A PUBLIC consultation has been launched to develop a new Local Plan combining Stratford and Warwick District Councils.
The authorities are working together to produce a new South Warwickshire Local Plan to cover the combined geographic area. It aims to set out the planning policies 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 issues of climate change, wellbeing, connectivity and biodiversity.
In preparation, a six-week public consultation has begun, asking residents 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’ to invite suggestions for potential sites that could be allocated for different land uses.
Stratford District Council deputy leader Daren Pemberton said: “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 spokesman for Place and Economy, Coun John Cooke, added: “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 District Council, which will allow us to set out both councils’ 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.”
Visit www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp to comment on the plan by 5pm on Monday June 21.
