Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils are working together to produce a new South Warwickshire Local Plan to cover the combined geographic area.
The Plan will set out the planning policies that the Councils will use to assess applications for development, as well as identifying sites to meet future needs to support housing, jobs, infrastructure and open space. It will also address the important issues of climate change, wellbeing, connectivity and biodiversity.
In the preparation of this new South Warwickshire Local Plan a six-week public consultation has now begun, asking a series of questions about what issues the new Local Plan should address; where future development might be located, and how best to accommodate growth.
At the same time, the combined councils are running a 'Call for Sites' exercise inviting suggestions for potential sites that could be allocated for a variety of land uses.
Cllr Daren Pemberton, Deputy Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Place Portfolio Holder says: "The new Local Plan will fundamentally affect how we all live, work and visit South Warwickshire up to 2050 and beyond. The plan is also the single most important tool both Councils have in mitigating the impact of and adapting to climate change. Zero Carbon development will be at the heart of this plan making a real and positive change to all of our lives.
"This first scoping consultation sets the tone for the issues that South Warwickshire needs to focus on and tackle through the planning process. It outlines the key options for how we will accommodate the need for growth in homes and jobs while ensuring our local climate change goals are met. It is vital that residents, businesses and all other stakeholders have an opportunity to inform the direction and scope of the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan. This will set the direction for the detailed plans and policies that will be developed and further consulted upon with the public before the plan is approved by central Government. I urge everyone to contribute and welcome all your comments during this consultation period."
Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Place and Economy, Councillor John Cooke adds: "The South Warwickshire Local Plan will be critically important in the shaping of future development of the area over the next 30 years. For the first time, we will be working collaboratively with our neighbours at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, which will allow us to set out both council's strategy for how we will meet our housing, employment, educational, leisure and other infrastructure needs in a sustainable way. Both authorities hope it will be a Plan that will impact positively on all of our lives, I therefore strongly encourage residents and businesses to share your thoughts and ideas with us."
You can find out more information on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan by visiting www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp. This webpage also includes a summary leaflet and a short video.
Comments on the consultation must be received by 5pm on Monday 21 June 2021.
Further contact information for the South Warwickshire Local Plan.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council:
Email swlp@stratford-dc.gov.uk
Phone 01789 267575
Warwick District Council:
Email swlp@warwickdc.gov.uk
Phone 01926 456525
