Planning in Warwick

Directing New Meeting Places, Tourism, Leisure, Cultural and Sports Development

New meeting places, tourism, leisure, cultural and sports development will be permitted in the town centres in accordance with the town centre policies (policies TC1 to TC18). Where suitable sites are not available in town centres, sites in edge-of-centre locations will be considered and, if no suitable sites are available in any of the preferred locations, out-of-centre sites will be considered. Where edge-of-centre or out-of-centre sites are considered, preference will be given within each category to accessible sites that are well connected with the town centre. Evidence of the impact on the town centre will be required where the proposal is above 500 sq. m gross floor space. In all other cases, new tourism, leisure and cultural development will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a) There are no sequentially preferable sites or buildings and the development is easily accessible using sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport; or b) The facility is of a type and scale that will mean it primarily serves a local community who can access it by means other than the private car.

Directing New or Extended Visitor Accommodation

New or extended hotels will be permitted in the town centres in accordance with the town centre policies (policies TC1 to TC18) and Policy CT1. Other new or extended visitor accommodation with urban areas will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the development is easily accessible using sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport. Visitor accommodation within rural areas will be permitted where it is located within the Growth Villages (as defined on the Policies Map) or is for the conversion of a rural building as defined in Policy BE4. All visitor accommodation in rural areas should be of a proportionate scale, appropriate in relation to surrounding uses, should not generate significant volumes of traffic and should not harm the character of the area. Extensions to existing visitor accommodation in rural areas will only be permitted where these do not significantly intensify the use of the site or establish new uses which are not ancillary to the normal business of the visitor accommodation.

Protecting Existing Visitor Accommodation in Town Centres

Redevelopment or change of use from visitor accommodation at ground floor level within the town centres will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a) the site is within a retail area as identified on the Policy Map and the proposal is for a change of use to retail or is a change of use to assembly and leisure use within a secondary retail area (see policy TC3); b) there is evidence of adequate capacity to meet need within alternative accommodation within the same town centre; or c) the accommodation is no longer viable and no other parties are willing to acquire it for that use. Above ground floor level, criteria b) and c) only will be applied to such proposals.

Extensions to Tourism, Cultural or Leisure Facilities in Rural Areas

Extensions to or intensification of tourism, cultural or leisure facilities in rural areas will be permitted where these do not: a) establish new uses which are not ancillary to the normal business of the operation; b) generate significant volumes of additional traffic; and c) harm the character of the area.

Camping and Caravan Sites

Camping and caravan sites for holiday and recreational use will be permitted where they can be satisfactorily integrated into the landscape without detriment to its character, are in a location accessible to local facilities and would not generate significant volumes of traffic. Any buildings required must be essential and ancillary to the use of the land. The conversion of appropriate rural buildings will be permitted subject to compliance with other policies in this Plan. New buildings may be acceptable outside the green belt where it can be demonstrated that existing buildings cannot be utilised in preference and where they are of a design and scale appropriate to the area.

Allocation of Land for a Community Stadium and associated uses

Land at Myton, adjoining Warwick Technology Park (as shown on the Policies Map) is allocated as a Community Stadium to provide a community sports complex and complementary uses.

Land for outdoor sports and recreation in Kenilworth

Land at Castle Farm (SP1) and land at Warwick Road (SP2), Kenilworth, as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated for the provision of outdoor sport. Appropriate facilities associated with the provision of outdoor sport will be permitted provided that they preserve the openness of the green belt and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it.

Healthy, Safe and Inclusive Communities

The potential for creating healthy, safe and inclusive communities will be taken into account when considering all development proposals. Support will be given to proposals that: a) provide homes and developments that are designed to meet the needs of older people and those with disabilities; b) provide energy efficient housing to help reduce fuel poverty; c) design and layout development to minimise the potential for crime and anti-social behaviour and improve community safety; d) contribute to the development of a high-quality, safe and convenient walking and cycling network; e) contribute to a high-quality, attractive and safe public realm to encourage social interaction and facilitate movement on foot and by bicycle; f) seek to encourage healthy lifestyles by providing opportunities for formal and informal physical activity, exercise, recreation and play and, where possible, healthy diets; g) improve the quality and quantity of green infrastructure networks and protect and enhance physical access, including public rights of way to open space and green infrastructure; h) deliver or contribute to new and improved health services and facilities in locations where they can be accessed by sustainable transport modes; i) provide good access to local shops, employment opportunities, services, schools and community facilities, and; j) do not involve the loss of essential community buildings and social infrastructure.

