Planning in Stratford-on-Avon

Healthy Communities

A. Infrastructure, Services and Community Facilities With the release of land for development, suitable arrangements will be put in place to improve infrastructure, services and community facilities to mitigate the impact of development and integrate it with the existing community (see also Policy CS.27 Developer Contributions). Opportunities to secure improvements for the wider community will be explored through collaborative working with Warwickshire County Council, Town and Parish Councils and other partner organisations. The provision of new and enhanced community, cultural, sport and leisure facilities will be encouraged as a way of promoting healthy, inclusive communities. Where appropriate, new community uses will be required as an integral part of residential developments. They are to be located where they are accessible by all reasonable sustainable modes of transport by potential users. Shared use of community spaces will also be encouraged. It is expected that existing community facilities, such as shops, pubs, medical and leisure, will be retained unless it can be demonstrated that one or more of the following criteria is satisfied: 1. there is no realistic prospect of the facility continuing for commercial and/or operational reasons on that site; 2. the land and/or property has been actively marketed or otherwise made available for a similar or alternative type of facility that would be of benefit to the community; 3. the facility can be provided effectively in an alternative manner or on a different site in accordance with the wishes of the local community; and 4. there are overriding environmental benefits in the use of the site being discontinued. In all instances the potential to mitigate within the local area the loss of a community facility will be considered alongside any proposal for development on the site of the existing facility. B. Open Space and Recreation New housing development will enable an increase in or enhancement of open space and recreation facilities to meet the needs of its residents. Where it is justified by the scale of new development, developers will be expected to contribute towards the provision of open space in order to help achieve the standards set out in the Council's Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment. These are: Parks & Gardens and Amenity Greenspace District-wide: 1.15 hectares per 1,000 people Individual settlement: minimum provision of 1.15 hectares per 1,000 people Unrestricted Natural Accessible Greenspace District-wide: 4.92 hectares per 1,000 people Stratford-upon-Avon: 5.24 hectares per 1,000 people Main Rural Centres: 0.75 hectares per 1,000 people Local Service Villages: 0.75 hectares per 1000 people Children and Young People's Equipped Play Facilities District-wide: 0.25 hectares per 1,000 people

Bidford-on-Avon

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Bidford-on-Avon area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Protect and enhance the historic character of the village core. 2. Preserve the riverside setting of the village and the views towards it. 3. Improve the drainage infrastructure in order to reduce the risk of flooding, including the combined sewer outflow at The Pleck. 4. Reduce the impact of traffic through the village. 5. Provide additional natural accessible greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 6. Support the multi-functional use of land to the south of the river for recreation, biodiversity and flood alleviation. 7. Enhance the character and setting of the Bidavon/Waterloo Industrial Estate. 8. Enhance biodiversity at Bidford Grange Golf Course, including through tree planting. B. Social 1. Improve sports and social facilities, including the ongoing modernisation of Crawford Hall. 2. Provide a pedestrian/cycle bridge across the River Avon to improve access to the Big Meadow. 3. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 4. Provide additional pitches for mini and junior football given the shortfall identified in the village. 5. Investigate the creation of a greenway with public access along the dismantled railway line on the northern edge of the village. C. Economic 1. Support the regeneration of the industrial estate and redevelopment of vacant and underused plots within it. 2. Assess the need for additional employment development in the village. 3. Enhance the role of the village centre as a focus of shops and services in order to attract more customers. 4. Seek to attract more leisure visitors to the village by promoting its riverside setting and Big Meadow recreation ground.

Tourism and Leisure Development

The role of tourism will be increased by supporting the growth and improvement of existing attractions and by encouraging new attractions and dispersing them throughout the District, in order to support the local economy and to provide the opportunity for local communities to enjoy the benefits that are derived. Large-scale schemes for visitor attractions or overnight accommodation should, wherever possible, be located within the urban areas of Stratford-upon-Avon or a Main Rural Centre. Elsewhere in the District, unless established through other provisions of the Plan such as Policy AS.11 Large Rural Brownfield Sites, large-scale proposals for new and major extensions to existing tourism-related development, including accommodation, will need to be justified taking into account: 1. the nature of the activity and whether it can only reasonably be located in a rural area; 2. the nature of the existing site and its relationship to the local area; 3. its impact on the character of the local landscape and settlements, including historic and natural features; 4. the benefits that the scheme offers to the local communities; 5. the benefits that the scheme would secure to wider economic or environmental interests; 6. the relationship between the development and major transport routes and impact on the highway network; and 7. the accessibility of the site by existing public transport and the scope to improve services. Large-scale visitor accommodation may be justified in the rural parts of the District where it is directly associated with and genuinely ancillary to a major existing tourist, recreation, conference or other form of business use. The provision of additional conference facilities is encouraged in order to support business tourism. Large scale schemes should be located in Stratford-upon-Avon, a Main Rural Centre, or in the rural area of the District in relation to an existing hotel, visitor attraction or business. Small scale tourism and visitor-based schemes, including those for new or extensions to existing visitor accommodation and conference facilities, will be supported where they are appropriate to the size and role of the settlement and/or to the specific nature of the location. Increased access to and use of canals and navigable waterways in the District will be encouraged, including the provision of moorings and marinas where it respects and works with the natural features and function of the watercourse. Any proposed extension to or creation of new navigable waterways must ensure there are no overall detrimental impacts on the natural environment. Additional permanent moorings and marinas will only be supported where there is adequate access, availability of existing facilities such as transport links or shops, adequate water resources and foul waste infrastructure and it can be demonstrated that the Water Framework Directive status of navigable rivers will not deteriorate. Such schemes should not compromise the use or operation of existing navigable waterway features such as junctions or locks. All forms of tourism and leisure development should be sensitive to the character of the area and designed to maximise the benefits for the communities affected in terms of job opportunities and support for local services. Wherever possible, tourist and visitor facilities should be located in existing or replacement buildings if they are suitable for the purpose, particularly where they are located outside settlements. Facilities requiring new buildings in the countryside should, where possible, be provided within or close to a settlement but may be justified in other locations where the facilities are required in conjunction with a particular countryside attraction and there are no suitable existing buildings or developed sites available to re-use. In areas that are statutorily designated for their natural and cultural heritage qualities, there will be scope for tourist and leisure related developments, subject to appropriate control over their number, form and location to ensure the particular qualities or features that justify the designation are conserved.

Design and Distinctiveness

A. Characteristics of Good Design Proposals will be expected to include the following characteristics: 1. Integrated: Proposals will be integrated with existing built form, enhancing the network of streets, footpaths and green infrastructure across the site and the locality, and retaining existing rights of way. 2. Environmentally Sustainable: Proposals will respond to climate change. Measures should include energy efficiency technologies, low carbon and renewable energy sources, the use of local materials where possible, effective water management and flood protection, and appropriate landscaping. 3. Accessible: Proposals will encourage walking and cycling and provide for or be close to, community facilities, having good access to public transport. 4. Safe: Proposals will incorporate effective measures to help reduce crime and the fear of crime and to minimise danger from traffic. Schemes linked to the evening and night-time economy will incorporate measures to help manage anti-social behaviour and to avoid unacceptable impact on neighbouring uses, residents and the surrounding area. Measures should include pedestrian and cycle friendly streets and opportunities for natural surveillance whilst avoiding large parking courts and blank building elevations. 5. Healthy: Proposals will ensure a good standard of space and amenity for occupiers. Occupants of new and neighbouring buildings will be protected from unacceptable levels of noise, contamination and pollution, loss of daylight and privacy, and adverse surroundings. C. Design Innovation High quality design innovation will be encouraged where it reflects and complements the immediate local environment and maximises sustainability benefits. Where such an approach is appropriate it should be based on the characteristics of the built environment in the local area and have a beneficial purpose. D. Advertisements The display of advertisements will not compromise amenity and highway safety. Advertisements will not be permitted if the character or setting of a building would be unduly affected due to inappropriate size, design, colour, materials or illumination. Advertisements should be located within the curtilage of the premises to which they relate or at the site access.

Design and Distinctiveness

A. Ensuring Local Distinctiveness All forms of development will improve the quality of the public realm and enhance the sense of place, reflecting the character and distinctiveness of the locality. Proposals that would damage or destroy features which positively contribute to local distinctiveness will not be permitted. Understanding local context is key to achieving good design and proposals should take into account any relevant design principles and contextual analysis set out in local guidance. Where required as part of a planning application, Design and Access Statements will set out how new development responds to its unique context and enhances local distinctiveness. B. Ensuring High Quality Design High quality design will be achieved by ensuring that all development is: 1. Attractive: Proposals will be of a high quality architectural design and include appropriate landscaping to create places where people want to live, work and visit. Proposals should use a limited palette of materials to give coherence to the overall design. The provision of landscaping will be accompanied by appropriate mechanisms to ensure its ongoing management and maintenance. 2. Sensitive: Proposals, including layout and orientation, will be sensitive to the setting, existing built form, neighbouring uses, landscape character and topography of the site and locality. Proposals will reflect the context of the locality, ensuring a continuity of key design features that establishes the identity of the place, making best use of on-site assets including landscaping features as well as public views and vistas and not harming existing ones. 3. Distinctive: The layout of proposals will be easy to navigate with buildings designed and positioned to define and enhance a hierarchy of streets and spaces, taking account of the relationship between building height and street width. Public and private spaces should be clearly defined and areas that have little or no public or biodiversity value should be avoided. Densities should be appropriate to the site taking into account the fact a key principle of good design is the relationship between the height, width and depth of buildings. 4. Connected: Proposals will be well-integrated with existing built form, enhancing the network of streets, footpaths and green infrastructure across the site and the locality, and retaining existing rights of way. 5. Environmentally Sustainable: Proposals will respond to climate change. Measures should include energy efficiency technologies, low carbon and renewable energy sources, the use of local materials where possible, effective water management and flood protection, and appropriate landscaping. 6. Accessible: Proposals will encourage walking and cycling and provide for or be close to, community facilities, having good access to public transport. 7. Safe: Proposals will incorporate effective measures to help reduce crime and the fear of crime and to minimise danger from traffic. Schemes linked to the evening and night-time economy will incorporate measures to help manage anti-social behaviour and to avoid unacceptable impact on neighbouring uses, residents and the surrounding area. Measures should include pedestrian and cycle friendly streets and opportunities for natural surveillance whilst avoiding large parking courts and blank building elevations. 8. Healthy: Proposals will ensure a good standard of space and amenity for occupiers. Occupants of new and neighbouring buildings will be protected from unacceptable levels of noise,

Economic Development

Development that provides for a wide range of business and commercial activity will be promoted in sustainable locations in order to support and foster the growth and competitiveness of the District's economy, provide more jobs and improve the vitality of the local business environment. Provision will be made for at least 35 hectares of employment land over the plan period 2011-2031. The primary purpose of this land is to provide opportunities for business uses falling within Class B1a (offices) and Class B1b (research and development) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order. A further 19 hectares of employment land are allocated to meet the specific needs of Redditch. (See Proposals REDD.1 and REDD.2) In addition, approximately 100 hectares of land are identified at Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath to enable the expansion of Jaguar Land Rover's activities and a further 4.5 hectares to enable the expansion of Aston Martin Lagonda. (See Proposal GLH) A flexible approach will be taken to accommodating a wide range of employment-generating uses, including public and community uses, on existing industrial areas. This is subject to the specific provisions of other policies in the Core Strategy, including Policy CS.23 Retail Development and Main Centres. The exception to this approach is in relation to recently developed and proposed business parks where the primary uses are expected to be within Class B1 of the Use Classes Order. Opportunities for business development will be provided in the countryside, including farm-based activities, in accordance with Policy AS.10 Countryside and Villages. The expansion of businesses in their existing locations will be supported, subject to the scale and type of activities involved, the location and nature of the site, its accessibility including by public transport, and impact on the character of the local area. The incorporation of workspace associated with residential development will be encouraged in order to increase the scope for home-based working. The provision of workspace in a proposed dwelling will not make that dwelling acceptable if its location is contrary to policies elsewhere in the Core Strategy. An existing employment site should not be redeveloped or converted to non-employment uses unless it is no longer viable or appropriate for a business purpose. The same principle applies to a site with planning permission for employment uses that has not been implemented. A rigorous assessment of each proposal of this nature will be undertaken. Schemes involving companies in the knowledge-based and other high value-added sectors will be encouraged in order to support the restructuring of the local economy and to provide more higher-skilled and paid jobs. Requirements for business investment in the District that are not specifically catered for elsewhere in this policy will be considered thoroughly and will be supported where the economic and social benefits of an individual proposal outweigh any specific harm likely to be caused.

