these needs in part. At present, Terra considers that
the Vision does not effectively address the housing shortfall challenges within GBBCHMA,
despite a requirement under the NPPF to meet the Duty to Co-operate (DtC).
2.5 Strategic Objective 2 (Delivering homes that meet the needs of all our communities) does
not include any reference to addressing the unmet housing needs of neighbouring
authorities. Whilst it is noted that PO does, in Draft Policy Direction 4 (Accommodating
Growth Needs Arising from Outside South Warwickshire), acknowledge that the SWLP may
need to assist in meeting these unmet housing needs, it fails to recognise the acuteness and
seriousness of this situation in Strategic Objective 2. Again, Strategic Objective 2 should
refer to the SWLP’s role in addressing this critical cross-boundary issues, or as a Strategic
Objective in its own right.

Other

ID sylw: 107917

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Barwood Land

Asiant : Pegasus Group

These representations broadly support the vision. It reflects Paragraph 7 of the NPPF which states that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to sustainable development. The overarching principles do not align with the vision. None of them refer to delivery of homes and jobs which are key to sustainable development. Reference must be made to this to then feed into the Strategic Objectives which do reference housing and employment. The selected spatial growth strategy, ‘Sustainable Travel and Economy’ should be referred to and woven into the other principles.

The vision and first principle strongly emphasizes the climate emergency. While generally supported this should not dominate the vision and strategic objectives to the detriment of delivery of development to meet identified needs. The second principle refers to a beautiful south Warwickshire. This is supported and Paragraph 131 of the NPPF makes reference to beauty but this needs to be defined and supported by guidance on what it means in practice.

The Strategic Objectives cover the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development as set out in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF and they are therefore considered consistent with national policy.

Other

ID sylw: 107936

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Rainier Developments Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

These representations broadly support the vision. It reflects Paragraph 7 of the NPPF which states that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to sustainable development. The overarching principles do not align with the vision. None of them refer to delivery of homes and jobs which are key to sustainable development. Reference must be made to this to then feed into the Strategic Objectives which do reference housing and employment. The selected spatial growth strategy, ‘Sustainable Travel and Economy’ should be referred to and woven into the other principles.

The vision and first principle strongly emphasizes the climate emergency. While generally supported this should not dominate the vision and strategic objectives to the detriment of delivery of development to meet identified needs. The second principle refers to a beautiful south Warwickshire. This is supported and Paragraph 131 of the NPPF makes reference to beauty but this needs to be defined and supported by guidance on what it means in practice.

The Strategic Objectives cover the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development as set out in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF and they are therefore considered consistent with national policy.

Yes

ID sylw: 107996

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: CEG Land Promotion III (UK) Limited

Asiant : Nexus Planning

CEG supports the Plan’s Vision and objectives, which determine how development will be delivered. CEG’s proposals for land east of the M40, Junction 12 are considered against each of these principles to demonstrate how the site’s development can help to achieve the vision.
A climate resilient and Net Zero Carbon South Warwickshire – Proposals for the site could contribute to a low carbon and climate resilient development from construction to occupation through sustainable materials and construction techniques, renewable energy measures, sustainable drainage systems within a comprehensive blue-green infrastructure network and mobility strategy.
Moreover, the site is situated in a sustainable location being strategically placed next to the new settlement Lighthorne Heath, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Aston Martin Lagonda (AML). Furthermore, the site provides the opportunity to introduce an integrated transport network including the provision of demand response transport (DRT), which could be funded through Section 106 contributions. This will influence and change travel behaviour of commuters to and from the site and neighbouring sites such as that of JLR, and to benefit from new and existing residents in the vicinity of the site i.e., within Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath.
To summarise, the site can improve existing infrastructure and generally promote a culture of change towards active travel which in turn aids the climate resilience of South Warwickshire.
A well-designed and beautiful South Warwickshire – Development at the site, will provide a mix of commercial units all designed to the highest standard. Moreover, proposals would provide substantial landscape areas, enhancing visual and physical connections.
A healthy, safe and inclusive South Warwickshire – Development within the site provides the opportunity to provide pedestrian and cycling connections to the surrounding area. This will help to foster a cohesive working environment which will support health and wellbeing.
A well-connected South Warwickshire - The site is located in an inherently sustainable location for commercial development. The M40 provides a direct route to Banbury to the south-east and Warwick to the north-west. Banbury benefits from a railway station as does Warwick. There are two bus stops along the B4100 adjacent to the Site that provide services to Temple Herdewyke, Avon Dassett, Leamington Spa, Milverton and Banbury Town Centre.
A biodiverse and environmentally resilient South Warwickshire –Biodiversity net gain will be incorporated into the proposals for the site. The conceptual framework for the site will feature and cohesive ecological network that retains existing landscape features including hedgerows and tree belts and a network of swales. SWLP Strategic Objectives
In addition, the Plan includes 12 strategic objectives which reflect the area’s social, environmental and economic issues. Where relevant, CEG provide comment below on how development at land east of Gaydon can help to meet the Plan’s objectives:
SO1: Providing sustainable levels of growth in the area
The Core Strategy recognises the importance of the area, specifically stating that:
“The Gaydon Site is a key economic asset within the District and the wider region, employing several thousand people, together with indirect employment in relation to logistics and suppliers. The site is located adjacent to an established highway network, including the M40 which is an important transport gateway into Coventry and Warwickshire.”
The importance of this location is further reflected in both the emerging SWLP and the December 2023 and South Warwickshire Economic Strategy. The SWLP Preferred Options document identifies the Gaydon Area/M40 Junction 12 as a Major Investment Site which sits within a wider ‘Economic Core Opportunity Area’. This area includes Gaydon and the M40 corridor and comprises the main towns of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Whitnash, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, the A46 corridor, the University of Warwick’s two campuses, Long Marston Garden Village and Rail Innovation Centre and Stoneleigh Park.
Draft Policy Direction 13 of the SWLP also confirms the area will be the focus for new employment development in the South Warwickshire Area, building on existing employment hubs, harnessing the potential offered by co-locating businesses and research facilities and support the strategy for attracting significant inward investment to the area. The South Warwickshire Economic Strategy identifies the same area as ‘Core Investment Opportunity Area’. The focus for the area is attracting inward investment to drive the South Warwickshire economy as well as encouraging inward investment in the most accessible parts of South Warwickshire. Indeed, the emerging South Warwickshire Economic Strategy confirms this area is likely to provide “the focus for attracting strategically significant inward investment to drive forward the South Warwickshire economy, whilst acknowledging national and local planning policies (e.g. Green Belt)”.
The SWLP preferred options also identifies the M40/A46 corridor as a Road Opportunity Area based on the West Midlands Strategic Employment Sites Study (WMSESS) which recommends the identification of 1-2 mixed/B8 sites and 1 B2 site to deliver 125 ha of strategic employment i.e. sites of over 25 ha and largely dedicated to units of over 9,300sqm. This clearly recognises the potential of this corridor to play an enhanced role in delivering strategic economic growth in South Warwickshire.
The site, which forms part of SG14, is located close to the principal design and engineering centre for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Aston Martin Lagonda (AML). Directly to the north-east of the Site is 100ha of land specifically allocated for the expansion JLR in the Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy under Policy CS.22 and policy GLH (Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath now known as “Upper Lighthorne Heath”).
To the west, beyond the JLR/AML site, is Lighthorne Heath, a historically small village built to originally support RAF Gaydon which now comprises a mixture of private and social housing together with a 3000 dwelling new settlement.
731 homes are now occupied within the new settlement (December 2024) and therefore with a community quickly becoming established. Indeed, completions are taking place at a pace beyond that envisaged within the Core Strategy. This strong delivery accelerates the need to provide a wider range of jobs within the immediate locality to support the sustainable growth of the area.
The Core Strategy recognises the eventual sustainability and significance of Lighthorne Heath through the supporting text to policy CS.15, which confirms that; “In terms of the settlement pattern across the District, the new settlements will become the equivalents of a Main Rural Centre and complement their role.”
The settlement hierarchy for Stratford-on-Avon District clearly recognises the transformative nature of this new settlement to the local area. It is therefore considered that given the existing and anticipated future rate of completions and the services and facilities now being delivered on the at the allocation, Lighthorne Heath should be considered as a Main Rural Centre within the settlement hierarchy, alongside Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Henley-in-Arden, Kineton, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Studley and Wellesbourne.
AML’s headquarters within Gaydon provide the main production facility together with research and development. Further to Aston Martin Lagonda’s presence, JLR operate their advanced design and engineering centre at Gaydon. The design and research centre and extensive test track facilities have been established over the last 30 years.
The Site is therefore strategically positioned to drive significant inward investment within this ‘Core Economic Area’, supporting the automotive cluster whilst also increasing the provision of jobs, complimenting the role of Upper Lighthorne in the settlement hierarchy.
SO3: Providing infrastructure in the right place at the right time & S011: Connecting people to places
Significant investment has been made to highway infrastructure around J12 of the M40. Development at Junction 12 is there an appropriate location for employment development to come forward now as there is existing capacity on the highway network and delivery is not reliant on significant upgrades to the Junction. The SWLP recognises that significant upgrades would be required to facilitate the strategic employment growth options identified at Junction 13 (Land at Red House Farm) and 15 (Wedgnock Park Farm). This is not the case at J12 where the only major new investment in the medium / long term would be a new northern slip road onto the M40 that can be delivered on land within the full control of CEG and National Highways.
Proposals for the site, together with wider land parcels could deliver a comprehensive integrated transport network including the provision of pedestrian/cycle connections and the delivery of new/upgraded transport links.
Given that significant growth could be directed to J12, the site also provides the opportunity to deliver road side retail/drive thru uses to support the safety and welfare of road users in line with paragraph 111 of the NPPF.
SO4: Developing opportunities for jobs
The site would generate significant local employment of significant benefit to the local economy. The jobs created would make a significant contribution to the Stratford-on-Avon economy, provide a number of employment opportunities and help the economy to diversify. Securing these employment opportunities is critical, particularly following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, Stratford-on-Avon District Council have suggested that the District has been the fourth most adversely affected authority from COVID. The jobs created as a result will help the economy to recover. It should also be stated that the Government, since being elected in July 2024, have placed an important new emphasis on growth and economic development with this being their number 1 mission for the next parliamentary term.
It is evident from the HEDNA that there has been a shortfall in the supply of B8 floorspace within the District. The provision of further flexible space that is capable of providing space for storage and distribution (B8 use) alongside General Industrial (B2) will help to provide jobs that will help to diversify and strengthen the local economy.
At a national level the logistics sector has played an important role in providing jobs, it has seen job growth at a higher rate than across the economy as a whole. Furthermore, as technological advancements have continued there has been a greater focus on the use of innovative, cutting-edge technology which has resulted in considerably higher skilled jobs than may have been the case previously. This has been confirmed through the Department for Transport “Future of Freight” report published in June 2022 which states:
“Since 2010, the number of jobs in transport and storage has grown by 26% compared to only 14% across the whole economy. There is increasing sophistication of roles in the sector with Professional and Associate Professional and Technical roles increasing by 331,000 since 2010. Meanwhile in 2021, the number of UK businesses classified as transport and storage was 88% higher than in 2011, with fastest growth in the Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and The Humber”
Further to the above, in terms of skills, The British Property Federation’s (BPF) “Levelling up - The Logic of Logistics” report published in 2022 reports substantial growth in technical and professional roles (+331,000) in the sector over the last decade.
In terms of B8 uses, examples of the type of jobs that will be provided on Site are set out below which are in addition to the jobs associated with class B2 and class e (g) (ii) and (iii):
•
Supply chain design and planning;
•
Procurement and supply management;
•
Warehouse design and management;
•
Distribution network design and management; and
•
Inventory management and control.
The importance of logistics to the automotive sector should not be understated. The automotive industry heavily relies on automotive logistics to manage the complex supply chain involved in the production and delivery of vehicles. In this regard, they are considered synonymous and provision of B8 in this location would support existing sectors, particularly the automotive cluster at Gaydon which is identified as a core opportunity sector within the SWES.
SO8: Protecting and enhancing our heritage and cultural assets and SO12: Protecting and enhancing our environmental assets
The SWLP ensures that appropriate environmental considerations have been made when considering and assessing the options to accommodate future development. The site can also be delivered without causing significant impact on environmental assets. There are no ecologically important sites within or adjacent to the site, it lies entirely within Flood Zone 1; although there is a small area of the site to the north which is susceptible to surface water flooding. This can be satisfactorily mitigated through design, layout and specific drainage design. Development be delivered to secure the mandatory levels of biodiversity net gain (BNG), and mitigation for any protected species, should any be discovered, can be secured in any future planning application.

