Riverside Project approved

Last week, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Planning Committee approved plans for the Riverside Project on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Riverside Project will see the development of Lench Meadows and the adjacent Fisherman's car park on the Warwick Road to enable greater access to nature and improve the site for wildlife.

Under the plans, access off the main road will be improved and extra paths and cycleways will be created, including new bridges providing better access for people in wheelchairs. Work will be carried out by specialist teams to retain and enhance biodiversity. 

The planning application is approved subject to conditions and contractors to carry out the work are currently being appointed, with the work anticipated to start on site early in the New Year. The bulk of the works are expected to be completed by the end of March 2022, with other time sensitive works such as planting to continue into spring / summer 2022.

With planning permission now secured for the site, work will start on the maintenance plan that is required to support the application for the site to become a Local Nature Reserve.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "I am pleased that this planning application has finally received approval with full support from the planning committee.

"This project will deliver a great natural asset for the town, which will open up a riverside area to more people. 

"The Lench Meadows are designated as a local wildlife site but without active ecological management, this area has declined in ecology and a key driver of the current proposals is to restore this."

Sara Aspley, Chief Executive of Stratford Town Trust said: "We're thrilled that planning has been approved as it takes us one step closer to securing Local Nature Reserve status for The Lench Meadows. This will help us achieve our goal of protecting these lands for wildlife and the community for generations to come."