Improvements to Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities

Contributions from developments will be sought to provide, improve and maintain appropriate open space, sport and recreational facilities to meet local and district-wide needs. The exact level and form of contributions required will have regard to the location, nature and size of development. Where appropriate, applicants will be required to ensure that provision is made for: a) well-designed open space in accordance with the requirements of the Open Space Supplementary Planning Document (or any subsequent document); b) appropriate children's play facilities that are visible from nearby houses but not so close they would cause disturbance, and; c) outdoor and / or indoor sport accessible by walking, cycling and public transport Applicants will be expected to include a proportion of the site to meet its requirements for open space, sport and recreation requirements, except where it would be more appropriate to provide, improve or enhance recreation facilities off-site, provided that this is within its catchment area. Wherever possible, good connectivity to the existing public rights of way network will be required.

Directing Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities

a) address any shortfall in provision identified in the Built and Indoor Sports Facilities Strategy, Playing Pitch Strategy, Green Infrastructure Study and / or Green Space Strategy, and; b) for sport and recreation facilities, accord with the town centres first principle outlined in national planning policy and elsewhere in this Plan, unless: i. the proposal is accessible to the community it proposes to serve by means other than the private car; and ii. there is a need to enhance an existing facility or provide a new facility that has specific locational requirements. Subject to the above criteria, the Council will support proposals for shared sports facilities with other community uses, including at educational centres, where the sports facility also serves the local area and there are clear benefits of combining with other community uses. The Council considers the green belt an appropriate location for the provision of outdoor sport and outdoor recreation as long as it preserves the openness of the green belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it.

Creating Healthy Communities

a) good access to healthcare facilities; b) opportunities for incidental healthy exercise including safe and convenient walking and cycling networks; c) opportunities for community cohesion by the provision of accessible services and community facilities and places and opportunities for people to interact regardless of age, health or disability; d) high-quality housing outcomes to meet the needs of all age groups in society (including the right mix by size and tenure); e) access to high quality and safe green or open spaces; and f) access to opportunities to partake in indoor and outdoor sport and recreation.

Protecting Community Facilities

a) There are similar facilities accessible to the local community by means other than the car, and either; b) The facility is redundant and no other user is willing to acquire and manage it, or; c) There is an assessment demonstrating a lack of need for the facility within the local community.

Sustainable Communities

New development should be high quality and should ensure that it is brought forward in a way which enables strong communities to be formed and sustained. It is also important that new development protects and enhances the historic, built and natural features that make Warwick District a great place. To achieve this the development should: a) deliver high-quality layout and design to integrate with existing communities; b) be brought forward in a comprehensive way and where development sites are adjacent, layout, design and infrastructure provision should be carefully co-ordinated; c) ensure good quality infrastructure and services are provided and where this cannot be provided on site, provision should be made through contributions to off-site provision; d) ensure access and circulation are inclusive and provide for a choice of transport modes, including public transport, cycling and walking; e) take account of community safety, including measures to prevent crime and road accidents; f) provide good access to community facilities including meeting places, local shops, transport services, health facilities and open space; g) minimise energy and water consumption and take account of opportunities to promote renewable energies where appropriate; h) ensure proposals are adaptable to climate change; i) have a focus on healthy lifestyles, including measures to encourage walking and cycling, to provide access to open space, play areas, playing fields and sports facilities and to encourage healthy diets; j) protect and where possible enhance the natural environment including important landscapes, natural features and areas of biodiversity; k) protect and where possible enhance the historic environment and particularly designated heritage assets such as listed buildings, registered parks and gardens and conservation areas; and l) manage flood risk to ensure that proposals do not unduly increase the risk of flooding

