Stratford Planning
The Branch
keeps an eye on planning in the area ...
here are a few current issues ...
High Speed Rail
The proposed route of HS2 passes through a significant area of Stratford District. Click here for more information.
(August 2010)
Stratford on Avon District Council.
CPRE has raised issues relating to eight planning and enforcement matters with senior officers and councillors. Discussions are ongoing. (August 2010)
Windfarm Proposal at Starbold Farm. The proposed site for five turbines is between Gaydon and Bishops Itchington. The first stage of the proposal was an application to erect a test tower but this was rejected by the Council. (August 2010)
Danzey Green. In early July, the Planning Committee considered a second application to build a house for a head lad at Hill Farm, Pig Trot Lane. The house appeard over-large for its purpose. The application was rejected in a tight vote. (August 2010)
Binton. This is a charming little village and we should value its charms because before long they might disappear into thin air. We have objected to a proposal for a large house which would be out of scale with its neighbours. (August 2010)
Shipston on Stour. We have been advising campaigners who oppose a proposal for a supermarket in the town. (August 2010)
Housing
- Regional Planning Review
In
December 2007, the West Midlands Regional Assembly submitted
revisions to the Regional Strategy's proposal that 5,600 extra
houses should be built in the district over 20 years. This
was in line with the past pattern of housing development in
Stratford District and much would by conversions and infill,
or on small sites – as happens under the present Local
Plan.
But
in October 2008, the Nathaniel Lichfield Report, commissioned
by the Government, recommended that this figure should jump
to 10,100 – which would be an increase of nearly a fifth
in the housing stock. The difference would be accounted for
either by proposed ecotown at Long Marston, if it was approved,
or by an extension of Stratford town out into the countryside.
The
Examination in Public of the draft Regional Spatial Strategy
was completed in June 2009.
The Coalition Government has announced that the regional government office will be abolished and replaced by some form of Local Partnership. The current situation is therefore uncertain. (August 2010)
See
our press release dated 11/11/08
See
also the CPRE
West Midlands website
Make your views known to wmrss@wmra.gov.uk
or Join Us
Make your views known to wmrss@wmra.gov.uk
or Join Us
Polo Ground, Southam
We are concerned at the further development at this site. The latest application includes a hotel. (May 2010)
Equestrian Use
We are increasingly concerned about applications for stables when there is a distinct possibility that there will be a further application for a dwelling for a "head lad" to keep an eye on the horses. For example there is an application for a house at Danzey Green. There are applications for stables at Ullenhall and Shelfield Green.
(August 2010)
Controversy at Admington
Permission was granted for a four bedroomed house at Admington but a six-bedroomed house was built which is three storeys high and is out of scale with other properties in the village. Stratford District Council granted retrospective permission. CPRE and local activists have had a number of meetings with the planning authority. (May 2010)
Middle
Quinton Eco Town Proposal.
The Labour Government committed itself to support the development of
up to 10 eco-towns in the country. One proposal by St Modwen/Bird
Group is for an eco-town at Long Marston with the proposed
name of Middle Quinton. This has been opposed by Stratford
District Council and Warwickshire County Council. CPRE opposes
this development unless the 10 tests formulated by CPRE National
Office are met in full. The proposal has been considered by the Examination in Public of the revised Regional Strategy and the report is awaited. The Coalition Government has deleted Long Marston/Middle Quinton from the list of possible eco-towns and said that they are a matter for local decision.
Click
Here to see the Branch's letter to DCLG in response
to the Consultation dated 30th June 2008.
Another alternative proposal has been approved for mixed use of the site including about 500 permanent dwellings and 200 holiday lets.
CPRE’s
10 tests for eco-towns
•
the public and affected communities should be fully consulted
on schemes, including the principle of whether or not to have
an eco-town in their area;
•
schemes should be tested through regional spatial strategies
and local development framework reviews. These should ensure
that decisions on eco-towns take full account of evidence
on environmental effects, housing need and alternatives for
meeting this;
•
decisions on eco-towns should be accompanied by evidence that
demonstrates a new settlement to be the most sustainable option
for accommodating housing growth compared with other options,
such as redeveloping an existing urban brownfield site or
an urban extension;
•
schemes should demonstrate efficient use of land, with densities
capable of supporting public transport and a high priority
given to recycling brownfield land and buildings;
•
they should be genuinely carbon neutral, taking into account
potential emissions from transport (domestic, public and commercial)
and buildings (in construction and use);
•
they should foster a strong sense of place and community,
achieve CABE gold Building for Life Standards, with high quality
public spaces, architecture and street layouts that give priority
to pedestrians and non-motorised transport, including substantial
car free areas;
•
they should be subject to an independent landscape character
appraisal, be sympathetic to their setting and clearly enhance
the local landscape, built and natural heritage, including
through the designation of new Green Belt where appropriate;•
they should include measures designed to conserve water and
other natural resources, minimise soil, air, noise and light
pollution and achieve zero-waste;
•
they should be complete communities with homes (with at least
50% affordable), schools, workplaces, shops, recreation, community
and health facilities and open space within walking distance
and foster active, sustainable lifestyles and civic participation;
•
they should be well connected to surroundings with high quality
public transport providing good access to nearby settlements
and local supply networks, with sourcing of local produce,
such as food, fuel and replenishible building materials.
(August 2010)
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