Yes

ID sylw: 108018

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: CEG Land Promotion III (UK) Limited

Asiant : Nexus Planning

CEG supports the Plan’s Vision and objectives, which determine how development will be delivered. CEG’s proposals for the JLR allocation are considered against each of these principles to demonstrate how the site’s development can help to achieve the vision.
A climate resilient and Net Zero Carbon South Warwickshire – The proposed development at the site could contribute to a low carbon and climate resilient development from construction to occupation through sustainable materials and construction techniques, renewable energy measures, sustainable drainage systems within a comprehensive blue-green infrastructure network and mobility strategy.
Moreover, the site is situated in a sustainable location being strategically placed next to the new settlement Lighthorne Heath, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Aston Martin Lagonda (AML). Furthermore, the site provides the opportunity to introduce an integrated transport network. This will influence and change travel behaviour of commuters to and from the site and neighbouring sites such as that of JLR, and to benefit from new and existing residents in the vicinity of the site i.e., within Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath.
To summarise, the site can improve existing infrastructure and generally promote a culture of change towards active travel which in turn aids the climate resilience of South Warwickshire.
A well-designed and beautiful South Warwickshire – Development at the site, will provide a mix of commercial units all designed to the highest standard. Moreover, proposals would look to incorporate the existing woodland buffer in the north west part of the site and also provide substantial landscape areas, enhancing visual and physical connections.
A healthy, safe and inclusive South Warwickshire – The site provides the opportunity to incorporate the existing woodland buffer and could make this accessible which will provide health and wellbeing benefits through the provision of more recreational space for the surrounding area including the residents of Gaydon and employees of the surrounding employment. This will help to foster a cohesive working environment which will support health and wellbeing.
A well-connected South Warwickshire - The site is located in an inherently sustainable location for commercial development. The M40 provides a direct route to Banbury to the south-east and Warwick to the north-west. Banbury benefits from a railway station as does Warwick. There are two bus stops along the B4100 adjacent to the Site that provide services to Temple Herdewyke, Avon Dassett, Leamington Spa, Milverton and Banbury Town Centre.
The site will take advantage of the existing facilities for travel choice into Stratford-upon-Avon by active travel and public transport modes and enhance these routes where needed through careful design and investment in
sustainable infrastructure which will promote longevity. This means that the site can place walking and cycling at the highest priority, followed by travel by public transport, and develop a community where there is “little” reliance on the private car.
A biodiverse and environmentally resilient South Warwickshire – Biodiversity net gain will be incorporated into the proposals for the site. The conceptual framework for the site will feature and cohesive ecological network that retains existing landscape features including hedgerows and tree belts and, in addition, shows a considerable biodiversity parkland, public parkland, and a network of swales.
SWLP Strategic Objectives
The Plan includes 12 strategic objectives which reflect the area’s social, environmental and economic issues. Where relevant, CEG provide comment below on how development at the JLR allocation and SG13 can help to meet the Plan’s objectives:
SO1: Providing sustainable levels of growth in the area
The Core Strategy recognises the importance of the area, specifically stating that:
“The Gaydon Site is a key economic asset within the District and the wider region, employing several thousand people, together with indirect employment in relation to logistics and suppliers. The site is located adjacent to an established highway network, including the M40 which is an important transport gateway into Coventry and Warwickshire.”
The importance of this location is further reflected in both the emerging SWLP and the December 2023 and South Warwickshire Economic Strategy. The SWLP Preferred Options document identifies the Gaydon Area/M40 Junction 12 as a Major Investment Site which sits within a wider ‘Economic Core Opportunity Area’. This area includes Gaydon and the M40 corridor and comprises the main towns of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Whitnash, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, the A46 corridor, the University of Warwick’s two campuses, Long Marston Garden Village and Rail Innovation Centre and Stoneleigh Park.
Draft Policy Direction 13 of the SWLP also confirms the area will be the focus for new employment development in the South Warwickshire Area, building on existing employment hubs, harnessing the potential offered by co-locating businesses and research facilities and support the strategy for attracting significant inward investment to the area. The South Warwickshire Economic Strategy identifies the same area as ‘Core Investment Opportunity Area’. The focus for the area is attracting inward investment to drive the South Warwickshire economy as well as encouraging inward investment in the most accessible parts of South Warwickshire. Indeed, the emerging South Warwickshire Economic Strategy confirms this area is likely to provide “the focus for attracting strategically significant inward investment to drive forward the South Warwickshire economy, whilst acknowledging national and local planning policies (e.g. Green Belt)”.
The SWLP preferred options also identifies the M40/A46 corridor as a Road Opportunity Area based on the West Midlands Strategic Employment Sites Study (WMSESS) which recommends the identification of 1-2 mixed/B8 sites (50-100ha each) and 1 B2 site (25ha) to deliver 125 ha of strategic employment i.e. sites of over 25 ha and largely dedicated to units of over 9,300sqm. This clearly recognises the potential of this corridor to play an enhanced role in delivering strategic economic growth in South Warwickshire.
SG13 is located close to the principal design and engineering centre for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Aston Martin Lagonda (AML). Within SG13 is 100ha of land specifically allocated for the expansion JLR and 5ha of land for the expansion of AML in the Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy under Policy CS.22 and policy GLH (Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath now known as “Upper Lighthorne Heath”).
To the north-east, beyond the existing JLR/AML sites, is Lighthorne Heath, a historically small village built to originally support RAF Gaydon which now comprises a mixture of private and social housing together with a 3000 dwelling new settlement.
731 homes are now occupied within the new settlement (December 2024) and therefore with a community quickly becoming established. Indeed, completions are taking place at a pace beyond that envisaged within the Core Strategy. This strong delivery accelerates the need to provide a wider range of jobs within the immediate locality to support the sustainable growth of the area.
The Core Strategy recognises the eventual sustainability and significance of Lighthorne Heath through the supporting text to policy CS.15, which confirms that;
“In terms of the settlement pattern across the District, the new settlements will become the equivalents of a Main Rural Centre and complement their role.”
The settlement hierarchy for Stratford-on-Avon District clearly recognises the transformative nature of this new settlement to the local area. It is therefore considered that given the existing and anticipated future rate of completions and the services and facilities now being delivered on the at the allocation, Lighthorne Heath should be considered as a Main Rural Centre within the settlement hierarchy, alongside Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Henley-in-Arden, Kineton, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Studley and Wellesbourne.
AML’s headquarters within Gaydon provide the main production facility together with research and development. Further to Aston Martin Lagonda’s presence, JLR operate their advanced design and engineering centre at Gaydon. The design and research centre and extensive test track facilities have been established over the last 30 years
The Site is therefore strategically positioned to drive significant inward investment within this ‘Core Economic Area’, supporting the automotive cluster whilst also increasing the provision of jobs, complimenting the role of Upper Lighthorne in the settlement hierarchy.
SO3: Providing infrastructure in the right place at the right time & S011: Connecting people to places
Significant investment has been made to highway infrastructure around J12 of the M40. Development at Junction 12 is there an appropriate location for employment development to come forward now as there is existing capacity on the highway network and delivery is not reliant on significant upgrades to the Junction. The SWLP recognises that significant upgrades would be required to facilitate the strategic employment growth options identified at Junction 13 (Land at Red House Farm) and 15 (Wedgnock Park Farm). This is not the case at J12 where the only major new investment in the medium / long term would be a new northern slip road onto the M40 that can be delivered on land within the full control of CEG and National Highways.
Proposals for the site could include a viable integrated transport network. Based on experience of large employment sites, these upgrades to existing transport connections are usually well received as they provide benefits over fixed time, fixed route buses in terms of convenience and linking bus journeys to specific destinations.
An improved service will have wider benefits beyond the proposed development itself in terms of providing additional public transport opportunities that are arguably more convenient than fixed route / fixed time buses, for a wider population in this area of Warwickshire. Transport initiatives are much more viable within the context of a concentrated critical mass of employment such as at Junction 12, Gaydon.
SO4: Developing opportunities for jobs
The site would generate significant local employment of significant benefit to the local economy. The jobs created would make a significant contribution to the Stratford-on-Avon economy, provide a number of employment opportunities and help the economy to diversify. Securing these employment opportunities is critical, particularly following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, Stratford-on-Avon District Council have suggested that the District has been the fourth most adversely affected authority from COVID. The jobs created as a result will help the economy to recover. It should also be stated that the Government, since being elected in July 2024, have placed an important new emphasis on growth and economic development with this being their number 1 mission for the next parliamentary term.
It is evident from the HEDNA that there has been a shortfall in the supply of B8 floorspace within the District. The provision of further flexible space that is capable of providing space for storage and distribution (B8 use) alongside General Industrial (B2) will help to provide jobs that will help to diversify and strengthen the local economy.
At a national level the logistics sector has played an important role in providing jobs and underpinning economic growth, it has seen job growth at a higher rate than across the economy as a whole. Furthermore, as technological advancements have continued there has been a greater focus on the use of innovative, cutting-edge technology which has resulted in considerably higher skilled jobs than may have been the case previously. This has been confirmed through the Department for Transport “Future of Freight” report published in June 2022 which states:
“Since 2010, the number of jobs in transport and storage has grown by 26% compared to only 14% across the whole economy. There is increasing sophistication of roles in the sector with Professional and Associate Professional and Technical roles increasing by 331,000 since 2010. Meanwhile in 2021, the number of UK businesses classified as transport and storage was 88% higher than in 2011, with fastest growth in the Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and The Humber”
Further to the above, in terms of skills, The British Property Federation’s (BPF) “Levelling up - The Logic of Logistics” report published in 2022 reports substantial growth in technical and professional roles (+331,000) in the sector over the last decade.
In terms of B8 uses, examples of the type of jobs that will be provided on Site are set out below which are in addition to the jobs associated with class B2 and class e (g) (ii) and (iii):
•
Supply chain design and planning;
•
Procurement and supply management;
•
Warehouse design and management;
•
Distribution network design and management; and
•
Inventory management and control.
The importance of logistics to the automotive sector should not be understated. The automotive industry heavily relies on automotive logistics to manage the complex supply chain involved in the production and delivery of vehicles. In this regard, they are considered synonymous and provision of B8 in this location would support existing sectors, particularly the automotive cluster at Gaydon which is identified as a core opportunity sector within the SWES.
SO8: Protecting and enhancing our heritage and cultural assets and SO12: Protecting and enhancing our environmental assets
The SWLP ensures that appropriate environmental considerations have been made when considering and assessing the options to accommodate future development. The site can also be delivered without causing significant impact on environmental assets. There are no ecologically important sites within or adjacent to the site, it lies entirely within Flood Zone 1; although there is a small area of the site to the north which is susceptible to surface water flooding. This can be satisfactorily mitigated through design, layout and specific drainage design. Development can be delivered to secure the mandatory levels of biodiversity net gain (BNG), and mitigation for any protected species, should any be discovered, can be secured in any future planning application.

Yes

ID sylw: 108038

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: CEG Land Promotion III (UK) Limited