Layout and design

New development will be permitted where it positively contributes to the character and quality of its environment through good layout and design. Development proposals will be expected to demonstrate that they: a) harmonise with, or enhance, the existing settlement in terms of physical form, patterns of movement and land use; b) relate well to local topography and landscape features (see policy NE4); c) reinforce or enhance the established urban character of streets, squares and other spaces; d) reflect, respect and reinforce local architectural and historical distinctiveness; e) enhance and incorporate important existing features into the development; f) respect surrounding buildings in terms of scale, height, form and massing; g) adopt appropriate materials and details; h) integrate with existing paths, streets, circulation networks and patterns of activity; i) incorporate design and layout to reduce crime and fear of crime (see policy HS7); j) provide for convenient, safe and integrated cycling and walking routes within the site and linking to related routes and for public transport (see policy TR1); k) provide adequate public and private open space for the development in terms of both quantity and quality (see policy HS4); l) incorporate necessary services and drainage infrastructure without causing unacceptable harm to retained features including incorporating sustainable water management features; m) ensure all components, e.g. buildings, landscaping, access routes, parking and open spaces are well-related to each other and provide a safe and attractive environment; n) make sufficient provision for sustainable waste management (including facilities for kerbside collection, waste separation and minimisation where appropriate) without adverse impact on the street scene, the local landscape or the amenities of neighbours; o) meet the highest standards of accessibility and inclusion for potential users regardless of disability, age or gender; p) ensures that layout and design addresses the need for development to be resilient to climate change

Amenity

Development will not be permitted that has an unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of nearby uses and residents and /or does not provide acceptable standards of amenity for future users and occupiers of the development.

Converting Rural Buildings

Proposals to re-use and adapt existing rural buildings will be permitted subject to the following criteria: a) the building is of permanent and substantial construction; b) the condition of the building, its nature and location, makes it suitable for re-use or adaptation; c) the proposed use or adaptation can be accommodated without extensive rebuilding or alteration to the external appearance of the building; d) the proposal retains and respects the special qualities and features of listed and other traditional rural buildings, and; e) the appearance and setting of the building following conversion protects, and where possible enhances, the character and appearance of the countryside.

Crime Prevention

a) orientate and design buildings to enable natural surveillance of public spaces and parking areas; b) define private, public and communal spaces; c) create a sense of ownership of the local environment; and d) make provision for appropriate security measures, including lighting, landscaping and fencing, as an integral part of the development.

Supporting Sustainable Communities

The Council will promote high quality new development including: a) delivering high quality layout and design that relates to existing landscape or urban form and, where appropriate, is based on the principles of garden towns, villages and suburbs; b) caring for the built, cultural and natural heritage; c) regenerating areas in need of improvement; d) protecting areas of significance including high-quality landscapes, heritage assets and ecological assets; e) delivering a low carbon economy and lifestyles and environmental sustainability. The Council will expect development that enables new communities to develop and sustain themselves. As part of this, development will provide for the infrastructure needed to support communities and businesses, including: a) physical infrastructure (such as transport and utilities); b) social infrastructure (such as education, sports facilities and health); c) green infrastructure (such as parks, open space and playing pitches).

Access to Upper Floors in Town Centres

Development that denies access to the upper floors of buildings within the town centres will not be permitted

Sub-Regional Employment Site

Land in the vicinity of Coventry Airport (totalling 235 hectares) as shown on the Policies Map is allocated as a major employment site (B1, B2 and B8 uses) of sub-regional significance. The Council will require that a Masterplan or Development Brief is prepared, which will ensure that the site is developed in a comprehensive manner.

Employment Land

Provision will be made for a minimum of 66 hectares of employment land to meet local need during the plan period.

