COMMENT

In developing the Preferred Option, the Council states (para 7.8) that it has had regard to a number of documents including the findings of the latest Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA, May 2012). Having reviewed the SHLAA we note that land located on the western edge of Warwick, and under the ownership of the King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, has been put forward by the District Council and assessed as a "potentially suitable" site for housing "subject to a willing landowner and relocation of the racecourse track" (Site Ref W35). Whilst we did not put the site forward for consideration under the SHLAA, the Trustees recognise the difficulties faced by the Council in identifying suitable sites for meeting the District's development needs over the Plan period, in particular sites which lie outside of the Green Belt and/or are in sustainable locations. For these reasons the Trustees would be willing to consider releasing its landholding west of Warwick for development if either required and/or favoured over current alternatives to ensure the new Local Plan is found "sound" at Examination. The Trustees similarly would also be happy to discuss this matter further with the Council and other key stakeholders (e.g. owners of Warwick Racecourse and WTC) if that would be helpful.

The site measures approximately 36.5 hectares, is located outside the Green Belt and considered well located to Warwick town centre and to existing and proposed social and community infrastructure, including facilities at South West Warwick.