Stratford-on-Avon District Council disappointed by planning appeal decision

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has expressed its disappointment following the outcome of a recent planning appeal which has granted outline permission for up to 130 homes on land adjacent to Chutneys, Bordon Hill, Stratford-upon-Avon.

The appeal, brought by Gladman Developments Ltd, was allowed by the Planning Inspectorate despite the Council's strong opposition on grounds of landscape impact, heritage concerns, and conflict with local planning policies.

The decision, issued on 3 September 2025, reflects the growing pressure on local authorities to approve housing developments owing to significant increases in housing numbers. In particular, the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) introduced in December 2024 has significantly altered how housing land supply is calculated with Stratford-on-Avon District's number increasing by some 52%.

Councillor George Cowcher, Deputy Leader and Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder said: "We are extremely disappointed by this decision.  It undermines our local planning policies and the wishes of our communities. The District Council has a strong record in housing supply and in the past 5 years we have consistently exceeded our housing building targets, despite this, the significant increases in centrally imposed housing targets have meant that we have been unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

"The Inspector's ruling shows how the Government is determined to push through housing applications, even when they conflict with environmental and cultural protections."

The District Council is now investigating urgent steps to address the deficit and regain control over local planning decisions. As well as continuing to progress the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) to ensure the Council has an up-to-date Local Plan, such steps could include:

• Exploring the use of empty homes across the District to contribute to housing supply.
• Evaluating policy changes to require developers to begin construction within 12-18 months of receiving planning permission, to discourage land banking and ensure timely delivery.

Cllr Cowcher continued: "We are doing everything within our control to protect our communities from a forest of speculative planning applications.  We want to ensure that development happens in the right places, with the right infrastructure, and in line with our local vision. The Council remains committed to sustainable development and will continue to work with residents, parish councils, and stakeholders to shape the future of the District.

"Proper planning is not just about building homes; it's about building and strengthening communities by ensuring that new homes are provided alongside jobs, infrastructure and open spaces and this can only be achieved through a plan-led approach."

Background Information
The planning application by Gladman Developments Ltd (23/00969/OUT) for up to 130 dwellings (including affordable housing), public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage system (SuDS), and vehicular access at Orchard adjacent to Chutneys, Bordon, Hill Stratford-upon-Avon was originally rejected by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in September 2024 on the grounds that the development lies outside the Built-Up Area Boundary (BUAB) and would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance at this location; produce significant visual harm to Anne Hathaway's Cottage; increase traffic flow and the possibility of flooding.