Climate Change and Sustainable Construction

A. Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change Proposals for development will be required to demonstrate that, dependent on their scale, use and location, measures are included that mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Full details of the proposed adaptation measures should be incorporated into the proposal. At a strategic level, measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change will include: - Directing development to sustainable locations. - Locating development in a manner which minimises the need to travel and encourages other forms of sustainable transport such as cycling, walking and the use of public transport. - Designing development to reduce carbon emissions and make efficient use of natural resources. - Promoting decentralised low carbon and renewable energy schemes. In order that development proposals adapt to climate change, measures will include: 1. Flood prevention and mitigation measures, including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and water efficiency measures as set out in Policy CS.4 Water Environment and Flood Risk. 2. Heating and Cooling Proposals should demonstrate how development has been designed comprehensively to cope with rising and more extreme (high and low) temperatures. This will be achieved through the use of landform, layout, building orientation, construction materials and ventilation systems that do not increase carbon dioxide emissions, and by providing cooling for buildings, gardens and communal areas at appropriate times of the year. 3. Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Development proposals should maximise opportunities for multiple benefits of green infrastructure as an integral part of development to mitigate and adapt to the predicted effects of climate change, through the use of a range of measures, including SUDS, green spaces, allotments, street trees, landscaping, ponds and green roofs. Proposals should reflect and enhance the District's locally distinctive character, as set out in Policy CS.7 Green Infrastructure. Development should ensure that biodiversity and natural habitats are resilient to the predicted effects of climate change by safeguarding and enhancing existing habitats and through the creation and management of additional habitats to strengthen existing networks. Proposals which prevent or weaken networks will not be permitted, unless satisfactory mitigation or offsetting measures are put in place, as set out in Policy CS.6 Natural Environment. B. Sustainability Standards in Buildings The Council will encourage high standards of sustainability to ensure that development minimises its impact on the environment. The Council will promote an 'energy hierarchy' in seeking to achieve carbon dioxide emissions reduction, as follows: 1. reduce energy demand through energy efficiency measures; 2. supply energy efficiently and give priority to decentralised energy supply; and 3. provide energy from renewable or low carbon energy sources. Non‐Residential Development All non-residential development should be compliant with BREEAM 'Good' standard until such time as this is superseded by the equivalent standards in the Building Regulations. Developers should seek to exceed these standards where it is viable to do so. To demonstrate that the required BREEAM standards will be met, proposals for new development should be accompanied by a pre-assessment certification under the relevant scheme and approved by a registered assessor. Extensions and the Re‐Use of Buildings The Council will expect that where an extension or major refurbishment is proposed, the applicant will demonstrate that the overall energy performance of the building will be improved, where it is viable to do so. Actual provision of appropriate sustainability standards will be determined through negotiation, taking account of individual site characteristics and issues relating to the viability of a specific development proposal.

Sustainable Energy

A. Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Generation Provision will be made for a range of renewable energy and low carbon generation within the District to maximise environmental, social and economic benefits whilst minimising any adverse local impacts. The overarching aim is that the overall balance of outcomes from such projects should be positive for local communities. The Council will encourage the use of decentralised energy systems, which incorporate either heating (District Heating) or heating, power and cooling (Combined Heat and Power) or power (micro-grid) into new developments. The Council is commissioning a study to identify 'district heating priority areas'. All new developments in district heating priority areas will be required to incorporate infrastructure for district heating, and will be expected to connect to existing systems where and when this is available, unless demonstrated that this would render development unviable. All new developments in other areas will be encouraged to incorporate infrastructure for district heating, and will be expected to connect to any existing suitable systems (including systems that will be in place at the time of construction), unless it is demonstrated that this would render development unviable. Detailed advice on District Heating will be provided in a Development Requirements Supplementary Planning Document. Small-scale community led initiatives for renewable and low carbon energy will be encouraged by the Council. Proposals for both building-integrated and standalone renewable and low carbon energy technologies will be supported where the impacts are, or can be, made acceptable. Where large scale low carbon and/or renewable energy projects are proposed that serve national, regional or county interest, but the majority of the effects will be felt locally, the Council will support such schemes where the impacts are, or can be, made acceptable. The developer must demonstrate, through a balanced assessment of the proposal's positive and negative effects, that detrimental impacts at construction, operation and decommissioning stage are appropriately minimised, mitigated and compensated. Where the proposal affects a Listed Building, an Area of Restraint, a Special Landscape Area, a Conservation Area, the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or other nationally designated and non-designated heritage and cultural asset, the objective of the designation must not be compromised by the development. Within and adjacent to the Cotswolds AONB large scale wind or solar farms are unlikely to be appropriate. When assessing such proposals close to the AONB, careful consideration will also be given to ensure the objectives of the designation are not compromised. B. Solar Energy Proposals for solar energy will be supported where the impacts are, or can be, made acceptable, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Applications for solar development will be assessed against the following issues, which are considered to be of particular local significance in the District: - Impact on agricultural activities and disturbances to agricultural land. - Impact on the openness and character of the landscape and on visual amenity. - Impact on the character of the historic landscape. - Impacts of trees and other vegetation which may cause overshadowing, making allowance for their future growth. - Impact on and opportunities to enhance biodiversity. - Impact of direct and reflected lighting (including glare) on the amenity of occupied affected buildings or land on light pollution, on aviation and on biodiversity (particularly bats). Proposals will be determined with regard to the Council's Renewable Energy Landscape Sensitivity Assessment. This will be used to assess the capacity and sensitivity of the landscape to accommodate such schemes. C. Biomass Energy Projects and developments which use bio-energy will be supported by the Council where the impacts are, or can be, made acceptable, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Applications for bio-energy heat and power proposals will be assessed against the following issues, which are considered to be of particular local significance in the District: - Impact on designated biodiversity sites, species and ancient woodland. - Use of brownfield sites or co-location with other wood processing industries. - Scale and location to avoid adverse off-site impacts, particularly transport. - Minimisation of pollution, such as noise, emissions and odours. - Minimisation or mitigation of any adverse impact on amenity and existing residential development. - Opportunities to support a local biomass supply chain. The use of biomass for domestic and small businesses heating will be encouraged. D. Wind Energy Proposals for wind energy development will be supported where the impacts are, or can be, made acceptable, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Planning applications involving wind energy development will be assessed against the following issues, which are of particular local significance in the District: - Impact of the scheme on landscape character and visual amenity. Careful consideration should be given to the likely significant effects of the wind turbine(s) on the visual amenity and landscape character, both individually and cumulatively, taking into account similar developments and permitted proposals within the District and within adjoining local authority areas. - Impact of the scheme on the significance of a heritage asset, whether designated or non-designated, including the impact of the proposal on views important to its setting or function. - Impact on the natural environment, including biodiversity, habitats and species of international, national and local importance. - Impact of traffic generation on the local highway network during construction, operational and decommissioning stages. - Impact on air traffic operations, radar and air navigational installations. - Impact on users, businesses and residents of the local area and visitors, including generation of emissions, noise and visual impact, shadow flicker and safety. Proposals will be determined with regard to the Council's Renewable Energy Landscape Sensitivity Study. This will be used to assess the capacity and sensitivity of the landscape to accommodate such schemes. Promoters of solar, biomass and wind energy schemes are required to hold early and meaningful pre-application discussions with the local community, other key consultees, and with the Council where such schemes are proposed. All applications for renewable energy development should be accompanied by adequate supporting information, which assesses the extent of possible environmental effects and how they can be satisfactorily mitigated.

Countryside and Villages

This policy applies to all parts of the District apart from those which lie within the Built-Up Areas Boundaries defined for Stratford-upon-Avon and the Main Rural Centres, the area covered by Proposal GLH, the area covered by Proposal LMA and land covered by Policy AS.11 Large Rural Brownfield Sites. In order to help maintain the vitality of rural communities and a strong rural economy, provision will be made for a wide range of activities and development in rural parts of the District. All proposals will be thoroughly assessed against the principles of sustainable development, including the need to: - minimise impact on the character of the local landscape, communities and environmental features; - minimise impact on the occupiers and users of existing properties in the area; - avoid a level of increase in traffic on rural roads that would be harmful to the local area; - make provision for sustainable forms of transport wherever appropriate and justified; - prioritise the re-use of brownfield land and existing buildings; and - seek to avoid the loss of large areas of higher quality agricultural land. The following forms of development and uses in the countryside are acceptable in principle: Community (a) Small-scale schemes for housing, employment or community facilities to meet a need identified by a local community in a Parish Plan, Neighbourhood Plan or other form of local evidence, on land within or adjacent to a village. Residential (b) Small-scale housing schemes, including the redevelopment of buildings, within the Built-Up Area Boundary of a Local Service Village (where defined), or otherwise within the physical confines, in accordance with Policy CS.15 Distribution of Development and Policy CS.16 Housing Development. (c) Conversion to a residential use of a building within the physical confines of a village. (d) Conversion to a residential use of a redundant or disused building in open countryside, constructed of brick or stone, that is listed or of local historic, architectural or other merit. In such cases, residential should be the only viable use and the building should be capable of conversion in a manner that is appropriate to its character and setting. (e) A dwelling that forms part of the conversion of a building in open countryside where it is ancillary to a business and is necessary to ensure the efficient and secure operation of the business. (f) A replacement dwelling subject to its scale and design not causing inappropriate harm to the character of the area or to neighbouring properties. (g) Redevelopment of a bad neighbour site for residential development where the current use has been the cause of prolonged environmental conflict. (h) A small-scale expansion of an existing mobile or park home site where this would secure benefits to its function and appearance. (i) A permanent dwelling for occupation by a person engaged in an agricultural operation or other form of use that can only reasonably be carried out in the countryside, subject to a functional need being established. (j) A new single dwelling in open countryside which is of exceptional quality and design and makes a positive contribution to the character of the local area. Business (k) Conversion of a building for business purposes subject to its location and character, including historic or architectural merit, being suitable for the proposed use and it having been in existence for at least ten years. (l) Redevelopment at a similar scale of an existing building for business purposes, excluding holiday lets, where this would result in a more effective use of the site. (m) Small-scale expansion of an existing group of buildings for business uses, excluding holiday lets, where the site is readily accessible by means of transport other than the private car. (n) An extension to a business in its established location, particularly if it would be unreasonable to expect the business to relocate in order to expand. (o) A building or structure related to agriculture, horticulture and forestry where it is required for such purposes. (p) Farm-based business activities, including farm shops selling locally sourced produce that would help to diversify and support the viability of agricultural operations. (q) New and extended garden centres and nurseries. (r) Equine and equestrian-related activities, wherever practicable using existing buildings and structures. Tourism and Leisure (s) Small-scale tourism, visitor accommodation and leisure based uses, including sport and recreation, particularly those which would help to provide local employment and support rural services. (t) Purpose-built visitor accommodation that is directly associated with and related to the scale and nature of an existing use. (u) A small-scale expansion of an existing holiday caravan/chalet site where this would secure benefits to its function and appearance. (v) Golf courses, golf driving ranges and ancillary facilities. Tourism and leisure-related schemes will also be assessed against the provisions of Policy CS.24. All other types of development or activity in the countryside, unless covered by a specific policy in the Core Strategy, will need to be fully justified, offer significant benefits to the local area and not be contrary to the overall development strategy for the District. For proposals relating to sites within the Green Belt or the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the specific provisions of Policy CS.10 and Policy CS.11 respectively will be taken fully into account.