Employment Sites to be Allocated

To meet the employment land needs of the district, an additional 19.7 hectares of employment land for B class uses is allocated at the following strategic sites, as identified on the Policies Map: Ref Site Size Uses E1 Land at Thickthorn, Kenilworth 8 hectares B1 and B2 E2 Land at Stratford Road, Warwick 11.7 hectares B class Total 19.7 hectares. An allowance of 6.5 hectares of employment land to meet local needs will be accommodated at the allocated sub-regional employment site (see policy DS16)

Directing new employment development

In urban areas New office development (within use class B1 (a)) will be permitted within the town centres. Outside of town centres, office development will be permitted in accordance with criteria i) and ii) below. Small-scale office development may be appropriate within the upper floors of local shopping centres. New employment development (within use classes B1 (b) and (c), B2 and B8) will be permitted in the following locations: i. Within the employment land allocated in policy DS9; ii. Within established and committed employment areas in policy EC3; iii. Within town centres, subject to the town centre policies or any subsequent area action plan coming into effect after this plan. Proposals for office development in locations at the edge of the town centres will also be considered if no suitable sites are available in any of the preferred locations above. Only if no suitable sites are available in an edge-of-centre location will out-of-centre locations be considered. An impact assessment will be required for out-of-town-centre proposals over 2,500 sq. m. In rural areas New employment development will be permitted in the rural areas in the following circumstances: a) To promote sustainable development in the growth villages (identified on the policies map) b) For the diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses in accordance with policy EC2 c) Within the major sites identified on the policies map in accordance with policy MS2. d) Within the allocated sub-regional employment site where it provides for sub-regional employment needs in accordance with DS16 e) To support the sustainable growth and expansion of existing rural business and enterprise In all instances applicants will be required to demonstrate that: • The proposal would not generate significant traffic movements which would compromise the delivery of wider sustainable transport objectives, including safety, in accordance with TR2 • The design and scale of the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the landscape and character of the area. In the green belt proposals will be determined in line with national policy and policies MS1 and MS2

Farm Diversification

Proposals for the diversification of agricultural and land-based rural businesses will be permitted in line with the following criteria: a) Best and most versatile agricultural land is protected b) The scale and nature of the proposals are appropriate to their rural location so that they can be satisfactorily integrated into the landscape without being detrimental to its character c) Existing buildings are used in preference to new buildings In the green belt proposals will be permitted in line with national policy.

Protecting Employment Land and Buildings

Outside town centres, the redevelopment or change of use of existing and committed employment land and buildings (Use Classes B1, B2 and B8) for other uses will not be permitted unless: a) it can be demonstrated that there is an adequate supply of allocated employment sites in the district having regard to quantity and quality; b) it can be demonstrated that the use of the land or buildings for the existing or alternative employment uses would not be viable; c) it can be demonstrated that the site is not suitable for employment uses due to unacceptable and unavoidable impacts upon nearby residential uses; d) it is land identified as being suitable for other uses as part of the identified Canalside and Employment Regeneration areas (Policy DS8) or e) the proposal is solely for affordable housing as defined in national guidance. The redevelopment or change of use of existing or committed employment land and buildings (Use Classes B1, B2 and B8) on the sub-regional employment land allocation (DS16) or the Thickthorn, Kenilworth allocation (E1) will not be permitted.

University of Warwick

Development at the University of Warwick will be permitted in line with an approved Masterplan or Development Brief as agreed with the relevant local planning authorities. The Masterplan should set out how proposals will contribute to the University delivering a world-class educational campus including the range of uses associated with that. It will provide the framework within which further planning applications will be determined. As such the Masterplan should: a) identify the physical and economic context; b) identify the development principles to underpin future development proposals; c) identify the location of developments, demonstrating how proposals will mitigate any potential adverse impacts; and d) identify how the proposals support the vitality of the local and /or sub- regional economy

Major Sites in the Green Belt

Due to the importance of the former Honiley Airfield and Stoneleigh Park to the economy and the district, there may be very special circumstances to justify further development in addition to that already identified within existing masterplans (within the boundary identified on the Policies Map). In order to ensure that development proposals are appropriate the Council will support the preparation of masterplans, planning applications or development briefs for the former Honiley Airfield and Stoneleigh Park, which demonstrate that the sites continue to contribute to the openness and the purposes for including the land in the green belt, and which comply with other relevant policies in this Plan. In the case of Stoneleigh Park, appropriate amendments as a result of HS2 will be supported without the need to revise the masterplan. If, as a result of the impact of HS2, development is demonstrably required in the green belt, "very special circumstances" may exist. The range of potentially acceptable uses for development of the Park (within the boundary identified on the Policies Map) will be restricted to those associated with rural innovation and equine activities and appropriate ancillary uses. In the case of the former Honiley Airfield the range of uses on the site will be restricted to the automotive and motorsport industries and employment associated with these sectors.

