First stage of a new South Warwickshire Local Plan approved for consultation

Following the decision in October 2020 to work together to produce a single South Warwickshire Local Plan, Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils have now approved for public consultation a scoping document as the first stage in the Plan's preparation.

The decision to undertake public consultation was made at the Joint Cabinet/Executive Committee on 14 April 2021. Once complete, this new Local Plan will replace the strategic policies of the Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy and Warwick District Council Local Plan.

The Local Plan is important for the South Warwickshire area as it will set out the planning policies that the Councils will use to assess applications for development, as well as identifying sites to meet our future development needs, including those in relation to housing, jobs, infrastructure and open space. The Plan will also address the important issues of climate change, wellbeing, connectivity and biodiversity.

This initial consultation will seek views on the main issues facing the South Warwickshire area, and includes a range of objectives and options to inform where new development should be located and how best growth should be accommodated up to 2050.

The consultation asks a series of questions about the issues and growth scenarios for the future of South Warwickshire, and both Councils are keen to hear the views of local residents and other stakeholders on this initial consultation to help shape the content of the new Local Plan.

As well as consulting on the scoping document, the two Councils are also running a 'Call for Sites' exercise inviting site suggestions for development and land use.

The consultation will run from 10 May to 21 June 2021, detailed information about the consultation and call for sites exercise will be available to view online from 10 May onwards. You will be able to find out how to have your say and submit sites for consideration.

Tony Perks, Deputy Chief Executive at Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "This consultation is the first step on a journey that will result in a development plan which will help determine the future shape of South Warwickshire. Local Plans need to balance conflicting demands and to ensure that we produce the best possible plan it is vital that we hear the views of those who will be affected by it. I encourage you to engage positively and share your views through this consultation process."

Philip Clarke, Head of Development Services at Warwick District Council says: "This new Local Plan will be the first to be prepared jointly by our two Councils.  Both Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Districts share many similar characteristics and face similar challenges.  The South Warwickshire Local Plan provides an opportunity to consider these together and to focus on the issues which are important to our residents, such as the climate change and housing.  This consultation is very much the first stage as we plan the future of South Warwickshire and we would encourage everybody to become involved in helping us to do this and to have their say."

You can find out more information on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan in the following ways:

Stratford-on-Avon District Council:
Website stratford.gov.uk/swlp
Email policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk
Phone 01789 267575

Warwick District Council:
Website warwickdc.gov.uk/swlp
Email planningpolicy@warwickdc.gov.uk
Phone Planning policy team telephone contacts