Preferred Options 2025

Other

Representation ID: 108816

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Barratt David Wilson Homes (Mercia)

Agent: Savills

The policy’s emphasis on biodiversity net gain (BNG), habitat creation, and green infrastructure enhancement aligns with national objectives for strengthening local ecosystems.
However, the South Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) has not yet been produced, and in the absence of a defined strategy, it is important that any policy wording retains flexibility. Incorporating phrasing such as “where possible and subject to viability” would help ensure that development remains deliverable while still supporting local nature recovery priorities. This would also provide necessary clarity for developers, ensuring that site-specific ecological improvements align with both wider strategic goals and the mandatory 10% BNG requirement.
At land to the south of Birmingham Road, west of Warwick, the Draft Policy Direction has the potential to guide the enhancement of existing green infrastructure, such as hedgerows and habitats, while maintaining a balanced approach that supports both environmental sustainability and the delivery of much-needed housing. Ensuring that policy requirements remain proportionate and adaptable will be key to achieving a biodiversity-rich, resilient landscape without placing undue constraints on development feasibility.

No

Representation ID: 108818

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Barratt David Wilson Homes (Mercia)

Agent: Savills

It is noted that Draft Policy Direction 39 stipulates exploring a requirement for a wider measure of environmental net gain which demonstrates improvements in terms of both biodiversity and carbon sequestration, as well as the potential for incorporating additional ecosystem services. There is a lack of clarity at present in terms of the intentions in relation to ecological net gain, how this would be measured and the implications of this. Barratt David Wilson Homes Mercia contends that the SWLP should not be including a Policy which is unspecific and which lacks the appropriate justification, including in relation to assessment of the impact of such a requirement on the ability and viability of delivery the required new homes in the most sustainable locations. This justification is required by the NPPF { National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) Paragraph 36} and currently does not exist.

Other

Representation ID: 108819

Received: 07/03/2025

Respondent: Barratt David Wilson Homes (Mercia)

Agent: Savills

Barratt David Wilson Homes Mercia acknowledges the benefits relating to the inclusion of a strategic growth location within Warwick District immediately to west of the Warwick town urban area. However Barratt David Wilson Homes Mercia objects to the exclusion of land immediately to the south of the Birmingham Road from Strategic Growth area 07. The exclusion of this land from SG07 has not been justified within the evidence base and therefore the approach taken accordingly is considered to not comply with the requirements of NPPF paragraph 36.
Barratt David Wilson Homes Mercia recognises that the primary purpose for proposing SG07 is to identify a broad option for the delivery of additional employment land, but considers that there is an opportunity for also delivering residential development to the west of Warwick on land to the south of Birmingham Road, where is can provide new homes immediately adjacent to the proposed new employment development at SG07 as a stand-alone growth area. The Site can accommodate c.400 new homes immediately to the west of the built up edge of Warwick town, within convenient walking distance from Warwick Parkway Railway Station and benefiting from access to existing walking and cycling connectivity, including along the Grand Union Canal towpath into Warwick town.
The Site Delivery Report also highlights where the HELAA has over-inflated potential constraints relating to the Site, and the significance of any such constraints, in the context of the development proposals for the Site. Whilst the Hatton potential new settlement has a number of challenges, not least that it is understood to extend across 10no. different ownerships, compared to 1no. ownership at its Site located to the south of Birmingham Road. It is also notable that the new settlement option B1 is shown to be ranking 9th out of the 12 new settlement options under consideration. It is important to be mindful of the recognition set out within the NPPF of the contribution that small and medium sized sites can make to meeting the housing requirements for the SWLP area, as well as the need for a sufficient amount and variety of land to be made available { National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) Paragraphs 61 and 73}
Taking this into consideration it is contended that there are therefore significant benefits attributable to the allocation of the Site. Overall the Site is considered to benefit from very strong sustainability credentials and fits in with the rail corridor and economic growth strategies being considered by WDC in relation to the distribution of development in the SWLP. There is insufficient previously developed land and committed greenfield sites to meet the identified housing requirement for the SWLP period. The significant benefits of delivering housing from this Site in close proximity to excellent public transport (rail) and active travel networks, are considered to overcome any residual adverse impacts from such development and provide the exceptional circumstances necessary for releasing the Site from the Green Belt. The Site should accordingly be included as an allocation for housing development in the SWLP, either on a stand-alone basis or as part of a wider Strategic Growth location (SG07).