Landscape

The landscape character and quality of the District will be maintained by ensuring that development takes place in a manner that minimises and mitigates its impact and, where possible, incorporates measures to enhance the landscape. The cumulative impact of development proposals on the quality of the landscape will be taken into account. Development will thus be permitted where: A. Landscape Character and Enhancement 1. Proposals have regard to the local distinctiveness and historic character of the District's diverse landscapes. 2. Proposals protect landscape character and avoid detrimental effects on features which make a significant contribution to the character, history and setting of a settlement or area. 3. Measures are incorporated into development schemes to enhance and restore the landscape character of the locality. B. Visual Impacts 1. Proposals include, dependent on their scale, use and location, an assessment of the likely visual impacts on the local landscape or townscape, and the site's immediate and wider setting. Applications for major developments may require a full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. 2. New landscaping proposals are incorporated to reduce predicted harmful visual impacts and enhance the existing landscape. Provision must be made for its long term management and maintenance. C. Trees, Woodland and Hedges 1. Proposals do not lead to any loss or damage but rather protect the quality of ancient semi-natural woodland and aged/veteran trees, particularly in the Forest of Arden, but also (due to their relative scarcity) elsewhere in the District. 2. Proposals that will have an impact on woodlands, hedges and trees incorporate measures to protect their contribution to landscape character, public amenity and biodiversity. The loss of those trees which are of high public amenity value will be resisted and such trees will be protected by the use of Tree Preservation Orders. 3. The design and layout of development schemes and other projects in rural and urban areas incorporate trees in a manner that is appropriate to the nature of the site, including the use of native species. However, given the continued threat to native trees and plant species from pests and diseases, the incorporation of non-native species into schemes will be considered and accepted where appropriate. 4. Development schemes and other opportunities are used to: enable the expansion of native woodlands, buffer, extend and connect fragmented ancient woodlands, develop flood risk reduction measures through the planting of woodlands, trees and undergrowth for their intrinsic value and to help climate change adaptation.

Natural Environment

Development will be expected to contribute towards a resilient ecological network throughout the District that supports ecosystems and provides ecological security for wildlife, people, the economy and tourism. Developments that are likely to have an adverse effect either directly, indirectly or cumulatively upon a site designated through the EC Habitats Directive or Birds Directive will not be permitted. A. Biodiversity Proposals will be expected to minimise impacts on biodiversity and, where possible, secure a net gain in biodiversity by: 1. Safeguarding and, where possible, enhancing existing habitats, including: a. Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which will be subject to a high degree of protection. Development proposals should seek to avoid adverse effects on SSSIs. Development adversely affecting a SSSI, either directly or indirectly, will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where the benefits of development clearly outweigh the likely impacts on the site and any broader impacts on the national networks of SSSIs. b. Those that are irreplaceable in view of their unique characteristics arising from, for example, a particular combination of site specific circumstances and/or a prolonged evolution of the site's ecosystem, such as ancient woodland. c. Those subject to local designations such as Local Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves. Development adversely affecting a Local Site will only be permitted either where it can be demonstrated that the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the impacts on the site. d. Those not yet subject to formal designation but which are known to make a positive contribution to biodiversity, taking account of their current or potential role in strategic networks of habitats across the District. e. Those which comprise or host habitats or species of principal conservation importance. Particular attention should be paid to priority habitats, ecological networks and priority species recognised as being of importance in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. 2. Making provision, where appropriate, for measures that will secure the creation and management of additional habitats, to strengthen networks of habitats, to foster landscape scale conservation in line with identified opportunities and priorities, to address the priorities of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and to support an increase in the local populations of species of principal importance. Where a development will have a negative impact on a biodiversity asset, mitigation will be sought in line with the mitigation hierarchy. Impacts should be avoided and, if this is not possible, mitigated. Where there would be a residual impact on a habitat or species and mitigation cannot be provided on site in an effective manner, developers will be required to offset the loss by contributing to appropriate biodiversity projects elsewhere in the area. Where an impact cannot be fully mitigated or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission will be refused. B. Geodiversity Proposals that affect Local Geological Sites or other sites containing features of geological interest need to safeguard these features with reference to the Local Geodiversity Action Plan. Proposals should also seek, wherever possible, to conserve and enhance features of geological interest for the future.

Water Environment and Flood Risk

A. Flood Risk and Surface Water Management Development should ensure the linkage of SUDS to green infrastructure to provide environmental enhancement and amenity, social and recreational value, as well as balancing storm flows and improving water quality. The design of SUDS should maximise the opportunity to create amenity, enhance biodiversity and contribute to a network of green and blue open spaces. C. Enhancing and Protecting the Water Environment Development proposals that lie adjacent to a canal, river or tributary should ensure that the natural features and functions of the watercourses and its wider corridor are retained, or where possible reinstated and that appropriate habitats buffers are established. Culverts should be permitted for access purposes only and conform to the Environment Agency's culverting policy. Culverts must be removed unless it can be demonstrated that it is impractical to do so. Development proposals adjacent to canals should be supported by a SFRA Level 2 report to assess the residual risk of breach or overtopping. Physical and visual access to watercourses will be promoted where it respects the natural function of the watercourse and sensitive nature of the river corridor as a whole. All development proposed adjacent to a river corridor should be designed to take advantage of its proximity to the river through layout and orientation of buildings and spaces. Where a development site contains areas identified as flood plain, the development layout design should ensure that no surface water attenuation features are located in Flood Zone 3. There should be an 8 metre easement to allow maintenance & access to all main rivers and to ensure that the river corridor is sensitively managed to support environmental infrastructure (including wildlife corridors) and to protect/improve habitat for BAP species and/or ecological networks. All development proposals should demonstrate high levels of water efficiency. All residential development should incorporate water efficiency measures to achieve the enhanced technical standard for water usage under the building regulations. Non-residential development should demonstrate water efficiency of the relevant BREEAM 'Good' standard as a minimum. Grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting schemes should be used unless it can be demonstrated that it is not appropriate for a specific location. Development proposals will take full account of the biodiversity value of watercourses and river corridors and their role in supporting local ecological networks. Impacts from lighting, noise and visual disturbances should be avoided or mitigated and opportunities to create, enhance and restore adjacent habitats for biodiversity will be encouraged. D. Water Quality In accordance with the Water Framework Directive's objectives, development must not affect the water bodies' ability to reach good status or potential as set out in the Rivers Severn, Humber and Thames River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). The RBMPs provide the baseline classifications for each watercourse and the latest versions will be taken into account. In respect of the proposal for land at Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath (Policy GLH) and the growth of existing employment at Gaydon (Policy AS.11), Severn Trent Water has identified the need for improvements to be made to the local wastewater infrastructure, including temporary works to ensure that adequate capacity is secured prior to occupation of early phases of development. Such improvements are necessary to support the delivery of the overall strategy for the District and will be supported accordingly. Development will not be permitted where proposals have a negative impact on water quality, either directly through pollution of surface or ground water, or indirectly through the overloading of Wastewater Treatment Works. Prior to any potential development, consultation must be held with Severn Trent Water or Thames Water as appropriate to ensure that the required wastewater infrastructure is in place in sufficient time.

Green Belt

The purposes of the Green Belt will be upheld by resisting inappropriate development within it, except in cases where very special circumstances are justified in accordance with the provisions of national policy. The following forms of development in the Green Belt are not inappropriate in principle: a. A small-scale development which meets a housing, employment or other need identified by a local community, in accordance with Policy AS.10 Countryside and Villages, subject to it not being harmful to the openness of the Green Belt. b. A small-scale extension or alteration of a building, or the replacement of an existing building for the same use, as long as the replacement building is not materially larger than the one it replaces. c. The limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of a previously developed ('brownfield') site, whether redundant or in continuing use (excluding temporary buildings), subject to it not having a materially greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purpose of including land within it than the existing development. d. The construction of new buildings and the carrying out of activities as defined in national planning policy. e. Limited infilling in Local Service Villages identified in accordance with Policy CS.16. The provisions of other policies in the Core Strategy will be taken into account in order to assess the impact of a development proposal on the character of the area and other features in order to assess whether there would be any other harm. It is proposed to remove the following areas of land from the Green Belt: 1. 7 hectares north of Arden Road, Alcester (see Proposal ALC.3) 2. 9.8 hectares at Gorcott Hill, north of Mappleborough Green (see Proposal REDD.2) The boundary of the Green Belt is shown on the Policies Map.

Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Development proposals in the District involving land either within, or outside but affecting, the Cotswolds AONB should conserve and enhance the special landscape qualities and scenic beauty of the AONB and be consistent with the objectives set out in the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan. In determining planning applications in and adjacent to the AONB, the Council will work closely with the Cotswolds Conservation Board. Those parts of the AONB that lie within the District are defined as 'tranquil areas' where the minimisation of noise, traffic congestion and light pollution is a priority. Large scale development will not be allowed unless exceptional circumstances and public interest are demonstrated in accordance with all the criteria set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. Small-scale development and activities are appropriate, in accordance with Policy AS.10 Countryside and Villages, but must not harm the historic or built character, local distinctiveness or landscape quality of the AONB. The impact of development proposals on the economic and social well-being of the area will be taken into account, including the specific needs of agriculture. The boundary of the Cotswolds AONB is shown on the Policies Map.

Special Landscape Areas

The high landscape quality of the Special Landscape Areas, including their associated historic and cultural features, will be protected by resisting development proposals that would have a harmful effect on their distinctive character and appearance which make an important contribution to the image and enjoyment of the District. The cumulative impact of development proposals on the quality of the landscape will be taken into account. The following Special Landscape Areas are identified and their extent is shown on the Policies Map: • Arden • Cotswold Fringe • Feldon Parkland • Ironstone Hills Fringe Development proposals relating to settlements that lie within a Special Landscape Area must respect the current and historic relationship of that settlement within the landscape.

Areas of Restraint

Land designated as an Area of Restraint makes an important contribution to the character of the settlement. Development must not harm or threaten the open nature of such areas, taking into account any possible cumulative effects. Planning permission for a large-scale form of development in an Area of Restraint will only be granted where a scheme would have demonstrable community benefits and contribute significantly to meeting an objective of the Core Strategy. It will also need to be demonstrated that no suitable alternative site outside the Area of Restraint is available for the proposed development. Projects which enhance the character and visual amenity of Areas of Restraint will be encouraged, as will the promotion of beneficial uses such as public access, nature conservation and food production. The boundaries of the Areas of Restraint are shown on the Policies Map.