Asiant : Nexus Planning

CEG supports the Plan’s Vision and objectives, which determine how development will be delivered. CEG’s proposals for land east of Gaydon are considered against each of these principles to demonstrate how the site’s development can help to achieve the vision.
A climate resilient and Net Zero Carbon South Warwickshire – The J12 Proposals will contribute to a low carbon and climate resilient development from construction to occupation through sustainable materials and construction techniques, renewable energy measures, sustainable drainage systems within a comprehensive blue-green infrastructure network and mobility strategy. As set out within the Sustainability Statement that accompanied the planning application, development of the site will seek to ensure:
•
Buildings will be designed to reduce carbon emissions in accordance with anticipated changes to the Building Regulations through the use of energy hierarchy, using a fabric first approach to design to reduce energy demand, helping mitigate the effects of climate change;
•
The development will achieve a minimum BREEAM standard of 'Very Good', and exceed this where viable; and
•
Buildings designed to take into account increasing annual temperatures set out in the UKCP18 climate projections to minimise the risk of overheating.
Moreover, the site is situated in a sustainable location being strategically placed next to the new settlement Lighthorne Heath, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Aston Martin Lagonda (AML). Furthermore, the site provides the opportunity to introduce an integrated transport network including the provision of demand response transport (DRT), which could be funded through Section 106 contributions. This will influence and change travel behaviour of commuters to and from the site and neighbouring sites such as that of JLR, and to benefit from new and existing residents in the vicinity of the site i.e., within Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath.
To summarise, the site can improve existing infrastructure and generally promote a culture of change towards active travel which in turn aids the climate resilience of South Warwickshire.
A well-designed and beautiful South Warwickshire – Development at the site, as evidenced by the planning application documentation, could provide a mix of commercial units all designed to the highest standard. Moreover, the J12 Proposals could include a publicly accessible parkland and provide substantial landscape areas, enhancing visual and physical connections.
A healthy, safe and inclusive South Warwickshire – Development within the site provides the opportunity to provide an accessible parkland which will provide health and wellbeing benefits through the provision of more
recreational space for the surrounding area including the residents of Gaydon and employees of the surrounding employment. This will help to foster a cohesive working environment which will support health and wellbeing.
A well-connected South Warwickshire - The site is located in an inherently sustainable location for commercial development. The M40 provides a direct route to Banbury to the south-east and Warwick to the north-west. Banbury benefits from a railway station as does Warwick. There are two bus stops along the B4100 adjacent to the Site that provide services to Temple Herdewyke, Avon Dassett, Leamington Spa, Milverton and Banbury Town Centre.
A biodiverse and environmentally resilient South Warwickshire – As demonstrated through the planning application for the site, a 10% Biodiversity net gain can be achieved on site. The accompanying illustrative landscape masterplan for the site will retain existing landscape features including hedgerows and tree belts and, in addition, shows a considerable biodiversity parkland, public parkland, and a network of swales.
SWLP Strategic Objectives
The Plan includes 12 strategic objectives which reflect the area’s social, environmental and economic issues. Where relevant, CEG provide comment below on how development at land east of Gaydon can help to meet the Plan’s objectives:
SO1: Providing sustainable levels of growth in the area
The Core Strategy recognises the importance of the area, specifically stating that:
“The Gaydon Site is a key economic asset within the District and the wider region, employing several thousand people, together with indirect employment in relation to logistics and suppliers. The site is located adjacent to an established highway network, including the M40 which is an important transport gateway into Coventry and Warwickshire.”
The importance of this location is further reflected in both the emerging SWLP and the December 2023 and South Warwickshire Economic Strategy. The SWLP Preferred Options document identifies the Gaydon Area/M40 Junction 12 as a Major Investment Site which sits within a wider ‘Economic Core Opportunity Area’. This area includes Gaydon and the M40 corridor and comprises the main towns of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Whitnash, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, the A46 corridor, the University of Warwick’s two campuses, Long Marston Garden Village and Rail Innovation Centre and Stoneleigh Park.
Draft Policy Direction 13 of the SWLP also confirms the area will be the focus for new employment development in the South Warwickshire Area, building on existing employment hubs, harnessing the potential offered by co-locating businesses and research facilities and support the strategy for attracting significant inward investment to the area. The South Warwickshire Economic Strategy identifies the same area as ‘Core Investment Opportunity Area’. The focus for the area is attracting inward investment to drive the South Warwickshire economy as well as encouraging inward investment in the most accessible parts of South Warwickshire. Indeed, the emerging South Warwickshire Economic Strategy confirms this area is likely to provide “the focus for attracting strategically significant inward investment to drive forward the South Warwickshire economy, whilst acknowledging national and local planning policies (e.g. Green Belt)”.
The SWLP preferred options also identifies the M40/A46 corridor as a Road Opportunity Area based on the West Midlands Strategic Employment Sites Study (WMSESS) which recommends the identification of 1-2 mixed/B8 sites and 1 B2 site to deliver 125 ha of strategic employment i.e. sites of over 25 ha and largely dedicated to units of over 9,300sqm. This clearly recognises the potential of this corridor to play an enhanced role in delivering strategic economic growth in South Warwickshire.
SG13 is located close to the principal design and engineering centre for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Aston Martin Lagonda (AML). Directly to the north-east of the Site is 100ha of land specifically allocated for the expansion JLR in
the Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy under Policy CS.22 and policy GLH (Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath now known as “Upper Lighthorne Heath”).
To the north-east, beyond the JLR/AML site, is Lighthorne Heath, a historically small village built to originally support RAF Gaydon which now comprises a mixture of private and social housing together with a 3000 dwelling new settlement.
731 homes are now occupied within the new settlement (December 2024) and therefore with a community quickly becoming established. Indeed, completions are taking place at a pace beyond that envisaged within the Core Strategy. This strong delivery accelerates the need to provide a wider range of jobs within the immediate locality to support the sustainable growth of the area.
The Core Strategy recognises the eventual sustainability and significance of Lighthorne Heath through the supporting text to policy CS.15, which confirms that;
“In terms of the settlement pattern across the District, the new settlements will become the equivalents of a Main Rural Centre and complement their role.”
The settlement hierarchy for Stratford-on-Avon District clearly recognises the transformative nature of this new settlement to the local area. It is therefore considered that given the existing and anticipated future rate of completions and the services and facilities now being delivered on the at the allocation, Lighthorne Heath should be considered as a Main Rural Centre within the settlement hierarchy, alongside Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Henley-in-Arden, Kineton, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Studley and Wellesbourne.
AML’s headquarters within Gaydon provide the main production facility together with research and development. Further to Aston Martin Lagonda’s presence, JLR operate their advanced design and engineering centre at Gaydon. The design and research centre and extensive test track facilities have been established over the last 30 years.
The Site is therefore strategically positioned to drive significant inward investment within this ‘Core Economic Area’, supporting the automotive cluster whilst also increasing the provision of jobs, complimenting the role of Upper Lighthorne in the settlement hierarchy.
SO3: Providing infrastructure in the right place at the right time & S011: Connecting people to places
Significant investment has been made to highway infrastructure around J12 of the M40. Development at Junction 12 is there an appropriate location for employment development to come forward now as there is existing capacity on the highway network and delivery is not reliant on significant upgrades to the Junction. The SWLP recognises that significant upgrades would be required to facilitate the strategic employment growth options identified at Junction 13 (Land at Red House Farm) and 15 (Wedgnock Park Farm). This is not the case at J12 where the only major new investment in the medium / long term would be a new northern slip road onto the M40 that can be delivered on land within the full control of CEG and National Highways.
The application for the J12 Proposals sets out that the proposed development will introduce an integrated transport network including the provision of DRT, which would be funded through Section 106 contributions. Whilst this is specific for the planning application it demonstrates that commercial development in this location can support innovative sustainable transportation initiatives.
DRT can provide a modern, user-orientated form of public transport, with flexible routing, pick-up and drop-off locations, and timetabling matched to passenger needs. DRT is typically app based and can provide a convenient, flexible service. DRT vehicles are typically executive minibus services with air conditioning, WiFi, and table seats within a wide area, providing timely and convenient services connecting the site to local employment areas and public transport hubs.
Based on experience of large employment sites, DRT proposals are usually well received as they provide benefits over fixed time, fixed route buses in terms of convenience and linking bus journeys to specific destinations. For example, DRT works well with shift patterns starting / finishing at unsociable hours of the day when traditional
public transport services would be infrequent as in the case with this site. DRT would provide future employees with an alternative transport option in the region compared to the fixed time, fixed route buses and has the potential for wider benefits locally with DRT schemes typically operating within a 15-20 km radius.
A DRT service will have wider benefits beyond the proposed development itself in terms of providing additional public transport opportunities that are arguably more convenient than fixed route / fixed time buses, for a wider population in this area of Warwickshire. DRT is also well suited to shift patterns specifically related to the proposed development. The site masterplan includes an area for a bus to turn within the site and this provides a central pickup location without any blocking of the internal roads. Developer funding is proposed to support the operation of the DRT service. Transport initiatives such as DRT are much more viable within the context of a concentrated critical mass of employment such as at Junction 12, Gaydon.
SO4: Developing opportunities for jobs
The site would generate significant local employment of significant benefit to the local economy. Economic modelling undertaken in support of the planning application for the J12 Proposals has confirmed that the development of the site could generate in the region of 1,786 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs on site. The approximate operational economic output (GVA) is estimated at £394 million. This would make a significant contribution to the Stratford-on-Avon economy, provide a number of employment opportunities and help the economy to diversify. Securing these employment opportunities is critical, particularly following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, Stratford-on-Avon District Council have suggested that the District has been the fourth most adversely affected authority from COVID. The jobs created as a result of the Proposed Development will help the economy to recover. It should also be stated that the Government, since being elected in July 2024, have placed an important new emphasis on growth and economic development with this being their number 1 mission for the next parliamentary term.
It is evident from the HEDNA that there has been a shortfall in the supply of B8 floorspace within the District. The provision of further flexible space that is capable of providing space for storage and distribution (B8 use) alongside General Industrial (B2) will help to provide jobs to diversify and strengthen the local economy.
At a national level the logistics sector has played an important role in providing jobs, it has seen job growth at a higher rate than across the economy as a whole. Furthermore, as technological advancements have continued there has been a greater focus on the use of innovative, cutting-edge technology which has resulted in considerably higher skilled jobs than may have been the case previously. This has been confirmed through the Department for Transport “Future of Freight” report published in June 2022 which states:
“Since 2010, the number of jobs in transport and storage has grown by 26% compared to only 14% across the whole economy. There is increasing sophistication of roles in the sector with Professional and Associate Professional and Technical roles increasing by 331,000 since 2010. Meanwhile in 2021, the number of UK businesses classified as transport and storage was 88% higher than in 2011, with fastest growth in the Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and The Humber”
Further to the above, in terms of skills, The British Property Federation’s (BPF) “Levelling up - The Logic of Logistics” report published in 2022 reports substantial growth in technical and professional roles (+331,000) in the sector over the last decade.
It is anticipated that the site will provide approximately 1,786 direct full-time equivalent jobs based on the use classes proposed in the submitted planning application. In terms of B8 uses, examples of the type of jobs that will be provided on Site are set out below which are in addition to the jobs associated with class B2 and class e (g) (ii) and (iii):
•
Supply chain design and planning;
•
Procurement and supply management;
•
Warehouse design and management;
•
Distribution network design and management; and
•
Inventory management and control.
The importance of logistics to the automotive sector should not be understated. The automotive industry heavily relies on automotive logistics to manage the complex supply chain involved in the production and delivery of vehicles. In this regard, they are considered synonymous and provision of B8 in this location would support existing sectors, particularly the automotive cluster at Gaydon which is identified as a core opportunity sector within the SWES.
SO8: Protecting and enhancing our heritage and cultural assets and SO12: Protecting and enhancing our environmental assets
The SWLP ensures that appropriate environmental considerations have been made when considering and assessing the options to accommodate future development. The site can also be delivered without causing significant impact on environmental assets. There are no ecologically important sites within or adjacent to the site, it lies entirely within Flood Zone 1; although there is a small area of the site to the north which is susceptible to surface water flooding. This can be satisfactorily mitigated through design, layout and specific drainage design. Development be delivered to secure the mandatory levels of biodiversity net gain (BNG), and mitigation for any protected species, should any be discovered, can be secured in any future planning application.

