Have your say on the future of our housing, jobs and schools following the planned merger of Warwick and Stratford councils

Both councils are also asking to suggest potential sites that could be allocated for a variety of land uses
Latest news.Latest news.
Latest news.

Residents are being asked for their say on the future of housing, jobs and schools, following the planned merger of Warwick District Council and Stratford District Council.

As we have been reporting, the merger plans have been agreed by both councils.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

So now they are getting ready to put together a joint Local Plan on future developments.

In the preparation of the new South Warwickshire Local Plan a six-week public consultation has now begun, asking a series of questions about 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’ exercise inviting suggestions for potential sites that could be allocated for a variety of land uses.

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for place and economy, Cllr John Cooke said: “The South Warwickshire Local Plan will be critically important in the shaping of future development of the area over the next 30 years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"For the first time, we will be working collaboratively with our neighbours at Stratford-on-Avon 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.”

Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western said: “This is the first I’ve heard about the plans for a South Warwickshire Local Plan – which is extremely disappointing.

“But I’m not the only one to have been kept in the dark. The public also isn’t aware of this and the consultation started on Monday!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In today’s Queen’s Speech, the Prime Minister outlined legislation which will enable developments to be approved with even less public scrutiny than there is presently.

“Any plan for the region’s future housing and development must ensure no area is overdeveloped. But the South Warwickshire Local Plan looks like a plan cooked up by developers.

“And how can Warwick and Stratford district councils pursue a joint Local Plan? Who will vote on it and how will it be decided?”

"And why use significant public funding to draw up a new Local Plan which might have to be re-done again in a couple of years once the government’s new legislation is passed?"

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For more information on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan visit www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp.

The webpage also includes a summary leaflet and a short video.

Comments on the consultation must be received by 5pm on Monday June 21.

Related topics: