3. The Vision & key Objectives of the Core Strategy

At the heart of the Core Strategy are its vision and its key objectives. These are important as they will set out clearly and succinctly what is most important about the Core Strategy. What are the most important things that it is trying to achieve? What are key priorities for the communities that make up Warwick District?

The Vision

The Warwick District Local Plan has a vision which is set out on its first page. This vision was also contained within the first two Community Plans which were prepared for Warwick District (the "Community Plan 2001-2003" and "Warwick 2020"). This vision was:-

As the Core Strategy and the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) are prepared in tandem, we want to take the opportunity to review this vision. Following the "Visioning Event" which took place in June 2007 (see above) to launch the Core Strategy and SCS, the following suggested vision has been proposed for further consideration.

We would value your comments on this vision.

The key objectives of the Core Strategy

Following on from identifying a vision for the Core Strategy is the issue of what are our key objectives. What are the key priority objectives that should be guiding the policies of the Core Strategy?

The Warwick District Local Plan contains a series of key objectives. These were developed as the Local Plan was refined following two public consultations in 2003 and 2005. They form the basis upon which the policies in the Local Plan have been developed. We believe that it is useful to use these as a starting point for the Core Strategy, however we are keen to know whether you (a) still support these, (b) would wish them to be changed in any way and (c) feel that any further new objectives should be added.

The suggested objectives for the Council as we develop the Core Strategy are as follows:-

1. Maintaining a vibrant and prosperous district

   1. To maintain high levels of economic growth, including the regeneration of deprived areas
   2. To maintain and enhance our town centres
   3. To promote sustainable tourism
   4. To support rural communities

2. Protecting the District's key assets

   5. To protect and make best use of land
   6. To protect and enhance green spaces and the natural environment
   7. To protect and enhance the historic environment
   8. To maintain and enhance our landscapes and townscapes
   9. To promote high quality design
   10. To protect and improve air quality

3. Securing a more sustainable district

   11. To reduce the need to travel and promote the use of more sustainable travel options
   12. To limit the impact of the District upon climate change, particularly by:-
       • encouraging new development to reduce energy and water consumption
       • promote the use of renewable energy resources
       • reducing the generation and disposal of waste.

4. Meeting the needs of the district

   13. To meet the housing needs of the whole community, including providing adequate affordable housing
   14. To reduce poverty, social exclusion, crime and anti-social behaviour
   15. To improve the health and well-being of residents
   16. To protect the amenity of local communities and protect and enhance accessibility to local services and facilities.