Other

ID sylw: 108057

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Seven Homes

Asiant : Pegasus Group

These representations broadly support the vision. It reflects Paragraph 7 of the NPPF which states that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to sustainable development. The overarching principles do not align with the vision. None of them refer to delivery of homes and jobs which are key to sustainable development. Reference must be made to this to then feed into the Strategic Objectives which do reference housing and employment. The selected spatial growth strategy, ‘Sustainable Travel and Economy’ should be referred to and woven into the other principles.

The vision and first principle strongly emphasizes the climate emergency. While generally supported this should not dominate the vision and strategic objectives to the detriment of delivery of development to meet identified needs. The second principle refers to a beautiful south Warwickshire. This is supported and Paragraph 131 of the NPPF makes reference to beauty but this needs to be defined and supported by guidance on what it means in practice.

The Strategic Objectives cover the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development as set out in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF and they are therefore considered consistent with national policy.

Yes

ID sylw: 108107

Derbyniwyd: 20/06/2025

Ymatebydd: William Davis Homes

Asiant : McLoughlin Planning

We support the identified Strategic Objectives at Section 3.2 of the PO Consultation. In particular, we support the identification of the delivery of homes to meet community needs at Strategic Objective 2. It is abundantly clear that housing delivery is of upmost importance to the Government, with the Deputy Prime Minister pointing to our being “in the middle of the most acute housing crisis in living memory”.

Other

ID sylw: 108184

Derbyniwyd: 27/02/2025

Ymatebydd: St Philips

Asiant : Lichfields (Birmingham)

2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) [NPPF] sets out the Government’s
framework within which locally prepared plans can provide for sufficient housing and other
development in a sustainable manner (Para 1). It goes on to state that:
“The planning system should be genuinely plan-led. Succinct and up-to-date plans should
provide a positive vision for the future of each area; a framework for meeting housing
needs and addressing other economic, social and environmental priorities; and a
platform for local people to shape their surroundings.” (Para 15) (Emphasis Added)
2.2 In this regard, the PO sets out the SWA’s proposed Vision for South Warwickshire over the
plan period, alongside Strategic Objectives and how individual policies will contribute
towards addressing the Vision. In general, St Philips broadly support the SWA’s proposed
Vision and Strategic Objectives, as they align with the key tenets of sustainable
development in the NPPF.
2.3 However, St Philips is disappointed to see that the SWAs have omitted the previous
reference to addressing the unmet housing needs of neighbouring authorities from the
Vision, which was set out in the Issues and Options [IO] consultation. The NPPF is clear
that planning policies should as a minimum, provide for objectively assessed needs for
housing and other uses, as well as any needs that cannot be met within neighbouring areas
(Para 11b) (i.e. meet their own needs in full, and any other unmet needs from neighbouring
authorities). Furthermore, paragraph 24 reemphasises that local planning authorities
[LPAs] continue to be under a duty to cooperate [DtC].
2.4 The NPPF is clear that for a Local Plan to be found sound, it must be ‘positively prepared’,
which means that it must provide a “strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the
area’s objectively assessed needs; and is informed by agreements with other authorities,
so that unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is practical to do
so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development” (Para 35a). Crucially, as the
Vision and Strategic Objectives inform the policies within the SWLP, for the SWLP to be
‘positively prepared’ both the Vision and Strategic Objectives should set out a positive
approach to addressing unmet housing needs.
2.5 In light of the above, and as discussed in detail below, there is a large quantum of unmet
housing needs arising in the Greater Birmingham and Black Country Housing Market Area
[GBBCHMA] – which the SWAs are part of – the SWLP will need to make provision for
these needs in part. At present, St Philips considers that the Vision does not place much
emphasis – or any at all – on contributing towards addressing the housing shortfall
challenges within GBBCHMA, despite a requirement under the NPPF to seek to address
them. To ensure the SWLP sets out a positive Vision, St Philips considers it should make
reference to the SWLP’s role in addressing this critical cross-boundary issue.
2.6 Equally, Strategic Objective 2 (Delivering homes that meet the needs of all our
communities) does not include any reference to addressing the unmet housing needs of
neighbouring authorities. Whilst it is noted that PO does, in Draft Policy Direction 4
(Accommodating Growth Needs Arising from Outside South Warwickshire), acknowledge
that the SWLP may need to assist in meeting these unmet housing needs, it fails to
recognise the acuteness and seriousness of this situation in Strategic Objective 2. Again,
Strategic Objective 2 should refer to the SWLP’s role in addressing these critical crossboundary issues, or as a Strategic Objective in its own right.

Other

ID sylw: 108267

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Spitfire Homes

Asiant : Harris Lamb

We broadly support the Vision and Strategic Objectives included within the draft SWLP. Spitfire Homes are, however, concerned that these objectives may not be realised through the plan making process.

Yes

ID sylw: 108309

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: CEG Land Promotion III (UK) Limited and Mixed Farms