Water Environment and Flood Risk

All development proposals will take into account, dependent on their scale, use and location, the predicted impact of climate change on the District's water environment. Measures will include sustainable use of water resources, minimising water consumption, protecting and improving water quality, and minimising flood risk from all sources, as set out in the most up-to-date Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). A. Flood Risk Areas All development proposals should be located in Flood Risk Zone 1 (Low Probability Flood Risk). Development within the Environment Agency's flood risk zones 2 and 3a will only be acceptable when the sequential test and, where applicable, the exception test have been satisfied, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. Land use in High Probability Flood Zone 3b should be restricted to water compatible or, with the exception test, essential infrastructure. The flood plain will be maintained and, where opportunities arise, restored in order to maximise natural storage of flood water, reduce flooding problems and increase landscape, ecological and conservation value. Rural and urban land use practices to restore more sustainable natural floodplains and to reduce runoff will be encouraged. Developers will be encouraged to reduce the reliance on hard engineered solutions through their site by contributing to upstream flood storage, giving consideration to a whole catchment approach. B. Surface Water Runoff and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems In all development, there should be no flooding, from all sources, to properties up to the 100 year flood event, including an allowance for climate change. Development will not be permitted where it results in an increase in the risk of flooding elsewhere. All development proposals should ensure there is no increase in the rate of surface water runoff from the site as a result of development and, where possible, should seek to reduce the rate of surface water runoff generated from the development to the equivalent Greenfield runoff rates. For Greenfield development sites, the rate of surface water runoff generated as a result of the development should be equivalent to the rate of surface water runoff generated from an undeveloped site. For Brownfield development sites, developers are expected to deliver a substantial reduction in the existing rate of surface water runoff generated from the development and, where possible, limit the rate of surface water runoff to the equivalent Greenfield rate. The surface water runoff rate restrictions for a development site will be agreed with the appropriate body (i.e. the Environment Agency or SUDs Approval Body), at an early stage in the planning process. These discussions will establish whether there are any local flooding issues that require mitigation through additional reductions in surface water runoff from proposed development sites. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) will be proportionately incorporated in all scales of development, supported by a groundwater risk assessment. Infiltration SUDS will be promoted where it is practical. Where evidence is supplied to demonstrate that infiltration SUDS are not applicable, the SUDS hierarchy will be followed. Where SUDS are proposed, arrangements will be put in place for their whole life management and maintenance. Making space for water should be incorporated into the design layout to allow for a full range of SUDS measures. Applicants should ensure foul and surface water from new development and redevelopment are kept separate. Where sites which currently connect to combined sewers are redeveloped, the opportunity to disconnect surface water and highway drainage from combined sewers must be taken. All development proposals should seek to control and discharge 100% of surface water runoff generated on site during the 1 in 100 year plus climate change rainfall event using above ground sustainable drainage systems, such as swales, ponds and other water based ecological features. Where it can be demonstrated that it is not practicable, development proposals should maximise opportunities to use SUDS measures which require no additional land take, such as green roofs, permeable surfaces and water butts. There is a presumption against the underground storage of water. Applicants should ensure that the design of SUDS supports the findings and recommendations of the Warwickshire Surface Water Management Plan, the Warwickshire Sustainable Urban Drainage Manual and the District Council's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. Development should ensure the linkage of SUDS to green infrastructure to provide environmental enhancement and amenity, social and recreational value, as well as balancing storm flows and improving water quality. The design of SUDS should maximise the opportunity to create amenity, enhance biodiversity and contribute to a network of green and blue open spaces. C. Enhancing and Protecting the Water Environment Development proposals that lie adjacent to a canal, river or tributary should ensure that the natural features and functions of the watercourses and its wider corridor are retained, or where possible reinstated and that appropriate habitats buffers are established. Culverts should be permitted for access purposes only and conform to the Environment Agency's culverting policy. Culverts must be removed unless it can be demonstrated that it is impractical to do so. Development proposals adjacent to canals should be supported by a SFRA Level 2 report to assess the residual risk of breach or overtopping. Physical and visual access to watercourses will be promoted where it respects the natural function of the watercourse and sensitive nature

Open Space and Recreation

New housing development will enable an increase in or enhancement of open space and recreation facilities to meet the needs of its residents. Where it is justified by the scale of new development, developers will be expected to contribute towards the provision of open space in order to help achieve the standards set out in the Council's Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment. These are: Parks & Gardens and Amenity Greenspace District-wide: 1.15 hectares per 1,000 people Individual settlement: minimum provision of 1.15 hectares per 1,000 people Unrestricted Natural Accessible Greenspace District-wide: 4.92 hectares per 1,000 people Stratford-upon-Avon: 5.24 hectares per 1,000 people Main Rural Centres: 0.75 hectares per 1,000 people Local Service Villages: 0.75 hectares per 1000 people Children and Young People's Equipped Play Facilities District-wide: 0.25 hectares per 1,000 people Individual settlement: 0.25 hectares per 1,000 people Outdoor Sport Additional pitch/facility requirements on the basis of Sport England's Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance and the Council's needs assessment. Allotments and Community Gardens District-wide: 0.4 hectares per 1,000 people Individual settlement: 0.4 hectares per 1,000 people subject to local circumstances Developer contributions will also be spent on built recreation facilities where justified by an increase in population. These standards will be kept up to date, and will reflect guidance from Sport England, Play England, Fields in Trust and other relevant bodies, through the District Active Communities Strategy and Open Space Strategy. Consideration will be given to more diverse forms of provision (e.g. community orchards, local nature reserves etc.) where these respond to local needs and make a positive contribution towards the local environment. Regard will be paid to the Woodland Trust's Woodland Access Standard. New open space provision will be designed to complement and enhance the existing open space provision in the area. Where appropriate, improvements to the quality and/or accessibility of existing provision will be sought. Where developments are of a suitable scale provision will be made on site. Development proposals that would result in the loss of public or private open space, including allotments, without suitable replacement being made, will be resisted unless: 1. it can be demonstrated that there is an absence of need or it is surplus to requirements; and 2. it does not make a valuable contribution to the amenity and character of the area.

Green Infrastructure

A. Green Infrastructure Network The existing Green Infrastructure network in the District will be promoted through the principles of protection, enhancement, restoration and creation. The network will help to: - support the growth of a strong, competitive low carbon economy; - create a more attractive District for visitors and support tourism; - promote healthy and active communities; - protect and support historic and archaeological settings, sense of place and the distinctive landscape and character of the District; - form a place for biodiversity to survive and thrive in the face of climate change; and - reduce the risk of flooding. Development proposals must demonstrate, dependent on their scale, use and location, how they contribute to the provision of a comprehensive Green Infrastructure network, through: - maintaining and enhancing existing Green Infrastructure assets; - optimising opportunities to create links between existing Green Infrastructure assets within the District and in neighbouring authority areas; and - helping to deliver new Green Infrastructure assets where a specific need has been identified. B. Provision of Green Infrastructure The availability of open spaces, waterways and other green infrastructure features will be maintained and improved as a contribution towards: 1. quality of life and attractive communities; 2. biodiversity and the provision of habitats; 3. landscape character and quality; 4. non-vehicular modes of movement; and 5. sustainable drainage, flood management, carbon sinks and other climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Access to Green Infrastructure features within settlements and the countryside will be provided through, for example, local nature reserves, green corridors, waterway ('blue') corridors, allotments and woodland, together with connections between built up areas and the countryside. Opportunities will be sought to help deliver the priorities identified in the Sub-Regional Green Infrastructure Strategy and to implement the specific projects identified in the Area Strategies for Stratford-upon-Avon and the Main Rural Centres set out in Section 6 of the Core Strategy. The Council will support the creation of new routes for walking, cycling and horse-riding to improve access to the countryside. Where outdoor recreation facilities are proposed, either within urban areas or open countryside, a management plan will be sought to enhance the Green Infrastructure features of the site. Such management plans will also be encouraged in relation to existing facilities.

Historic Environment

A. Protection and Enhancement The District's historic environment will be protected and enhanced for its inherent value and for the enjoyment of present and future residents and visitors. Through a partnership approach, the Council will seek opportunities to promote the historic environment as a catalyst for enhancing the vitality of the District. Priority will be given to protecting and enhancing the wide range of historic and cultural assets that contribute to the character and identity of the District, including: 1. designated heritage assets such as Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Registered Gardens, the Battle of Edgehill Historic Battlefield, Scheduled Monuments, and sites of archaeological importance, and their settings; 2. non-designated heritage assets and their settings; 3. Stratford-upon-Avon's historic townscape and street scene, and sites associated with William Shakespeare, to maintain the town's international and cultural importance; 4. the distinctive character of the market towns, villages and hamlets, including their settings, townscapes, streets, spaces and built form; 5. features that reflect the historic interaction of human activity on the landscape, including local vernacular building styles and materials, traditional farm buildings, and historic features associated with canals, navigations and railways; 6. working with the highways authority and infrastructure providers to ensure works to streets and the public realm do not detract from the historic value of the street scene; and; 7. seeking to reduce the number of heritage assets at risk. B. Proposals Affecting the Significance of a Heritage Asset Where proposals will affect a heritage asset, applicants will be required to undertake and provide an assessment of the significance of the asset using a proportionate level of detail relating to the likely impact the proposal will have on the asset's historic interest. Proposals which would lead to substantial harm to, or total loss of significance of, designated heritage assets will only be permitted where substantial public benefits outweigh that harm or loss and it is demonstrated that all reasonable efforts have been made to sustain the existing use or find reasonable alternative uses. Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm must be justified and weighed against the public benefits of the proposal, including securing its optimum viable use. For non-designated heritage assets, proposals will be assessed having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset. Where harm or loss of a heritage asset can be fully justified, as part of the implementation of the proposal the District Council will require archaeological excavation and/or historic building recording as appropriate, followed by analysis and publication of the results. C. Appreciation, Design and Management Proposals will be high quality, sensitively designed and integrated with the historic context. The design and layout of development proposals will be informed by an understanding of the significance of the historic asset and environment. Creative and innovative design and architecture that helps to secure the conservation of heritage assets and integrates new development into the historic environment will be encouraged where it is sympathetic to the character of the local area. The positive management of heritage assets through partnership approaches and measures will be encouraged, including the use of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans, Heritage Partnership Agreements and Neighbourhood Plans. Where appropriate, opportunities should also be taken to assist people's understanding of the history of the asset by such measures as permitting public access and the provision of interpretation displays. This will be particularly important if the asset has relevance to the District's special contribution to the nation's literary and cultural history.

