CAMPAIGNERS against a proposed new town of some 10,000 homes near Stratford have welcomed some local political support.
The proposed development – part of the Stratford District Council’s South Warwickshire Local Plan – would span some 329 hectares of green belt land – the size of some 460 football pitches – and include homes for some 16,000 potential residents.
It would also require a new secondary school and up to four new primary schools as all nearby schools are at capacity.
Bearley/Wilmcote Action Group (BWAG) has been fighting a fierce campaign against the proposed development, which it believes will change the face of the south Warwickshire countryside forever.
And they have welcomed the recent Stratford District Council Conservative Party statement regarding the best way forward for the South Warwickshire Local Plan.
In the statement the Conservatives acknowledge that Bearley and Wilmcote are not suitable locations for a new large scale settlement. They identify the Long Marston development as more viable instead.
BWAG spokesperson Janine Lee said this statement represented a sensible solution to the South Warwickshire Local Plan.
She continued: “This reflects long-standing concerns within our community about the cumulative and irreversible impact that a development of up to 10,000 homes would have on the distinct identity of our villages and the wider rural setting surrounding Stratford-upon-Avon.
“The recognition that such a development would, over time, merge with Stratford and fundamentally alter the character of south Warwickshire is both realistic and responsible. We also strongly support the conclusion that the necessary transport infrastructure – both road and rail – cannot be delivered in a timely or viable manner to support development of this scale in our area.
“BWAG further welcomes the emphasis on an ‘infrastructure first’ approach, which aligns with our consistent position that development should only proceed where services, transport links, and community facilities are in place from the outset, rather than introduced years later.”
Development is already underway at Long Marston and Meon Vale.
Stratford Conservatives argue this new settlement would enable the delivery of essential amenities, retail, public services, and infrastructure, while alleviating pressure on already stretched services in Stratford.
SDC has previously stated not all the proposed locations within the plan would ultimately be needed to meet the area’s needs and the council would be undertaking further analysis to conclude which locations should form part of south Warwickshire’s growth strategy.
Visit www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp for further details.