Prosperous Communities

The Council will promote sustainable economic development to support a vibrant and thriving economy to deliver the jobs the District needs during the plan period in line with the following principles: a) to support more sustainable patterns of growth focusing development, where it can, on previously developed land in the most sustainable locations; b) to ensure employment opportunities are provided to balance housing growth across the District; c) to support the continued role of the sub-regional economy as a focus for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering; d) to deliver a local economic and prosperity strategy; e) to enable thriving and vibrant town centres that fulfil a range of functions; f) to support major sites in the District that play a key role in the economy; g) to protect and support a strong tourism sector, especially seeking to enhance our town centres as attractive places to visit; h) to support the important role that culture and leisure assets play in our communities and economy, particularly focusing on the role of town centres; i) to support opportunities for regeneration

Supporting Prosperity

The Council will provide for the growth of the local and sub-regional economy by ensuring sufficient and appropriate employment land is available within the district to meet the existing and future needs of businesses.

Protecting Town Centre Employment Land and Buildings

Within the Town Centre Employment Areas as defined on the Policies Map, the redevelopment or change of use of existing employment land and buildings to non-B Class uses will not be permitted.

Planning for Climate Change Adaptation

All development is required to be designed to be resilient to, and adapt to the future impacts of, climate change through the inclusion of the following adaptation measures where appropriate: a) using layout, building orientation, construction techniques and materials and natural ventilation methods to mitigate against rising temperatures; b) optimising the use of multi-functional green infrastructure (including water features, green roofs and planting) for urban cooling, local flood risk management and to provide access to outdoor space for shading, in accordance with Policy NE1; c) incorporating water efficiency measures, encouraging the use of grey water and rainwater recycling, in accordance with Policy FW3; d) minimising vulnerability to flood risk by locating development in areas of low flood risk and including mitigation measures including SuDS in accordance with Policy FW2; Applicants will be required to set out how the requirements of the policy have been complied with including justification for why the above measures have not been incorporated.

Planning for Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Generation

Proposals for new low carbon and renewable energy technologies (including associated infrastructure) will be supported in principle subject to all of the following criteria being demonstrated: a) the proposal has been designed, in terms of its location and scale, to minimise any adverse impacts on adjacent land uses and local residential amenity; b) the proposal has been designed to minimise the impact (including any cumulative impacts) on the natural environment in terms of landscape, and ecology and visual impact; c) the design will ensure that heritage assets including local areas of historical and architectural distinctiveness are conserved in a manner appropriate for their significance; d) where appropriate, the scheme can link in with proposals being brought forward through the Council's Low Carbon Action Plan and any other future climate change strategies; e) the scheme maximises appropriate opportunities to address the energy needs of neighbouring uses (for example linking to existing or emerging district heating systems); f) for biomass, it should be demonstrated that fuel can be obtained from a sustainable source and the need for transportation will be minimised; and, g) for proposals for hydropower the application should normally be accompanied by a flood risk assessment. Also, for wind energy proposals, planning permission will only be granted if: h) the development is in an area identified in either the Local Plan or a Neighbourhood Plan as being suitable for wind energy; and, i) following consultation, it can be demonstrated that the planning impacts identified by local communities affected by the proposal have been fully addressed and that the proposal has the backing of those communities.

Buildings Standards and other Sustainability Requirements

All non-residential development over 1000 sq. m is required to achieve as a minimum BREEAM standard 'very good' (or any future national equivalent), unless it can be demonstrated that it is financially unviable or a suitable alternative sustainability strategy is proposed and agreed with the Council. The Council will expect applicants to consider the potential to incorporate large scale decentralised district heating networks such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) on the strategic sites identified in this Plan.