Affordable Housing

A. Requirement and Thresholds All new residential development that incorporates or comprises use as a dwelling house within Use Class C3 will be required to contribute to the provision of affordable housing in accordance with the following thresholds: - In the parishes of Alcester and Kinwarton, Bidford-on-Avon, Henley-in-Arden and Beaudesert, Kineton, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Stratford-upon-Avon, Studley and Mappleborough Green, Tanworth-in-Arden, and Wellesbourne; development providing: - 11 or more dwellings; or - 6 or more dwellings with a combined floorspace of more than 1,000sqm - In all other parishes: development providing 6 or more dwellings. The Council will have regard to the nature of a scheme, including the relevant planning unit, in order to determine whether it comes within Use Class C3 and is subject to the provisions of this policy. The affordable housing will comprise 35% of the homes, unless credible site specific evidence of viability indicates otherwise. Schemes proposing more than 35% affordable housing provision, including rural exceptions, will also be supported where it meets an identified need. The Council will also support Use Class C2 and C2a schemes that contribute to the provision of affordable housing. B. On-site Provision On schemes proposing fewer than 11 homes a contribution to off-site affordable housing provision in the District will be provided where on-site provision (in whole or part) is not proposed. On schemes proposing 11 or more homes, affordable housing will be provided on-site. The application of the affordable housing requirement may result in a fractional level of provision. Given the distributional strategy of this Plan and the preference for smaller sites, fractional provision assumes greater importance for reasons of equitability. On sites of fewer than 11 homes, the fractional requirement will be provided as an off-site contribution. For sites proposing between 11 and 20 homes the requirement for on-site provision will be rounded down to the nearest whole unit (unless the applicant proposes rounding up), with the balance to be provided as an off-site contribution. For sites proposing 21 homes or more, affordable housing will be provided on-site to the nearest whole unit. Full or partial off-site provision of general needs affordable housing on sites proposing 11 or more homes will only be permitted where exceptional circumstances have been demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction. Schemes providing specialised accommodation may provide affordable housing off-site where such provision has been justified to the Council's satisfaction. In both circumstances the alternative form of provision will be equivalent or better in all respects to the affordable housing were this to have been provided on-site in accordance with Part A of the Policy. C. Affordability and Tenure Affordable housing is defined as social rented, affordable rented, and intermediate housing provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Such housing will: 1. Ensure the development of cohesive and stable communities, through the provision of appropriate stock and tenure profiles and management arrangements on each site. 2. Effectively meet the needs of households, including through its availability at a cost low enough for them to afford, determined with regard to local house price and market rent levels. 3. Include provision for homes to remain at an affordable cost for future eligible households or, exceptionally if relevant restrictions are lifted, for the subsidy involved in their development to be fully recycled for alternative affordable housing provision. On each site to which this policy applies, an appropriate tenure profile will be determined based on the principle that total affordable housing costs (rents and sale prices together with any applicable service charges) must be set at levels which will ensure that the accommodation is genuinely affordable to all households on low incomes, including those in work and/or with special needs. In accordance with the housing size and mix required by Policy CS.19, the following preferred tenure mix will also apply. The final mix achieved on any site will be informed by the up-to-date position set out in the Development Requirements SPD, which shall take into account any change to the definition of affordable housing established via national guidance, any relevant site specific issues and evidence of local circumstances: - Maximum 20% Affordable Rented Housing - Maximum 20% Intermediate Housing - Minimum 60% Social Rented Housing D. On-site Integration To ensure community cohesion and good design, affordable homes will be fully integrated in the design of the overall scheme, being physically and visually indistinguishable from the market units and dispersed across the site in clusters appropriate to the size and scale of the development. E. Delivery The provision of affordable housing will be required irrespective of the availability of public subsidy. Schemes will remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision. The Council will identify quality benchmark standards in respect of affordable housing allocation, monitoring and management arrangements in its Development Requirements SPD.

Housing Mix and Type

A. Principle All new homes (both market and affordable and whether general needs or specialised) will contribute to the creation of balanced and sustainable communities by meeting identified local and District housing needs in terms of mix, size, tenure and type to cater for the full range of different households. Generally, the larger the scale of development, the more opportunity exists for a wider range of dwelling types and sizes. B. General Needs Housing Mix The following table sets out the preferred type and mix of homes that will apply, in accordance with the tenure mix set out in Policy CS.18 Affordable Housing, but the final mix achieved on any site will be informed by the up-to-date position set out in the Development Requirements SPD, taking account of any relevant site specific issues and evidence of local market circumstances. Dwelling Type | Market housing | Affordable Housing 1 bed (2 person) | 5-10% | 15-20% 2 bed (3 or 4 person) | 35-40% | 35-40% 3 bed (5 or 6 person) | 40-45% | 35-40% 4+ bed (6, 7 or 8+ person) | 15-20% | 5-10% To maximise flexibility in the housing stock, 1 and 2 bed affordable homes should be provided through an appropriate mix of bungalows, flats, apartments, maisonettes and houses, whilst 3 and 4 bed affordable homes should be provided as houses. Intermediate affordable housing should not be provided as 1-bed homes unless an exceptional justification is advanced as part of a planning application. All 1 and 2 bed affordable homes should be built with bedrooms capable of satisfactorily accommodating 2 occupiers in each bedroom (i.e. double or twin bedrooms) unless an exceptional justification is advanced as part of a planning application. C. Specialised Accommodation Specialised accommodation is housing that meets the needs of vulnerable people of whatever age and includes the broad range of accommodation for older people such as, for example, 'extra care' housing accommodation for elderly people. Schemes that provide specialised accommodation whilst promoting independent living will be supported in accordance with Policy CS.16 Housing Development provided all of the following criteria are met: 1. the type of specialised accommodation proposed meets identified District needs and contributes to maintaining the balance of the housing stock in the locality; 2. the proposal relates well to the existing settlement and provides easy access to services and facilities, including public transport, enabling its residents' to live independently as part of the community; 3. the design of the proposal, including any individual units of accommodation, is capable of meeting the specialised accommodation support and care needs of the occupier; and 4. arrangements are in place to ensure the delivery of appropriate care and support packages. D. Flexible Design and Space Standards All residential development will be designed and built to encourage sustainable and flexible living. In particular, it will provide accommodation that can be easily adapted to suit changing household needs and circumstances, including to cater for home working and to benefit household members with disabilities or older residents who may need care and support. All dwellings will therefore incorporate sufficient storage space and floor layouts will provide practical usable space and a good standard of amenity. Development Management Considerations (1) For the avoidance of doubt Part B of this policy applies to 'new-build' homes as opposed to conversions and changes of use of existing buildings. This includes where an existing building has been demolished in full or substantially in part to facilitate the conversion of the existing building. (2) Part B of this policy does not apply to schemes providing specialised accommodation in accordance with Part C. Schemes that do not meet the requirements of Part C will be treated as general needs housing.

Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Proposals for the provision of permanent, temporary and transit Gypsy and Traveller pitches and Travelling Showpeople plots will be considered against the following criteria: 1. the site is not located within the Green Belt, unless there are very special circumstances, or the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), unless it complies with Policy CS.11; 2. the site is not located within an area of designated historic or environmental importance and will not compromise the objectives of any national or local designation, including Special Landscape Areas; 3. if located in proximity to the Cotswolds AONB, the site will have a buffer of appropriate scale and landscaping to minimise any adverse visual impact upon the AONB; 4. the site should avoid areas prone to fluvial, pluvial or surface water flooding, and exclude areas with a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of flooding; 5. the site will not be located on unstable or contaminated land that cannot be mitigated; 6. the site will have safe access to the highway and avoid significant impact on minor rural roads; 7. the site will be in a sustainable location in reasonable proximity to local services and facilities, including health and emergency services, making them accessible by modes of transport more sustainable than the private car; 8. the location of the site will not result in unacceptable environmental impacts on the amenity of future occupiers of the site; 9. the development and use of the site makes best use of previously developed, untidy or derelict land where available and suitable and will not have unacceptable adverse impacts on the landscape, biodiversity or the built environment; 10. the site will have a good residential environment and be of good quality layout and design incorporating appropriate landscaping, security, utilities and facilities, and be acceptable in terms of foul and surface water drainage and waste storage and disposal; 11. the site will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on neighbouring residential amenity, including noise from any commercial activities; and 12. arrangements are put in place to ensure the proper management of the site to seek to ensure community cohesion between the settled and traveller communities. The Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan will identify sites but consideration will also be given to the provision of pitches as a component of sites allocated for development in the Core Strategy, where this is considered appropriate.

Housing Development

A. Housing Requirement Stratford-on-Avon District will meet its objectively assessed housing needs for the period 2011 to 2031. Provision will be made for at least 14,600 additional homes, distributed as follows based on the sustainable locations identified in Policy CS.15: • Stratford-upon-Avon: approximately 3,500 homes • Main Rural Centres: approximately 3,800 homes • New Settlement at Lighthorne Heath: approximately 2,300 homes • New settlement at Long Marston Airfield: approximately 2,100 homes • Local Service Villages: approximately 2,000 homes • Large Rural Brownfield Sites: approximately 1,245 homes • Other Rural Locations: approximately 750 homes B. Strategic Allocations To deliver the housing requirement, the Core Strategy identifies the following strategic allocations for housing and housing-led mixed-use development during the plan period. The detailed provisions for each site allocation are set out in Section 6 Area Strategies. • 650 homes within the plan period from a total of approximately 1,010 homes on the Canal Quarter Regeneration Zone, Stratford-upon-Avon (SUA.1) • 65 homes South of Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon (SUA.2) • 500 homes North of Bishopton Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon (SUA.3) • 190 homes North of Allimore Lane (southern part), Alcester (ALC.1) • 160 homes North of Allimore Lane (northern part), Alcester (ALC.2) • 200 homes West of Banbury Road, Southam (SOU.1) • 165 homes West of Coventry Road, Southam (SOU.2) • 530 homes South of Daventry Road, Southam (SOU.3) • 2,300 homes within the plan period from a total of approximately 3,000 homes at Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath New Settlement (GLH) • 2,100 homes within the plan period from a total of approximately 3,500 homes at Long Marston Airfield New Settlement (LMA) A further strategic allocation of approximately 2,000 homes is identified for the Local Service Villages. Policy CS.15 identifies four categories of Local Service Village, to which the following housing requirements apply:

Accommodating Housing Need Arising from outside Stratford-on-Avon District

The existence of unmet housing need arising outside Stratford-on-Avon District will not render this Plan out of date. However, the Plan will be reviewed if evidence demonstrates that significant housing needs arising outside the District should be met within the District and cannot be adequately addressed without a review. To establish this, the Council will work with other local authorities in the Coventry and Warwickshire Housing Market Area to: 1. prepare and maintain a joint evidence base including housing need and housing land availability; 2. take part in a process to agree the strategic approach to address any shortfall of land availability to deliver in full the Housing Market Area's Objectively Assessed Housing Need or other evidenced housing need arising outside the District; and 3. where the evidence and the duty to co-operate process clearly indicates that there is a housing need that cannot be met within the administrative boundaries of the authority in which the need arises and part or all of the need could most appropriately be met within Stratford-on-Avon District, the Council will seek to identify the most appropriate sites to meet this need and will review the Local Plan to do this, should it be required.