Asiant : Nexus Planning

CEG and Mixed Farms support the Plan’s Vision and objectives, which determine how development will be
delivered. The CEG and Mixed Farms proposals for East of Stratford-upon-Avon are considered against each of
these principles to demonstrate how the site’s development can help to achieve the vision.
A climate resilient and Net Zero Carbon South Warwickshire – The proposed development at the site will
contribute to a low carbon and climate resilient development from construction to occupation through
sustainable materials and construction techniques, renewable energy measures, sustainable drainage systems
within a comprehensive blue-green infrastructure network and mobility strategy. Furthermore, in taking
advantage of two key attributes, size (strategic growth) and location (on the edge of one of the largest and most
sustainable settlements in South Warwickshire), the site off Banbury Road will include numerous measures and
strategies to encourage local living and support the initiative of 15-minute neighbourhoods.
A Transport Note prepared by Vectos and appended to these representations at Appendix 1 outlines how the site
can contribute to climate resilience through:
 Creation of critical mass to allow good levels of internal living and enhancing existing communities;
 Making use of the excellent existing facilities for travel choice into Stratford-upon-Avon by active travel
modes;
 Placing cycling and walking at the highest priority, followed by public transport;
 Placing development in an area close to existing and emerging employment options accessible by walking,
cycling and public transport;
 Proposing improvements to public transport infrastructure;
 Providing future proofed development which is adaptable to meet the demands of electric and/or
hydrogen vehicles;
 Promoting local living and 15-minute neighbourhoods where people can meet their everyday needs
within a short walk or cycle;
 Creation of mobility hubs with facilities to encourage use for charging of electric vehicles, cycle parking,
remote working, carpooling and leisure.
The site can improve existing infrastructure and generally promote a culture of change towards active travel
which in turn aids the climate resilience of South Warwickshire.
A well-designed and beautiful South Warwickshire – Development at the site will provide for a mix of housing
types and tenures to encourage diverse and intergenerational communities; it will deliver both physical and social
infrastructure to benefit existing and future residents and support the growth of the town as a whole; create
homes with gardens that combine the best of town and country to create healthy communities; and, where
possible, retain and enhance existing landscape features including hedgerows and tree belts.
A healthy, safe and inclusive South Warwickshire - The site will create a development premised on a walkable
garden community, providing both a range of housing to meet identified needs, and community facilities, focused
around a mixed use centre with primary school, convenience and community facilities, mobility hub and potential
for live/work community hubs supporting both the development and surrounding villages. This will be set within a
substantial green infrastructure network which will allow enjoyment of the opportunities created and lead to
increased physical and mental health.
The sustainable travel initiatives set out within the Transport Note will help to foster a sense of community,
activating streets through cycling and walking creating a safe environment of active residents. Through the
proposals to create a substantial green infrastructure network, the community will be attractive for residents and
visitors to pursue active travel opportunities in a pleasant and safe environment.
A well-connected South Warwickshire - The site will take advantage of the excellent existing facilities for travel
choice into Stratford-upon-Avon by active travel and public transport modes and enhance these routes where
needed through careful design and investment in sustainable infrastructure which will promote longevity. This
means that the site can place walking and cycling at the highest priority, followed by travel by public transport,
and develop a community where there is little reliance on the private car and increased reliance on active and
public transport modes.
A biodiverse and environmentally resilient South Warwickshire – The conceptual framework for the site,
attached at Appendix 2 shows the retention of existing landscape features including hedgerows and tree belts
and, in addition, shows a considerable biodiversity parkland, public parkland, and a network of swales. The site
can be developed whilst delivering a 10% net gain of biodiversity in accordance with the requirements of the
Environment Act.
The 12 Strategic Objectives
In addition, the Plan includes 12 strategic objectives which reflect the area’s social, environmental and economic
issues. Where relevant, CEG and Mixed Farms provide comment below on how development at South East
Stratford-upon-Avon can help to meet the Plan’s objectives:
• SO1: Providing sustainable levels of growth in the area; and
• SO6: Contributing towards Net Zero Carbon targets.
The site is located on the edge of one of the principal and most sustainable settlements in South Warwickshire,
and one of the Urban Areas of the Plan area as shown on Figure 5 of the SWLP. It benefits from easy access to a
range of services and facilities. Critically, the entirety of the site lies outside of the Green Belt, is not subject to any
landscape designations, is located within Flood Zone 1 and does not contain any designated heritage assets.
The NPPF sets out at paragraph 145 that ‘…Green Belt boundaries should only be altered where exceptional
circumstances are fully evidenced through the preparation or updating of plans.’
For plan-makers to reach a point where exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated, paragraph 146 confirms
that this can include ‘…instances where an authority cannot meet its identified need for homes, commercial or
other development through other means’
And at paragraph 147 ‘Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt
boundaries, the strategic policy-making authority should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all
other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development.’
This assessment of whether all other reasonable options have been examined will take account, according to
paragraph 147, of whether the strategy:
“a) makes as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land;
b) optimises the density of development in line with the policies in chapter 11 of this Framework, including
whether policies promote a significant uplift in minimum density standards in town and city centres and other
locations well served by public transport; and
c) has been informed by discussions with neighbouring authorities about whether they could accommodate some
of the identified need for development, as demonstrated through the statement of common ground.”
The NPPF clearly sets out a sequential approach to allocating land for development within the Green Belt –
essentially dictating that utilising Green Belt land should be a ‘last resort’, where there are no other options to
accommodate the required growth, or that non-Green Belt land including land classified as Grey Belt, is not
abundant enough to meet growth requirements – as set by the Standard Method – in full. CEG consider the
sequential approach to be particularly relevant in relation to Stratford-upon-Avon, given the availability of
sustainably located land (SG19) outside of the Green Belt.
The site is located adjacent to and north of the A422 Banbury Road and would form a natural extension to the
existing residential area to the east of Stratford-upon-Avon. It benefits from having direct frontage along the A422
thus enabling a new junction to be accommodated to access the development which links into existing footways.
A number of local facilities including Bridgetown Primary School, recreational pitches, convenience food stores,
pharmacies are in the immediate vicinity of the site. The town centre of Stratford-upon-Avon offering a range of
high street retailers, restaurants and leisure facilities is within 2km of the site. Local buses travel along A422
Banbury Road as well as A4390 Trinity Way. Local bus stops are within an acceptable walking distance from the
site along Banbury Road making public transport a genuine option for travel.
Further, given the scale of potential growth a viable public transport strategy can be delivered as set out by the
Transport Note, which outlines the potential for Demand Responsive Transport (DRT), a flexible service which