Allocation of Land for a Country Park South of Leamington and Warwick

Land South of Leamington and Warwick (as shown on the Policies Map) is allocated for a new country park to be provided in conjunction with major development proposals. The park will be a multifunctional green infrastructure asset, designed to: a) Provide a strong 'green buffer' between the northern parts of Bishop's Tachbrook and the southern edge of the new development sites off Harbury Lane. This will include minimising the visual impact of development and softening the edge of new housing schemes. b) Promote ecology and habitat diversification in a landscape that has historically been associated with modern farming and other uses. c) Potentially play a role in flood alleviation, particularly considering the close proximity of a significant number of new houses. d) Provide a functional park facility that is well-connected to new developments, in terms of access and walking and cycling infrastructure. While the park may have a defined character, it is also part of a wider brook valley / green corridor. e) Provide park facilities of an appropriate scale to support informal leisure activities for people living within the wider area south of Leamington / Warwick, who currently have limited access to nearby natural green space and the wider countryside.

Green Belt

The extent of the green belt is defined on the Policies Map. The Council will apply national planning policy to proposals within the green belt.

Safeguarded Land

Safeguarded land is identified on the Policies Map in order that it may be utilised, if required, to meet longer‐term strategic development needs beyond the Local Plan period. The following principles apply to safeguarded land: a) It is not allocated for development at the present time; b) Local Plan policies relating to development in the rural area and open countryside will apply; c) Development that would prejudice the future comprehensive development of the safeguarded land area will not be permitted; d) The status of safeguarded land will only change through a review of the local plan following an assessment of development need and the identification of the most appropriate locations for development. Safeguarded land is identified on the policies map in the following location: S1 - Land south of Westwood Heath Road

Reducing Flood Risk

Planning applications should be submitted in line with the revised validation checklist that has guidance on the national approach to meeting the sequential and exception tests and meeting the requirements of the NPPF. Developers are advised to review the Environment Agency's flood map for planning at the earliest possible opportunity to consider what development would be appropriate for a potential development site to ensure that proposals are in line with the following policy requirements: a) there will be a presumption against development in flood zone 3, and no built development will be allowed in the functional floodplain. Development must be steered to areas with the lowest probability of flooding. b) land that is required for current and future flood management will be safeguarded from development. Where development lies adjacent to or benefits from an existing or future flood defence scheme it will be expected to contribute towards the cost of delivery and/or maintenance of that scheme. c) new development that lies within the floodplain will be required to implement a flood alleviation scheme to reduce the risk of flooding to the proposed development site and deliver significant flood risk reduction benefits to the wider community. d) all new development proposals will contribute to meeting 'good status' as defined by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). This will include delivery of geomorphological, chemical and biodiversity enhancements and include a minimum eight metre buffer strip from the top of bank of all watercourses. e) new development must be resilient to surface water, fluvial and pluvial flooding. Where new development lies in an area of flood risk it must be designed to be flood resilient with safe dry access for vehicles and pedestrians. Finished floor levels should be 600mm above the predicted flood level and include a freeboard (see glossary) for climate change to ensure new development is safe. Where development lies adjacent to a watercourse, the supporting planning application will include a WFD assessment to demonstrate how the waterbody will not deteriorate in status and will be enhanced, and: • there will be no impact upon priority habitat or designated sites of nature conservation; • modified watercourses will be restored in line with the recommendations of the Severn River Basin Management Plan; • culverting open watercourses will not be allowed.