Affordable Housing

(1) The majority of the District is designated as a rural area wherein the Council will seek the lower affordable housing threshold of 5 dwellings or fewer. In non-rural designated areas, for the higher threshold of 10 homes or fewer to apply the combined gross floorspace must not exceed 1,000sqm. For schemes in non-designated rural areas where the combined gross floorspace exceeds 1,000sqm, the Council will seek affordable housing on schemes of 6 or more homes. It should be noted that the floorspace threshold does not apply to the lower threshold. (2) Gross floorspace is defined as the area of the dwelling measured externally at each floor level. It includes perimeter wall thickness and external projections, areas occupied by internal walls and partitions, integral garages and conservatories. It excludes attached garages, parking areas and canopies etc, and greenhouses and stores. (3) For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this policy do not apply to housing schemes that meet an identified community need in accordance with Part G of Policy CS.15. In addition, the following exceptions also apply: Ancillary accommodation and residential annexes (e.g. a manager's flat in a care home); Holiday accommodation; Homes with agricultural occupancy restrictions; Homes with temporary planning permission; Mobile homes; Pitches for Gypsies and Travellers and plots for Travelling Showpeople; Self-build housing; Residential extensions; and Extra-care housing. (4) In addition to the above exceptions, the provisions of this policy do not apply to replacement dwellings where there is no net increase in the number of dwellings on site. However, where there is a net increase in the number of dwellings and a particular development is facilitated by the demolition of an existing dwelling/s, or a building that was previously in residential use, in considering whether a development meets the threshold for providing affordable housing, the gross number of proposed dwellings, not the net increase, will be considered. (5) A self-contained unit of accommodation is defined as one that has bedroom, living, cooking and bathroom facilities behind an individual 'front door', irrespective of type of housing or the provision of additional communal facilities. (6) Where specialised needs accommodation is provided, the affordable housing element should also be provided as the same type of specialist accommodation. (7) Where affordable housing is not being provided on-site, the alternative form of provision will be a 'cash' contribution equivalent or better in all respects to the affordable housing, were this to have been provided on-site. Cash contributions in respect of fractional requirements will be sought on a pro rata basis towards the estimated costs of equivalent provision. Contributions will be pooled for District-wide provision. Further guidance on the Council's approach to off-site provision, including the 'parity rule', is set out in the Development Requirements SPD. (8) The phasing of a development, or the division of a site into separate parts, in order to create sites that are below the threshold, will not exclude the developer/s from providing affordable housing. Where a site can be clearly identified, irrespective of ownership, the entire site will be used to determine whether it meets the site size threshold for the provision of affordable housing. (9) Full or partial off-site provision of schemes of 11 or more homes will only be permitted where exceptional circumstances have been demonstrated to the District Council's satisfaction. In such cases, the alternative form of provision will be equivalent or better in all respects to the affordable housing, were this to have been provided on-site. (10) Before permission is granted, and in addition to ensuring the overall required proportion/number of affordable homes is provided as set out above, agreement shall be reached between the developer and the District Council regarding: the timed release of affordable housing in phase with market housing and overall development timescales; the tenure, size and type of affordable housing; Nomination arrangements, the management of the scheme and the role of Registered Providers. (11) Affordable housing provided through this policy will meet District-wide needs. However, for all general needs housing and possibly specialised schemes the Council will normally apply a sequential cascade mechanism that prioritises those with a local connection. (12) Where an applicant proposes to make a lower affordable housing contribution evidence

Existing Housing Stock and Buildings

A. Conversions and Changes of Use The District's existing housing stock will be managed and safeguarded as a vital resource. Proposals will not result in the net loss of dwellings through demolition or change of use unless there is a specific and overriding justification. The subdivision or conversion of existing buildings into dwellings or existing houses into flats or Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMO) will be supported where the residential use is acceptable in principle and the conversion provides a satisfactory safe living environment and amenity for the intended occupiers and there would be no significant adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties by virtue of the intensification of use. The provision of flats above shops will also be supported in principle where the proposal does not dilute or undermine the commercial activity on site or in the vicinity. B. Alterations and Modifications Alterations and modifications to existing buildings and dwellings, including proposed extensions, outbuildings and annexes, will be of an appropriate scale and subservient in relation to the existing building, taking into account the site location and the cumulative impacts of previous extensions and development on the site where appropriate. C. Replacement Dwellings Renovating existing dwellings is often a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach than replacing existing dwellings in their entirety. Where the existing dwelling is not considered suitable for retention, the replacement dwelling will be well sited in relation to the existing site and buildings, not visually intrusive, and not significantly larger than the dwelling it replaces. Where a replacement dwelling is considered appropriate, the existing dwelling will have a lawful planning use as a dwelling and not have been demolished prior to the determination of the associated planning application and/or have been abandoned. Replacement dwellings should be sited within the lawful curtilage of the existing dwelling, unless significant environmental benefits would result. D. Empty Homes The Council will support in principle the re-use of empty homes for residential use where the home has an existing lawful residential use. E. Requirements 1. Proposals will preserve and enhance the character of the locality and will not unacceptably detract from the amenities of any neighbouring property by reason of loss of daylight, loss of privacy, overshadowing, or overbearing impacts. 2. Proposals for new dwellings should help achieve sustainable mixed communities by contributing to the provision of a mix of housing to meet local needs. 3. In determining applications, other material planning considerations will be taken into account, in particular the impacts on highway safety, heritage assets, protected trees, openness in the Green Belt, protected species, flooding and drainage. 4. Proposals will be compliant with the considerations set out in the Development Requirements Supplementary Planning Document, as appropriate.

Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Proposals for the provision of permanent, temporary and transit Gypsy and Traveller pitches and Travelling Showpeople plots will be considered against the following criteria: 1. the site is not located within the Green Belt, unless there are very special circumstances, or the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), unless it comp

Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath

Land largely bounded by M40, B4451 and B4100 and to north and east of Lighthorne Heath, approximately 290 hectares (gross). Land comprising approximately 100 hectares at the southern end of the allocation to enable the expansion of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to meet the business needs for uses that can include: Research, design, testing and development of motor vehicles and ancillary related activities; Other advanced engineering technologies and products; Offices; Low volume manufacturing and assembly operations; Development of associated publicly accessible event, hospitality, display, leisure and conference facilities and marketing infrastructure; Automotive education and training including ancillary accommodation. Land comprising approximately 4.5 hectares to the west of Lighthorne Heath to enable the expansion of Aston Martin Lagonda (AML) to meet the business needs of the company for uses that can include: Research, design, testing and development of motor vehicles and ancillary related activities; Other advanced engineering technologies and products; Low volume manufacturing and assembly operations; Offices; Automotive education, conference and training including ancillary accommodation; Leisure, promotional and marketing uses related to existing uses on the site; Ancillary new and replacement car parking; Complementary and ancillary uses for staff and visitors; Ancillary car storage. Housing – approximately 3,000 dwellings (2,300 dwellings by 2031) to include (alongside private sector housing): Extra care for the elderly; Private sector rental; Opportunities for self-build residential accommodation, and The delivery of 35% affordable housing in accordance with Policy CS.18. One main village centre, to be delivered within the defined first phase of development. The main village centre shall be appropriately located to serve both the existing residents of Lighthorne Heath and the existing and proposed workforce communities. The main village centre shall incorporate: a range of shops and services to support the existing and new communities, and a community hub to include a meeting space, health, police office and leisure facilities, and a three form entry primary school, all as identified within the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A contribution to support off-site provision for secondary (including sixth form) schooling. A comprehensive green infrastructure strategy incorporating: Structural landscaping and open space, both alongside the M40 and to establish and/or reinforce visual and functional buffers to maintain the separate identity and integrity of the existing villages of Lighthorne and Gaydon. A managed ecological reserve at Lighthorne Quarry, linking to managed networks within and adjacent to the development. A network of open spaces to include provision for children's play, formal sports, allotments and community woodland. The open space within the site will provide for ecological mitigation as part of the wider biodiversity strategy and the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and will relate to wider countryside accessibility. A comprehensive pedestrian and cycle network to provide links to the surrounding countryside, villages and employment areas. The phased delivery of utilities and infrastructure to include: New primary substation; new mains gas pipeline; Upgrade work to the foul sewer infrastructure; Superfast fibre optic broadband. The phased delivery of highway and transport infrastructure as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, but also to include any further specific schemes that may be identified as necessary to mitigate more local impacts. Frequent, express bus services to Warwick/Leamington and Banbury, including railway stations. Production of a Framework Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to guide developers and the local planning authority in respect of environmental, social, design and economic objectives as they seek to create a new community at Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath. The SPD will set out broad principles to show how the above policy requirements, together with other policy requirements in this Core Strategy should be delivered on the site. It will need to accord with the following specific requirements: All elements of the proposal, including both the new housing and related facilities and the expansion of the Jaguar Land Rover facility, will be considered comprehensively in order to promote an integrated approach to the overall development as far as this is practicable. The proposed new housing and expansion of the Jaguar Land Rover facility will properly integrate with, complement and where appropriate deliver related enhancements to the existing employment land at the Gaydon Site and the existing urban fabric at Lighthorne Heath. The expansion of the Jaguar Land Rover facility will be considered within the context of the wider long term aspirations for the existing Jaguar Land Rover operations on the Gaydon Site. Whilst respecting the operational requirements in both existing and proposed employment areas, land uses within the site and beyond should integrate both physically through the provision of public routes and visually through urban design principles.

Developer Contributions

The Council will introduce a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to fund infrastructure and community facilities necessary to accommodate growth and to mitigate cumulative impacts. Affordable housing and local infrastructure, including facilities and services that are essential for development to take place on individual sites, or which are needed to mitigate the impact of development at the site or neighbourhood level, will be secured through planning obligations (Section 106 and Section 278 agreements). Where appropriate, infrastructure (including community facilities, open space, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, transport and green infrastructure) will be sought on-site. Infrastructure should be delivered concurrently with or in advance of development and have regard to the phasing of housing delivery in the plan as set out in Policy CS.16 Housing Development. Further detail will be provided in a Development Requirements Supplementary Planning Document.

Countryside and Villages

(a) Housing development to meet a local need that is identified in a Parish Plan or Neighbourhood Plan; (b) Small-scale market-led housing development; (c) The conversion of buildings of permanent and substantial construction to residential or other uses, where the building is of historic or other interest; (d) The conversion of buildings of permanent and substantial construction to residential use in open countryside; (e) Schemes with an element of residential development where a dwelling is proven to be essential for the efficient and secure operation of a business use; (f) The replacement of a dwelling in open countryside; (g) The redevelopment of a site in open countryside where there is a documented history of environmental conflict; (h) The expansion of existing businesses and enterprises; (i) A dwelling essential to enable a rural worker to live on or adjacent to the site; (j) Equestrian development; (k) The conversion of an agricultural building to business uses; (l) Holiday lets provided these are in converted buildings or extensions to existing dwellings; (m) Caravan and camping sites associated with an established business; (n) The expansion of an established agricultural or forestry business; (o) A building or other works essential to the undertaking of an agricultural use; (p) Farm shops or farm-based tourism activities; (q) Small-scale retail or service development; (r) Riding schools, livery facilities and stables; (s) Recreational uses and facilities; (t) Visitor accommodation that is directly associated with and related to the scale and nature of an existing use; (u) A small-scale expansion of an existing holiday caravan/chalet site where this would secure benefits to its function and appearance; (v) Golf courses, golf driving ranges and ancillary facilities.

Stratford-upon-Avon

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Stratford-upon-Avon area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Ensure the town presents an attractive image and experience given its international standing and significance. 2. Retain the scale, character and form of the town and protect the individual character of each part in the design of development. 3. Co-ordinate new developments and open spaces so that they are integrated with the existing fabric of the town. 4. Ensure that any development on the approaches to the town retains and respects the existing landscape setting and green spaces and augments them. 5. Improve the quality and appearance of the main corridors and gateways to the town centre, including the Birmingham Road/Arden Street area. 6. Improve the way in which the town's historic environment and cultural heritage is conserved, interpreted and presented. 7. Enhance the setting of Shakespeare's Birthplace to reflect its status as an international cultural attraction. 8. Enhance the town's historic townscape and its associated public realm. 9. Improve the appearance and function of secondary shopping areas in the town centre. 10. Enhance the River Avon corridor through the town for its biodiversity, recreational and flood management value. 11. Improve linkages between key biodiversity areas and corridors, including the river, the racecourse and Welcombe Hills. 12. Provide additional access to natural accessible greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 13. Improve the appearance and image of the Stratford Enterprise Park. 14. Apply measures relating to the Air Quality Management Area designated for the town. B. Social 1. Provide an upgraded or replacement Leisure Centre in the town. 2. Provide additional parks, gardens and amenity greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 3. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 4. Provide additional pitches for mini and junior football and junior rugby given the shortfall identified in the town. 5. Provide additional allotments given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 6. Support the provision of emergency services and the enhancement of health and medical facilities at Stratford Hospital. C. Economic 1. Provide opportunities for existing companies to expand and to attract new companies to the town. 2. Investigate the potential for an Innovation Centre in the town. 3. Provide additional non-bulky comparison goods retail floorspace in the town centre, ideally through the redevelopment of Town Square. 4. Improve the physical and functional links between the town centre and the Maybird Retail Park. 5. Support uses which create a diverse and prosperous night-time economy for residents and visitors. 6. Improve the quality and variety of the visitor experience. 7. Support the creation of a new learning and research centre on Henley Street for the enjoyment and study of Shakespeare. 8. Investigate the provision of a major conference facility in or well-related to the town. 9. Support the provision of a creative industries hub in or well-related to the town centre. D. Transport 1. Implement the Stratford Transport Package of traffic management measures. 2. Implement appropriate measures to improve traffic management on Birmingham Road. 3. Provide a bus-rail interchange adjacent to Stratford Railway Station as part of the redevelopment of the former Cattle Market site. 4. Assess the provision of a bus station within the town centre. 5. Assess the provision of a park-and-ride facility on the southern side of the town. 6. Improve the route between Stratford railway station and the town centre. 7. Achieve an effective balance between long-stay and short-stay car parking in the town centre. 8. Implement the Historic Spine project to improve pedestrian facilities. 9. Provide a new road link between Warwick Road and Bridgeway to create easier access to car and coach parks. 10. Improve the pedestrian route between Bridgeway and the town centre, particularly at Bridgefoot. 11. Improve cycle routes throughout the town, particularly between residential areas and secondary schools. 12. Upgrade Lucy's Mill footbridge to make it more accessible to a range of users.