allows residents to book a journey using an on-demand bus service, diversion of an existing bus service (15) into
the site; or providing a new bus service to serve the site and local area to further enhance the site’s sustainability
and provide wider public benefits.
The site benefits from excellent pedestrian infrastructure with continuous footways on both sides of A422
Banbury Road into Stratford-upon-Avon. Similarly, both A422 Banbury Road and the A4390 Trinity Way provide
cycle infrastructure in the form of on-carriageway cycle lanes (A422) and a shared traffic-free cycleway/footway
on the norther side of the A4390. The shared route extends from the roundabout junction with A422 Banbury
Road to the immediate west of the site to the roundabout of the A4300/Severn Meadows Rd roundabout further
west. The site is therefore in a highly sustainable position that benefits from excellent public transport linkages.
The site’s location outside the Green Belt, adjacent to a principal urban area and with a lack of constraints ensures
that it lies in a geographical location where the SWLP objective to promote sustainable growth can be met.
• SO2: Delivering homes that meet the needs of all our communities; and
• SO10: Improving the health, safety and quality of life of our communities.
Development at SG19 – East of Stratford-upon-Avon would deliver approximately 1,200 new market and
affordable homes in a variety of types and tenures to assist the area in meeting its housing needs.
• SO3: Providing infrastructure in the right place at the right time; and
• SO11: Connecting people to places.
Development would help facilitate the delivery and provide financial contributions towards the Eastern Relief
Road (ERR) around Stratford-upon-Avon, as required. This would deliver significant social and economic benefits
locally and at the sub-regional level.
The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) published within the evidence base of the SWLP draws upon The Stratfordupon-
Avon Transport Strategy confirming at page 34 that ‘Stratford-upon-Avon frequently suffers from traffic
congestion, particularly during the morning and evening weekday peaks, as well as congestion associated with
tourist traffic, predominantly on summer weekends, bank holidays and during major events.’
Given that the SWLP has a remit of exploring strategic growth opportunities, it should comprehensively consider
the substantial benefits that can be delivered through large scale growth to the south east of Stratford-upon-
Avon, in particular supporting the delivery of the ERR, a strategic piece of infrastructure which would connect
Banbury Road to Wellesbourne Road, noting that paragraph 11a of the NPPF states that plans should positively
seek opportunities to meet the development needs of the area. As set out within the Transport Note, this
proposed ‘Movement Corridor’ will simplify journeys of all modes towards Wellesbourne, where major economic
growth is planned without adding further pressure to routes in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.
At Wellesbourne, only approximately 5km from the site, the University of Warwick propose an ‘innovation
campus’, the outline planning application was submitted in December 2024 supported by an adopted SPD for the
site If approved, this development will generate:
 4,113 full time operational jobs
 1,748 part time operational jobs
 314 temporary jobs during the construction phase
 £1.34 billion of operational gross value added
In addition, at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield, Gladman Developments Ltd have submitted an application for
aviation led development which would deliver general industrial, storage and distribution, commercial, research
and development and light industrial floorspace in addition to accommodation for airfield tenants. Overall,
165,000 sqm of employment floorspace is proposed and this would generate:
 Between 1,228 and 1,625 operational jobs
 217 temporary jobs during the construction phase
 Between £68.8 million and £91.1 million per year to the local economy
The opportunity to improve connections between the largest settlement in Stratford-on-Avon and the significant
economic investment and associated benefits at Wellesbourne can only be capitalised on through the allocation
of land East of Stratford-upon-Avon for development and subsequent delivery of the ‘Movement Corridor’
between Banbury Road and Wellesbourne Road, alongside the delivery of homes to meet the demand for
sustainable co-located employment and housing.
Development at SG19 – East of Stratford-upon-Avon could, if necessary, contribute towards expansion and
improvement to schools, healthcare, sports and community facilities and waste management. Improvements to
local utility facilities and infrastructure would also be required to facilitate development, benefitting both existing
and new residents.
 SO5: Making effective use of land and natural resources
The NPPF is clear that the priority is to make effective use of land in meeting the need for homes and other uses
in a way that prioritises previously developed land. However, the SWLP is clear at Section 4.1 (Spatial Growth
Strategy) that there is insufficient brownfield land available to meet the South Warwickshire’s growth
requirements and so it is important that the SWLP looks to accommodate growth on sustainable sites which are
capable of delivering housing growth in effective ways, minimising impacts on natural resources. One way of
achieving this is to allocate land in sustainable locations adjacent to well-located settlements offering an array of
services to future residents, such as Stratford-upon-Avon.
As set out earlier in the response to this question, the NPPF clearly sets out a sequential approach for plan-making
when selecting land for allocation. As the SWLP accepts, there is insufficient brownfield land available to meet
development needs (and CEG and Mixed Farms acknowledge it is likely that some Green Belt land will need to be
considered for allocation) it is important that before assessing and allocating Green Belt land, sustainably located
non-Green Belt options should be considered first.
Therefore, the site’s location outside the Green Belt, adjacent to a principal urban area and with a lack of
constraints ensures that it lies in a geographical location where the SWLP objective to make effective use of land
can be met.
 SO7: Creating attractive places
Development at East of Stratford-upon-Avon would be delivered in accordance with national and local planning
policies and guidance which seek to create attractive places. CEG and Mixed Farms are confident that a
sustainable and well-designed extension to Stratford-upon-Avon could be delivered through allocating a
comprehensive parcel of land to the South East of Stratford-upon-Avon, which would allow for placemaking
principles such as walkable neighbourhoods, designed character areas and green infrastructure to be fully
explored, as per NPPF paragraph 77 which states:
“The supply of large numbers of new homes can often be best achieved through planning for larger scale
development, such as new settlements or significant extensions to existing villages and towns, provided they are
well located and designed…”
CEG and Mixed Farms control the largest element of SG19 and this is beneficial for both placemaking and ease of
delivery, with no complex delivery agreements required to ensure that at least 1,200 dwellings can be delivered
on the site within a single ownership.
 SO8: Protecting and enhancing our heritage and cultural assets; and SO12: Protecting and enhancing our
environmental assets.
The SWLP ensures that appropriate environmental considerations have been made when considering and
assessing the options to accommodate future development. East of Stratford-upon-Avon, if allocated, can be
delivered alongside mitigation to ensure that heritage and cultural assets are sufficiently protected in line with
SO8. This is explored further in the response regarding the Interim SA.
CEG and Mixed Farms’ element of SG19 can be delivered without causing impact on environmental assets – there
are no ecologically important sites within or adjacent to the site, it lies entirely within Flood Zone 1; although
there is a small area of the site to the south which is susceptible to surface water flooding. This can be
satisfactorily mitigated through design, layout and specific drainage design. Development can be delivered to
secure the mandatory levels of biodiversity net gain (BNG), and mitigation for any protected species, should any
be discovered, can be secured via planning application in the future.
The detailed masterplanning of the layout, design and landscaping of a scheme on land controlled by CEG and
Mixed Farms in isolation ensure that any remaining impacts are suitably mitigated.