Sustainable Drainage

All new major developments must incorporate SuDS that provide biodiversity, water quality and amenity benefits and be in accordance with the Warwickshire Surface Water Management Plan. There will be a presumption against underground storage of water, and it should support the delivery of green infrastructure. All new development sites will discharge at the QBAR (see glossary) greenfield run-off rate, including an allowance for climate change; for sites with a life expectancy of less than 60 years, a 20% allowance must be applied; for sites with a greater than 60-year life expectancy, the allowance must be 30%. SuDS schemes must be located outside the floodplain; ideally this should be within the development site or close to the site as part of a masterplanned drainage scheme. Priority should be given to SuDS that incorporate green infrastructure, including green roofs, walls and rain gardens. For development sites that are suspected to be contaminated, the SuDS scheme will be designed to prevent the mobilisation of contaminants to waterbodies. The Environment Agency must be consulted in relation to sites suspected to be contaminated and will provide advice and guidance to the council and developers on how best to implement SuDS on a site-specific basis.

Protecting Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities

Development on, or change of use of open spaces and sport and recreation facilities will not be permitted unless: a) an alternative can be provided that is at least equivalent in terms of size, quality, accessibility, usefulness and attractiveness, and a management plan is submitted to ensure the future viability of the provision, or b) there is a robust assessment demonstrating a lack of need for the asset currently or in the future. Development on open spaces for sport and recreation purposes will be permitted subject to the proposal being of sufficient benefit to clearly outweigh the loss.

Local Green Space

The Council supports the principle of designating land as Local Green Space. Local communities, through Neighbourhood Plans, may designate Local Green Spaces that are demonstrably special to their local community and of particular local significance in accordance with national planning policy.

Green Infrastructure

The Council will protect, enhance and restore the district's green infrastructure assets and strive for a healthy integrated network for the benefit of nature, people and the economy. The natural environment will be planned for at a variety of spatial scales: a) sub regional level, crossing administrative boundaries; b) district-wide scale; c) town-wide scale, and at; d) local and neighbourhood scales. The Council recognises the Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Sub-Regional Green Infrastructure Strategy and will support the periodic updating of this important strategic document. The Council will continue to work with partners, including neighbouring authorities and the Local Nature Partnership, to plan for green infrastructure at a landscape scale; • protecting and enhancing existing habitats and restoring fragmented areas; • ensuring access to natural green space; and • improvements to landscape character.

Protecting Designated Biodiversity and Geodiversity Assets

The Council will protect designated areas and species of national and local importance for biodiversity and geodiversity as set out below. Sites of National Importance Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are of national importance; therefore, development will not be permitted which will destroy or adversely affect these unless, in exceptional circumstances, it can be demonstrated that the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the nature conservation value or scientific interest of the site and its contribution to wider biodiversity objectives and connectivity. Where development is permitted that has an adverse impact on a SSSI, whether direct or indirect, measures to enhance the condition of the site will be required. Sites of Local Importance Development will not be permitted that will destroy or adversely affect the following locally important sites and assets unless it can be demonstrated that the benefits of development clearly outweigh the nature conservation value or scientific interest of the site and its contribution to wider biodiversity objectives and connectivity; a) Ancient Woodland, aged and veteran trees; b) Local Nature Reserves; c) Local Wildlife Sites and potential Local Wildlife Sites; d) Local Geological Sites; e) Protected, rare, endangered or priority species or other sites of geological or geomorphological importance. All proposals likely to impact on the above assets will be subject to an ecological assessment. The ecological assessment should include due consideration of the importance of the natural asset, the nature of the measures proposed (including plans for long term management) and the extent to which they avoid and reduce the impact of the development. Development affecting these sites will only be permitted where: i. the proposal is justified against the above criteria, and ii. where it can be demonstrated that the proposed mitigation or compensatory measures are equivalent to the value assigned to the site / asset in the ecological assessment.

Biodiversity

New development will be permitted provided that it protects, enhances and / or restores habitat biodiversity. Development proposals will be expected to ensure that they: a) lead to no net loss of biodiversity, and where possible a net gain, where appropriate, by means of an approved ecological assessment of existing site features and development impacts; b) protect or enhance biodiversity assets and secure their long term management and maintenance, and; c) avoid negative impacts on existing biodiversity. Where this is not possible, mitigation measures must be identified. If mitigation measures are not possible on site, then compensatory measures involving biodiversity offsetting will be required.