Large Rural Brownfield Sites

Proposals for the re-use and redevelopment of extensive previously developed sites in the countryside, outside the Green Belt, will be assessed against the following factors in order to minimise any adverse impacts: (a) The extent to which the nature of the proposed development would be in the national or local interest. (b) Whether the form and scale of the proposed development could reasonably be provided elsewhere in the District in a manner that is consistent with the overall development strategy set out in this Plan. (c) The extent to which the nature of the proposed development would be beneficial compared with the current use and condition of the site. (d) The scale and nature of impacts, including visual, noise and light, on the character of the local area and local communities. (e) The extent to which features that are statutorily protected or of local importance are affected and any impact on them can be mitigated. (f) The scope to minimise the need to travel and promote the use of transport other than the private car. (g) The absence of development on any area of the site liable to flood risk.

Alcester

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Alcester area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Protect and enhance the historic fabric of the town and its associated open spaces. 2. Assess the scope to introduce traffic management measures in the town, particularly High Street. 3. Enhance the biodiversity and recreational value of the River Arrow Nature Reserve. 4. Protect existing woodland and reverse fragmentation, including through the provision of development buffer zones. 5. Enhance the Arden Forest Industrial Estate through the use of planting and Green Infrastructure features. 6. Improve the appearance of Hopkins Precinct and its surroundings and the manner in which the area is managed. B. Social 1. Identify and implement specific initiatives to meet the needs of people living on the Conway and Ten Acres Estates, including the provision of affordable homes. 2. Improve indoor recreation and leisure facilities in the town. 3. Improve outdoor play and leisure facilities on Jubilee Fields and on the western side of the town. 4. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 5. Provide additional allotments given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 6. Create additional cycle routes connecting to nearby settlements and National Cycle Network Route 5 which runs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Redditch. 7. Utilise the Arrow and Alne river corridors as linear features for recreational opportunities. C. Economic 1. Provide opportunities for existing companies to expand and to attract new businesses to the town. 2. Promote the town as an attractive destination for tourists and day visitors. 3. Enhance existing car parks and provide additional parking to encourage more people, including visitors, to use the town centre shops and facilities.

Henley-in-Arden

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Henley-in-Arden area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Protect the historic character and appearance of the town and the open spaces within it. 2. Improve the appearance of and access to Henley railway station. 3. Enhance the biodiversity value of the disused railway line to the north of the town. 4. Protect existing woodland and reverse fragmentation through new planting and restoration of connections between woodland. 5. Strengthen connections to nearby green infrastructure assets such as the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, Austy Wood and Bannam's Wood. 6. Investigate the removal of weirs and/or the provision of fish passes on the River Alne through the town. B. Social 1. Improve public transport services in the area, including bus services to Redditch and Warwick. 2. Improve facilities at the railway station, including additional car parking and a pedestrian bridge. 3. Manage Beaudesert Mount sensitively as a popular recreational attraction. 4. Provide additional parks, gardens and amenity greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 5. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 6. Provide additional allotments/community orchards given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. C. Economic 1. Provide scope for employment uses in the town, including small workspace units, to support local job opportunities. 2. Encourage the provision of further shops in the town centre. 3. Promote the town as a visitor attraction, including for coach tours. 4. Support the reinstatement of Henley Market on an appropriate site.

Kineton

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Kineton area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Maintain a green corridor along the Dene Valley to preserve the separate identities of Kineton and Little Kineton and the open character of the landscape. 2. Enhance biodiversity at DM Kineton by supporting the aspirations of the Warwickshire Biodiversity Action Plan. 3. Recognise and protect the importance of King John's Castle as an important multifunctional area for its biodiversity, recreation and archaeological significance. 4. Increase access to the River Dene Valley between Bridge Street and King John's Castle while also enhancing biodiversity in the area. 5. Preserve the historic character of the Market Square. 6. Ensure Seven Trent Water has carried out the necessary works at Kineton Waste Water Treatment Works before new housing is implemented. 7. Investigate the removal of weirs and/or the provision of fish passes on the River Dene. B. Social 1. Support the replacement or major refurbishment of Kineton High School including the upgrading of the swimming pool to become a community facility to serve the eastern area of the District. 2. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 3. Create circular walking routes to the north of Kineton leading from within the settlement out into the wider countryside. 4. Create additional cycle links that connect to established routes, including National Cycle Network Route 48 and those to the north west and south east of the village. C. Economic 1. Retain and enhance the established industrial estate at Brookhampton Lane. 2. Maintain the existing level of shops in the village centre and support the provision of new retail outlets. 3. Attract more visitors to the village due to its relationship with the Battle of Edgehill.

Shipston-on-Stour

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Shipston-on-Stour area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Minimise the risk of flooding in the town from the River Stour and other sources ensuring that land that may be required for flood alleviation measures is kept free from development. 2. Protect and enhance the character of the historic town centre. 3. Enhance the attractiveness of the River Stour corridor and its setting to the town. 4. Provide additional natural accessible greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS 25 Healthy Communities. 5. Investigate and identify a suitable area to be designated as a Local Nature Reserve in the Shipston area, possibly through the provision of a wetland area in association with measures aimed at managing flood risk upstream of the town. 6. Investigate the scope to utilize land to the east of the town for flood alleviation and biodiversity purposes. B. Social 1. Provide a new Medical Centre in the town. 2. Support the expansion of Shipston High School, including improvements to sports facilities, and possibly to provide a 6th Form. 3. Improve leisure facilities in the town, both built and open spaces, including the refurbishment of Townsend Hall. 4. Support improvements to the Portabello crossroads and Darlingscote crossroads on the A429. 5. Improve the public rights of way network, in particular access to open countryside. 6. Maximise the opportunities to use land to the east of the river as a multi-purpose leisure area, including the provision of a pedestrian bridge across the river. 7. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 8. Provide additional allotments given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 9. Provide additional pitches for mini football, junior rugby, cricket and hockey (the latter in the form of an all-weather surface), given the shortfall identified in the town. C. Economic 1. Diversify the local economy and increase the provision of premises for local businesses. 2. Support the business uses on the Tilemans Lane/Shipston Business Village estate and retain it for employment purposes. 3. Support the growth of new local enterprises fostered by effective business support. 4. Support the vitality of the town centre, including through improved shopping and service outlets. 5. Promote the role of tourism in the town and surrounding area. 6. Improve the quantity and range of visitor accommodation.

Southam

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Southam area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Enhance the character of Southam as a historic market town. 2. Improve the function and appearance of the recreation ground off Market Hill. 3. Investigate the scope for pedestrianisation and traffic management measures in parts of the town centre. 4. Enhance green infrastructure to support the function and use of the River Stowe and River Itchen as natural river corridors which provide multi-functional benefits. 5. Improve the green infrastructure network to enhance linkages to and between important biodiversity and geodiversity features in the town's hinterland, such as Ufton Fields SSSI and Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSS1. 6. Minimise and mitigate the impacts of activities at the former Southam Cement Works and associated quarry. 7. Support the restoration of the disused quarry alongside the A426 to provide a high quality area for leisure and recreation, whilst supporting biodiversity and nature conservation interests. 8. Mitigate the impact of the proposed High Speed Two railway on the landscape, properties and proposed development in the local area. 9. Protect and enhance the Holy Well and its setting. 10. Create flood storage upstream of Southam to alleviate flooding in the town. 11. Investigate river restoration opportunities at the confluence of the River Stowe with the River Itchen to promote fish passage and improve migratory opportunities. B. Social 1. Provide a new community hub in the town centre, to include a library and one-stop shop facility. 2. Provide additional parks, gardens and amenity greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 3. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 4. Provide additional pitches for mini football and junior rugby given the shortfall identified in the town. 5. Improve pedestrian and cycling links to the town centre. 6. Improve countryside walks that are accessible from the town, particularly along the Stowe Valley. 7. Develop a traffic free cycle link to National Cycle Network Route 41 between Leamington Spa and Rugby, and the Grand Union Canal to the north of the town. 8. Investigate the scope to designate additional land along the Stowe valley to the west of the town as public open space. C. Economic 1. Strengthen the role of Southam town centre as a focus of shops and services and tourism activity. 2. Provide a museum in the town to display local historical artefacts, including the Cardall Collection. 3. Support the role and provision of heritage and tourism attractions, including the canal corridor and Civil War links. 4. Retain the remainder of Holywell Business Park for employment use.

Studley

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Studley area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Retain the separate and distinct identity of Studley and maintain the open gaps with Redditch and Middletown/Sambourne. 2. Support projects to assist the environmental regeneration of the village centre. 3. Implement traffic management measures in the village centre. 4. Investigate opportunities for mitigating the impact of through traffic on the A435 through Studley and Mappleborough Green. 5. Apply the provisions of the Air Quality Management Area Action Plan which covers the village centre. 6. Create village 'gateway' features to emphasise the sense of place. 7. Provide additional natural accessible greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 8. Enhance the village's green infrastructure network by improving linkages to and between features such as Rough Hill Wood SSSI, River Arrow and into Redditch. 9. Promote the River Arrow valley as a multi-functional green infrastructure corridor. 10. Investigate river restoration opportunities to promote fish passage and improve migratory opportunities. B. Social 1. Assess the opportunity to implement a comprehensive scheme to enhance the community facilities on High Street. 2. Improve links to National Cycle Network Route 5 between Redditch and Stratford-upon-Avon which runs through Studley. 3. Provide additional parks, gardens and amenity greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 4. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people, particularly in the southern part of the village, given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 5. Provide additional pitches for mini and junior football and junior rugby given the shortfall identified in the village. C. Economic 1. Retain the main employment sites on Birmingham Road/Redditch Road, Brickyard Lane and The Slough/Green Lane in business use. 2. Bolster the role of the village centre as a focus of local shops and services. 3. Investigate the scope to increase the amount of off-street car parking for people visiting the village centre.