No

ID sylw: 108320

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: George Martin

Strategic objective 2: No mention of climate Change in terms of mitigation and adaptation. No mention of real net zero carbon, reducing the costs of energy bills and improving the health of occupants.

Strategic Objective 6: This is simply not true as the policies in this document will result in a net increase in carbon emissions. Emissions will result from regulated energy, unregulated energy (not yet taken account of) and embodied energy. Within the documents there is very little in terms of ensuring that new development does not cause a net increase in carbon emissions. In addition little is done to take positive action to achieve net zero.

Strategic objective 7: Within the current WDC plan there has been no attempt to promote a high standard of design in new developments. Within Warwick District we have ended up with boring ‘everywhere/anywhere housing’ promoted by developers who in the main employ architectural technicians and not architects. Where in the document is it apparent that the plan will indeed produce high standards of design, climate resilient, locally distinctive housing. What we do not want (I would argue) is housing that respects the poor and boring local character that has been built in the past few years.

Strategic Objective 10: I agree with the paragraph but would challenge in saying that these sentiments in terms of the occupants of buildings are not reflected in Section 7 of the document. The Passivhaus standard is the only standard that successfully deals with the health of occupants in terms of indoor air quality, comfort and acoustics.

Yes

ID sylw: 108330

Derbyniwyd: 23/06/2025

Ymatebydd: Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield

Asiant : Gladman Developments

Chapter 3 of the consultation document considers the vision and strategic objectives of the SWLP. We remain supportive in principle of the draft vision and strategic objectives of the SWLP, which together seek to deliver socially, economically and environmentally sustainable growth.

The acknowledgment of the important role jobs and economic growth plays in delivering sustainable
development is welcome. So too is the recognition for the need to develop and accommodate job opportunities that build upon the strong and diverse economy within Strategic Objective 4.

We thus consider the draft vision and strategic objectives to be appropriate. As part of the planmaking process, we would again, however, recommend that the Councils explore opportunities to link the vision and strategic objectives to tangible outcomes (e.g., delivery targets) to provide added clarity and meaning by which they can be measured.

No

ID sylw: 108331

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Caddick Land

Asiant : Stantec

No - Caddick Land do not support a two-part plan as it represents a failure of both Councils to properly grasp the difficult issues and decisions that need to be made in terms of allocating sites at the local level and delivering the development needs of South Warwickshire. In all likelihood, the deferral of these issues to a part-two plan will result in three to five years delay whilst any subsequent plan is prepared, submitted for examination and subsequently implemented. It is also an inefficient duplication of Council resources.

Deferring the allocation of sites does not reflect a positive approach to Plan making as required by chapter 3 of the NPPF.

Other

ID sylw: 108335

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Caddick Land

Asiant : Stantec

Caddick Land broadly supports the Vision and Strategic Objectives as laid out within the SWLP. However, it is submitted that Strategic Objective 2 (Delivering homes that meet the needs of all our communities) could be strengthened to make clear that the SWLP will also look to meet any unmet housing needs arising from neighbouring authorities within the Coventry and Warwickshire Housing Market Area.

Other

ID sylw: 108361

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mackenzie Miller Homes

Asiant : Lichfields (Birmingham)

generally, Mackenzie Miller Homes considers that the Vision and Strategic
Objectives are acceptable, more consideration and clarity are needed with respect to current
housing needs and unmet housing needs from the neighbouring authorities. The National
Planning Policy Framework (2024) [NPPF] states that:
“The planning system should be genuinely plan-led. Succinct and up-to-date plans should
provide a positive vision for the future of each area; a framework for meeting housing
needs and addressing other economic, social and environmental priorities; and a
platform for local people to shape their surroundings.” (Para 15) (Emphasis Added)
2.2 Therefore in this regard, Mackenzie Miller Homes notes that the Vision or Strategic
Objectives set out in the PO document do not place much emphasis on meeting the
District’s housing needs, nor the District’s role in contributing towards addressing the
housing shortfall challenges within the Coventry & Warwickshire Housing Market Area
[C&WHMA], in which both Stratford-on-Avon District Council [SOADC] and Warwickshire
District Council [WDC] are part of, or Greater Birmingham and Black Country Housing
Market Area [GBBCHMA], in which only SOADC is part of.
2.3 It is noted that later in the PO document ‘Draft Policy Direction 4 – Accommodating
Growth Needs Arising from Outside of South Warwickshire’ considers the unmet housing
need from the neighbouring areas and ‘Draft Policy Direction 1 – Meeting South
Warwickshire’s Sustainable Development’ sets out the direction of local housing need
[LHN] for South Warwickshire. However, Mackenzie Miller Homes considers that there
should be more emphasis placed on the unmet need within the Vision and Strategic
Objectives to ensure that the policies tie in with the Vision and Strategic Objectives for
South Warwickshire.
2.4 The NPPF is clear that “to support the Government’s objective of significantly boosting the
supply of homes, it is important that a sufficient amount and variety of land can come
forward where it is needed, that the needs of groups with specific housing requirements
are addressed” (Para 60).
2.5 Moreover, it states that for a Local Plan to be found sound, it must be ‘positively prepared’,
which means that it must provide a “strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the
area’s objectively assessed needs20; and is informed by agreements with other
authorities, so that unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is
practical to do so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development” (Para 36a).
2.6 The Government revised the NPPF in December 2024, which the emerging SWLP to 2050
must have regard to. In this context, the revised NPPF is clear that planning policies should
as a minimum, provide for objectively assessed needs for housing and other uses, as well as
any needs that cannot be met within neighbouring areas (Para 11b) (i.e. meet their own needs in full, and any other unmet needs from neighbouring authorities). Furthermore,
paragraph 24 reemphasises that local planning authorities [LPAs] continue to be under a
duty to cooperate [DtC].
2.7 The SWC’s have not identified the unmet need for neighbouring areas as part of their
Strategic Objectives and therefore due to revisions to the NPPF and given the shortfalls
emerging throughout the C&WHMA and GBBCHMA, discussed later in this document,
Mackenzie Miller Homes strongly considers that to have a positively prepared Vision for the
District over the plan period, the Councils should include reference to meeting the housing
needs of its residents, alongside contributing in meeting the unmet housing needs of the
C&WHMA and GBBCHMA.

