At the individual Full Council meetings of Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils that took place on Wednesday 15 July, Councillors gave their recommendation for the next stage of the South Warwickshire Local Plan to be presented to the public for consultation, following agreed revisions in several key areas.

This Regulation 19 consultation is being undertaken on behalf the Government's Planning Inspector and is focused on specific issues, namely whether the plan meets legal requirements, shows effective joint working between councils and has been properly tested in terms of soundness. It gives residents, businesses and stakeholders the opportunity to have a final say before the document it is submitted to the government for independent examination.

The South Warwickshire Local Plan will guide where new homes, businesses, employment and infrastructure are located across the combined Stratford and Warwick District boundary areas up to 2050. It aims to ensure that development is carefully planned and supported by the necessary infrastructure including roads, schools, health facilities and green spaces to meet the future needs of local communities.

Both Councils have been working on the development of the new South Warwickshire Local Plan since 2021, there has been extensive public engagement at every stage, with the latest Preferred Options consultation in 2025 generating more than 22,000 responses.

Councillor Chris King, Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Place said: "The South Warwickshire Local Plan is crucial to planning for the homes, jobs and infrastructure our communities need over the coming decades. Only with a robust and comprehensive plan in place can we shape and plan development, deliver better infrastructure, protect our environment and support sustainable communities in the best way for the future of our District."

Councillor George Cowcher, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development said: "This Plan gives us the opportunity to plan positively for South Warwickshire's future, delivering the homes our communities need while protecting and enhancing the green spaces and landscapes that make our area so special. By balancing housing growth with environmental stewardship and investment in infrastructure, we can create thriving, sustainable communities for generations to come.

"We have listened carefully to the views expressed throughout the process and have refined the Plan accordingly. I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of our towns, villages and rural communities to take part in this consultation and ensure their views are considered before the Plan is submitted for independent examination."

The Regulation 19 South Warwickshire Local Plan consultation will run for seven weeks from Tuesday 21 July to Tuesday 8 September 2026.

Members of the public are encouraged to respond online via the South Warwickshire Local Plan Consultation Portal where possible.
Representations can also be emailed to swlp@warwickdc.gov.uk, or posted to the South Warwickshire Local Team, Stratford-upon-Avon District, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HX.

Printed copies of the consultation will be made available at the locations listed below.

Following the consultation, the plan is scheduled to be submitted to the Secretary of State by 31 December 2026, in line with Government deadlines.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwick District Council, Town Hall, The Parade, Leamington Spa
Alcester Library, Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester
Bidford Community Library, Bramley Way, Bidford-on-Avon
Harbury Community Library, The Wight School, High Street, Harbury
Henley Community Library, Henley-in-Arden
Kenilworth Library, Smalley Place, Kenilworth
Kineton Community Library, Mill St, Kineton
Leamington Spa Library and Information Centre, Royal Pump Rooms, Parade, Leamington Spa
Lillington Library and Information Centre, Valley Road, Lillington
Shipston-on-Stour Library, 12 Church Street, Shipston-on-Stour
Southam Library, Tithe Place, High Street, Southam
Stratford-upon-Avon Library, 12 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Studley Community Library, Studley Village Hall, High Street, Studley
Warwick Library and Information Centre, Shire Hall, Warwick
Wellesbourne Library and Information Centre , Kineton Road Wellesbourne
Whitnash Civic Centre and Library Acre Close, Whitnash
Brunswick Healthy Living Centre,98-100 Shrubland St, Leamington Spa
Hockley Heath Parish Council, The Pavilion, Hockley Heath Recreation Ground, Old Warwick Road, Hockley Heath