Wellesbourne

The Council will apply the following principles in considering development proposals and other initiatives relating to the Wellesbourne area. It will assess the extent to which each of these principles is applicable to an individual development proposal. Developers will be expected to contribute to the achievement of these principles where it is appropriate and reasonable for them to do so, taking into account the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A. Environmental 1. Protect the openness of the River Dene valley through the village and create wider public access to it. 2. Reduce the impact of heavy goods vehicles in the village associated with the M40 Distribution Park. 3. Ensure the Wellesbourne Wastewater Treatment Works is upgraded by Severn Trent Water to facilitate future development in the village. 4. Improve linkages with important biodiversity features such as the Smatchley, Loxley and Wellesbourne Woods, Loxley Church Meadow and the River Dene. 5. Provide additional natural accessible greenspace given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. B. Social 1. Provide a multi-purpose community and leisure centre. 2. Create additional car parking in Wellesbourne village centre. 3. Expand the existing Medical Centre or provide a new facility. 4. Provide additional play spaces for children and young people given the shortfall against the standard set out in Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. 5. Provide additional pitches for mini and junior football, cricket and tennis courts given the shortfall identified in the village. 6. Improve links to National Cycle Network Route 41 between Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon which runs through Wellesbourne. C. Economic 1. Enhance the village centre, including the attraction of new shops and services. 2. Retain and support the enhancement of the established flying functions and aviation related facilities at Wellesbourne Airfield. 3. Assess the need for additional employment development in the village. 4. Improve local job opportunities by increasing the concentration of activity on the M40 Distribution Park for uses within Class B. 5. Promote links with Charlecote Park and Compton Verney as local visitor attractions. 6. Support the use of the Horticultural Research International (Warwick University) site for research and development and educational purposes.

Distribution of Development

The distribution of development in Stratford-on-Avon District during the plan period 2011 - 2031 will be based on a pattern of balanced dispersal, in accordance with the distinctive character and function of the wide range of sustainable locations across the District: A. Main Town: Stratford‐upon‐Avon The town is the principal settlement in the District and as such is a main focus for housing and business development. Services and infrastructure will be improved to reflect the scale of development that takes place. The role of the town centre as a focus of shopping, services and tourism will be maintained. The specific strategy for the town is set out in its Area Strategy and Policy AS.1 Stratford-upon-Avon. Development will take place: - on allocated sites identified in the Area Strategy and shown on the Policies Map; - on sites identified in the Neighbourhood Plan; and - through the redevelopment and re-use of suitable land and property within the Built-Up Area Boundary defined on the Policies Map. B. Main Rural Centres The following rural market towns and large villages are identified as suitable locations for housing and business development and the provision of local services: Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Henley-in-Arden, Kineton, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Studley and Wellesbourne The strategies for these settlements are set out in their individual Area Strategies and Policies AS.2 to AS.9. Development will take place: - on allocated sites identified in the Area Strategies and shown on the Policies Map; - on sites identified in a Neighbourhood Plan; and - through the redevelopment and re-use of suitable land and property within their Built-Up Area Boundaries as defined on the Policies Map. C. New Settlements The following two locations are identified as sustainable growth points for the creation of new communities, providing for a range of uses and making a significant contribution to meeting the housing needs of Stratford-on-Avon District: - Land in the vicinity of Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath to the west of the M40 - the detailed provisions of this development are set out in Proposal GLH and the extent of the site is shown on the Policies Map. - Land at Long Marston Airfield - the detailed provisions of this development are set out in Proposal LMA and the extent of the site is shown on the Policies Map. D. Local Service Villages A wide range of villages fall into this category, in accordance with the level of local services available. The status of an individual settlement could alter if the availability of services changes. The scale of housing development that is appropriate in each village is specified in Policy CS.16 Housing Development. Development will take place: - on sites identified in a Neighbourhood Plan; and - through small-scale schemes on unidentified but suitable sites within their Built-Up Area Boundaries (where defined) or otherwise within their physical confines. E. Large Rural Brownfield Sites To encourage the effective use of previously developed land, development will take place on Large Rural Brownfield Sites in accordance with Policy AS.11. F. All other settlements Development is restricted to small-scale community-led schemes which meet a need identified by the local community. G. Local Needs Schemes Within and adjacent to settlements, development may include small-scale community-led schemes brought forward to meet a need identified by that community. Dwellings provided through such schemes will contribute to the overall housing requirement for the District. Requirements All development at existing settlements is expected to protect and enhance the character of the settlement involved and its setting. To achieve this, each individual proposal will be assessed against the following principles: 1. in relation to residential development, the number of homes proposed is consistent with the overall scale of development identified for the settlement in Policy CS.16 Housing Development; 2. the scale of the development is appropriate to its immediate surroundings and to the overall size and character of the settlement; 3. the design of the development is well-related to, and can be readily integrated with, the existing form of the settlement; 4. the location and extent of the development does not have an unreasonably harmful impact on the surrounding landscape and setting of the settlement; 5. the location and extent of the development would not result in the identity and/or integrity of the settlement being undermined as a result of the reduction in the gap with an adjacent settlement; and 6. the scheme incorporates or provides for appropriate improvements to the infrastructure and services of the community. For development proposals that are clearly larger than would be consistent with the principles set out above, a detailed Masterplan accompanying an application will be required to show: - what specific and additional opportunities would be secured for the benefit of the local community; - how any impacts on the character of the existing settlement and community would be overcome effectively; - what arrangements would be made to phase the implementation of the development; and - how the necessary infrastructure and services to support the development would be provided. It is expected that promoters of development schemes will engage with the local community, including through the neighbourhood planning process where such a plan is under active preparation, prior to the submission of a planning application.

Retail Development and Main Centres

Retail development and other commercial uses should be provided in a manner that helps to strengthen the function and character of the District's town and rural centres for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. The respective roles of Stratford-upon-Avon town centre as a shopping and service centre of sub-regional importance, and the commercial core of each of the Main Rural Centres as a focus of shopping and services for their local area, will be supported through the encouragement of new and enhanced shopping and other business and community uses. Large-scale retail development, defined as comparison retailing schemes exceeding 1,000 square metres (gross) and convenience retailing schemes exceeding 2,500 square metres (gross), should be located within or on the edge of Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, or the commercial core of a Main Rural Centre identified in Policy CS.15 Distribution of Development, or to serve the needs of the proposed new settlements at Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath and Long Marston Airfield. The Site Allocations Development Plan Document will identify sites for large-scale retail development based on the justification for such provision to be made in specific locations. The boundaries for Stratford-upon-Avon town centre and the commercial core of each Main Rural Centre are defined on the Policies Map. Any large-scale retail proposal that is promoted elsewhere in the District requires a comprehensive Retail Impact Assessment, in accordance with national planning policy, to seek to justify the proposed scale and location of the development, and to show that: 1. there are no suitable sites available for the proposed development within or on the edge of Stratford-upon-Avon town centre or the commercial core of a Main Rural Centre; and 2. the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of: - Stratford-upon-Avon town centre; - town centres outside the District; or - the commercial core of any of the Main Rural Centres. The cumulative impact of large scale retail schemes outside Stratford-upon-Avon town centre and the commercial core of Main Rural Centres, including those in other local authority areas, on the vitality and viability of these centres will be taken into account. Retail proposals other than large-scale retail development, as defined above, are appropriate in principle outside Stratford-upon-Avon town centre and in any of the Main Rural Centres. However, evidence regarding impact will be sought in relation to such schemes where there is concern about their potential effect on existing centres. Retail (Class A1) should remain the predominant activity at ground floor level on the primary shopping streets in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre as defined on the Policies Map. At least 60% of the total gross floorspace at ground floor level on each primary street should be retained in this use. Throughout the District, the change of use of a property from one falling within Class A1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order to one within another class will be resisted unless the proposal satisfies the provisions of Policy CS.25 Healthy Communities. The provision of new shops in neighbourhood centres and villages will be encouraged.

Vale of Evesham Control Zone

Within the Vale of Evesham Control Zone business-related proposals which would result in a 5% or greater increase in Heavy Goods Vehicles traffic will need to demonstrate that: 1. the economic benefits of the development, particularly to the local community, outweigh the impact of the increase in HGV traffic; 2. the development cannot be accommodated on a site with better access to the Heavy Goods Vehicles Route Network within Stratford-on-Avon District, as defined by Warwickshire County Council; and 3. the supply and distribution routes proposed to serve the development are the most appropriate with regard to impacts on the amenity of local communities. The boundary of the Control Zone is shown on the Policies Map.

Transport and Communications

A. Transport Strategy Development proposals should be consistent with and contribute to the implementation of the transport strategies and priorities set out in the Warwickshire Local Transport Plan (LTP), including its area strategies. Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwickshire County Council and, where appropriate, Highways England, will work together to achieve the objectives and implement the proposals in the LTP, with particular emphasis on encouraging modal shift with greater use of more sustainable forms of transport and improving the safety of all road users. B. Transport and New Development Development will only be permitted if the necessary mitigation is provided against any unacceptable transport impacts which arise directly from that development. This will be achieved, as appropriate, through: 1. the submission of a Transport Statement or Assessment and the implementation of measures arising from it; 2. ensuring that the scale of traffic generated by the proposal is appropriate for the function and standard of the roads serving the area; 3. the implementation of necessary works to the highway; 4. contributions towards local public transport services and support for community transport initiatives; 5. the provision of new, and the improvement of existing, pedestrian and cycle routes; 6. the provision of a Travel Plan to promote sustainable travel patterns for work and education related trips; 7. entering into freight or bus quality partnerships; and 8. providing access to the rail network and the use of existing or potential railway sidings. In addition, contributions towards strategic transport improvements and measures which mitigate the cumulative impacts of development will be sought through the Community Infrastructure Levy (see also Policy CS.26 Developer Contributions). The Council will encourage the provision of electric charging points for low emission vehicles in new development as part of the transition to a low carbon economy (see also Policy CS.3 Sustainable Energy). C. Parking Standards Parking provision will reflect local circumstances and have regard to the need to promote sustainable transport outcomes. Development should not have excessive on-site parking but provision will need to be sufficient in relation to an individual scheme to avoid unacceptable impact on the amenity of the local area or highway safety. The Council will publish guidance on parking standards to influence the levels of parking provided in new developments. This will be provided in a Development Requirements Supplementary Planning Document. D. Transport Schemes The Council will support the strategic transport schemes set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, subject to the outcome of detailed assessment where appropriate. Land will be safeguarded for these schemes as necessary and also for the possible reinstatement of the railway line southwards from Stratford railway station to Long Marston. There is a presumption against development that would prejudice the implementation of any individual scheme that is safeguarded to the extent to which it is shown on the Policies Map. Schemes and initiatives that address local issues, such as community transport, road safety, parking, congestion and air quality, will be supported subject to assessment. E. Aviation General aviation activity within the District will be supported at the existing airfields of Snitterfield and Wellesbourne. Proposals for development associated with aviation activity requiring planning permission will be permitted within the established limits of an existing airfield subject to them not having an unacceptable effect on the environment of adjacent areas and on local residents and businesses. F. Information and Communication Technologies New development will contribute to and be compatible with local fibre or other high speed broadband infrastructure. This will be demonstrated through a 'Connectivity Statement' submitted with planning applications where appropriate, based on the scale and nature of the proposed development. Such statements should set out the anticipated connectivity requirements of the development, known data networks nearby and their anticipated speed (fixed copper, 3G, 4G, fibre, satellite, microwave, etc.), and a description of how the development will connect with or contribute to any such networks. The Council will expect new development to be connected to high speed broadband infrastructure capable of providing a minimum download speed of 30Mbps. Where no strategic telecommunications infrastructure is available, as a minimum and subject to such provision not rendering the development unviable, suitable ducting that can accept fibre should be provided either to: • the public highway; or • an existing local access network; or • another location that can be justified through the connectivity statement. Major infrastructure development must provide ducting that is available for strategic fibre deployment. Developers are encouraged to have early discussions with strategic providers.