A public inquiry starts next week on Wednesday 9 May, following an appeal by SCM Properties and Revurban Developments Ltd relating to the redevelopment of the former Cattle Market site in Stratford-upon-Avon.  

The appeal relates to a planning application to redevelop the site with:

• a mixed development of 197 residential units and business and commercial uses;
• bus/rail interchange;
• shelters, toilets and seating;
• public open spaces;
• pedestrian and cycle links;
• new access arrangements to Alcester Road and Western Road and new parking for the Railway Station.  

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has refused the application on the grounds of :-

• the lack of a satisfactory physical and visual link between the railway station and the town centre;
• the failure to provide optimal vehicular movement through and around the site;
• the failure to show sufficient distinction between public and private areas;
• the quality of the architecture across the scheme being mediocre and failing to convey the hierarchy of importance of the different routes within the site;
• the scale, form, material treatment and detailing of the Alcester Road frontage failing to provide a high quality standard of design that is critical to meeting the aspirations of the World Class Stratford initiative and
• a further issue relates to the lack of provision of a financial contribution towards the locomotive steam servicing facility.  

The inquiry, expected to last for 3 days, will be held at the Council Offices, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon starting at 10am.  A Government Planning Inspector will preside over the inquiry.  

Members of the public may attend the inquiry and express their view - at the discretion of the inspector.