Other

ID sylw: 108387

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Alscot Estate

Asiant : Jonathan Thompson Land & Consultancy Limited

We support the proposed vision which responds to key facets of sustainable development in line with the NPPF. The principles align with our client’s aspiration to deliver sustainable, high quality and healthy places. Given the nation’s housing crisis, wording should be included to emphasise the importance of meeting the significant demand for housing. Tenures and sizes should address identified needs and affordability. The needs of existing businesses and their aspirations for growth should be accommodated. Meeting local housing and business needs in rural areas may require land adjacent to or beyond existing settlements, even if these are not well served by public transport (see NPPF Paragraph 89).

The Estate supports the 12 strategic objectives with the following additional commentary

Objective 1: The preferred development strategy aligns with this. We agree sustainable and proportionate growth should be located in areas with good transport connections. Larger-scale growth, such as new settlements, ensures a large supply of dwellings and employment land can be delivered in one go.

Objective 4: We wish to add that employment opportunities should be recognised in both urban and rural areas. Consideration should be given to NPPF Paragraphs 88 and 89 of the NPPF, which support a prosperous rural economy.

Objective 6: The Estate themselves have a 47-acre site for delivering biodiversity net gains and support the importance of conserving and enhancing the natural environment.

Objective 7: The Estate wishes to emphasise its deep-rooted sensitivity to the creation of an attractive landscape and countryside encompassing the villages of Preston on Stour, Atherstone on Stour, Clifford Chambers and Alderminster. This natural resource has been improved by nine successive generations of the same family. The Estate recognises the importance of creating high-quality, beautiful and sustainable developments that respect local character, as reflected in NPPF Paragraph 131.

Objective 8: The large rural estate owned by the Estate includes many heritage assets. The Estate understand the importance of conserving and enhancing the historic significance of such assets. New uses should be found where viable to ensure future longevity of heritage assets, which in turn helps Warwickshire retain its cultural heritage whilst enhancing its beauty.

Objective 11: The Estate wish to add that promotion of sustainable transport solutions should have regard to whether the site is in an urban or rural location. Opportunities for sustainable transport solutions in rural areas vary compared to urban areas. This should be taken into account in the preparation of this Local Plan. It is not unusual to support the growth of rural areas, as advocated by Paragraphs 82-84, 88 and 89 of the NPPF.

Yes

ID sylw: 108425

Derbyniwyd: 04/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Landowner Site A1

Asiant : Morgan Elliot Planning

Support objectives 1-12

Yes

ID sylw: 108506

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: The Bird Group

Asiant : Framptons

The Bird Group are generally supportive of the Strategic Objectives, which will address the key strategic challenges and opportunities that have arisen since the Stratford on Avon Core Strategy was adopted in 2016.

Yes

ID sylw: 108520

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bevan Family

Asiant : Stantec

The Bevan Family broadly agrees with the principles and objectives set out within Chapter 3 of the SWLP.
This chapter also sets out the key strategic objectives that the Plan looks to follow which will help the future growth of the region. The Bevan Family is largely in agreement with the strategic objectives set out. Key to The Bevan Family interest at the Land South of Westwood Heath Road is Strategic Objective 2 which outlines the following:
“Strategic Objective 2: Delivering homes that meet the needs of all our communities (related to overarching principle - A well designed and beautiful South Warwickshire) Meeting South Warwickshire’s current and future housing need. Allowing growth in new homes that meet the diverse needs of our residents, including affordable, student, specialist and self and custom build housing along with the accommodation needs of our gypsy and traveller and travelling show people communities.”
Bloor Homes fully endorses this policy, recognising its importance in facilitating the effective delivery of housing throughout the communities in South Warwickshire. The demand for housing continues to rise, not only within this jurisdiction but also in adjacent authorities. Consequently, The Bevan Family requests that neighbouring authorities be acknowledged in this context as well.

No

ID sylw: 108560

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Corbally Group (Harbury) Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

Vision

Five overarching principles for the plan which are pursuant to the vision are listed. Notably, these do not fully align with the draft vision, and this must be addressed. Indeed, none of the principles refer to the delivery of “homes and įobs”, despite the provision of new housing and economic growth being key to the achievement of sustainable development, as highlighted in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF. In order to ensure that the vision and its five principles are positively prepared and consistent with national policy, which emphasises the importance of planning to meet an area’s objectively assessed needs, it is imperative for reference to be made to this, to then feed into the Strategic Objectives which follow. These do reference housing and employment (SO 1, 2, and 4), but have no direct link to the five principles as drafted.

The selected spatial growth strategy, ‘Sustainable Travel and Economy’, should also be referred to, and woven into the other principles, as this strategy is now a fundamental part of the SWLP and the vision for South Warwickshire, which will shape the strategic objectives and policies in the plan.

The vision and first of the five principles place a significant emphasis on responding to the climate emergency. Although this is supported in general, it is important that this does not dominate the Vision and Strategic Objectives of the SWLP to the detriment of delivering a balanced, sustainable strategy which achieves the delivery of development to meet identified needs.
The second principle refers to creating a “beautiful” South Warwickshire. Whilst this aspiration is supported, and there is some reference to “beauty” within national policy, including in Paragraph 131 of the NPPF, there is concern that this is poorly defined and will need to be supported by more detailed guidance on what beauty means in practice.

Strategic Objectives

The twelve Strategic Objectives are comprehensive, covering the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development set out in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF. It is thus considered that they are consistent with national policy.

Other

ID sylw: 108609

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Kiely Bros Holdings Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

Vision
3.1.
The draft vision for the SWLP Part 1 seeks to “meet South Warwickshire’s sustainable development needs and strengthen local communities”. The vision goes on to state that the plan will provide “homes and jobs, boost and diversify the local economy, and provide appropriate infrastructure, in suitable locations, at the right time”. These representations are broadly supportive of the vision as presented, as this accords with NPPF §7, which states that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
3.2.
Five overarching principles for the plan which are pursuant to the vision are then listed. Notably, these do not fully align with the draft vision, and this must be addressed. Indeed, none of the principles refer to the delivery of “homes and jobs”, despite the provision of new housing and economic growth being key to the achievement of sustainable development, as highlighted in NPPF §8. In order to ensure that the vision and its five principles are positively prepared and consistent with national policy, which emphasises the importance of planning to meet an area’s objectively assessed needs, it is imperative for reference to be made to this, to then feed into the Strategic Objectives which follow. These do reference housing and employment (SO 1, 2, and 4), but have no direct link to the five principles as drafted.
3.3.
The selected spatial growth strategy, ‘Sustainable Travel and Economy’, should also be referred to, and woven into the other principles, as this strategy is now a fundamental part of the SWLP and the vision for South Warwickshire, which will shape the strategic objectives and policies in the plan.
3.4.
The vision and first of the five principles place a significant emphasis on responding to the climate emergency. Although this is supported and it aligns with the Government’s aspirations for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 (NPPF §161), it is also important that this does not dominate the Vision and Strategic Objectives of the SWLP to the detriment of securing a balanced, sustainable strategy which achieves the delivery of development to meet identified needs.
3.5.
The second principle refers to creating a ‘beautiful’ South Warwickshire. Whilst this aspiration is supported, and there is some reference to ‘beauty’ within national policy (NPPF §131), there
March 2025 | AG/KF | P23-1274 6
is concern that this is poorly defined and will need to be supported by more detailed
guidance on what beauty means in practice.
Strategic Objectives
3.6.
The twelve Strategic Objectives are comprehensive, covering the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development set out in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF. It is thus considered that they are consistent with national policy. The Preferred Options Sustainability Appraisal (SA) (December 2024) finds that the Strategic Objectives will have negligible, minor positive, and major positive impacts on all SA Objectives.