Landscape

New development will be permitted that positively contributes to landscape character. Development proposals will be required to demonstrate that they: a) integrate landscape planning into the design of development at an early stage; b) consider its landscape context, including the local distinctiveness of the different natural and historic landscapes and character, including tranquillity; c) relate well to local topography and built form and enhance key landscape features, ensuring their long term management and maintenance; d) identify likely visual impacts on the local landscape and townscape and its immediate setting and undertakes appropriate landscaping to reduce these impacts; e) aim to either conserve, enhance or restore important landscape features in accordance with the latest local and national guidance; f) avoid detrimental effects on features which make a significant contribution to the character, history and setting of an asset, settlement, or area; g) address the importance of habitat biodiversity features, including aged and veteran trees, woodland and hedges and their contribution to landscape character, where possible enhancing these features through means such as buffering and reconnecting fragmented areas; h) maintain the existence of viable agricultural units, and; i) are sensitive to an area's capacity to change, acknowledge cumulative effects and guard against the potential for coalescence between existing settlements.

Protection of Natural Resources

Development proposals will be permitted provided that they ensure that the district's natural resources remain safe, protected, and prudently used. Development proposals will be expected to demonstrate that they: a) do not give rise to soil contamination or air, noise, radiation, light or water pollution where the level of discharge, emissions or contamination could cause harm to sensitive receptors; b) ensure that, where evidence of contamination exists, the land is made fit for its intended purpose and does not pose an unacceptable risk to sensitive receptors; c) do not result in a reduction in the quality or quantity of groundwater resources; this includes the protection of principal aquifers and the source protection zones associated with public supply boreholes within the northern part of the district; there will be a presumption against development within a groundwater SPZ1 that would physically disturb an aquifer; d) avoid the best and most versatile agricultural land unless the benefits of the proposal outweigh the need to protect the land for agricultural purposes; e) do not sterilise mineral resources identified as of particular importance unless it can be demonstrated that it would not be practicable and environmentally feasible to extract the identified mineral resource prior to development taking place; f) where appropriate, identify how the proposals will contribute to the EU Water Framework Directive and the Severn River Basin Management Plan, which requires the restoration and enhancements of water bodies to prevent deterioration and promote recovery of waterbodies.

Use of Waterways

Any development should not: a) adversely affect the integrity of the waterway structure; b) adversely affect the quality of the water; c) result in pollution due to unauthorised discharges and run off or encroachment; d) adversely affect the landscape, heritage, ecological quality and character of the waterways; e) adversely affect the waterways potential for being fully unlocked or discourage the use of the waterway network.

Warwick Castle and St Mary's Lands, Warwick

Development at Warwick Castle or St Mary's Land, including Warwick Racecourse (within the boundaries defined on the Policies Map), will be permitted where it is brought forward in line with an approved Masterplan setting out the development principles and broad areas for development, indicating the type of uses proposed and, in the case of the Castle, a Conservation Plan for the historic asset. The Masterplan for each will provide the framework within which planning applications will be determined and will: a) identify the physical and economic context; b) identify the development principles to underpin future development proposals; c) identify the significance of heritage assets within the vicinity, setting out how these will be sustained and enhanced (including listed buildings, listed parks and gardens, conservation areas and historic landscapes); d) identify the location of developments, demonstrating how proposals will relate to the heritage assets and how they will enhance the positive contribution the asset makes to sustainable communities and to the character and distinctiveness of the area; and e) identify how the proposals support the vitality and viability of the local economy

Designated Heritage Assets and their setting

Development will not be permitted if it would lead to substantial harm to or total loss of the significance of a designated heritage asset, unless it is demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss, or it is demonstrated that all of the following apply: a) The nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; and b) No viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found that will enable its conservation; and c) Conservation by grant funding or charitable or public ownership is not possible; and d) The harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. Where development would lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal, including securing its optimum viable use.

Conservation Areas

There will be a presumption in favour of the retention of unlisted buildings that make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of a Conservation Area. Consent for total demolition of unlisted buildings will only be granted where the detailed design of the replacement can demonstrate that it will preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area. Measures will be taken to restore or bring back into use areas that presently make a negative contribution to conservation areas.

Locally Listed Historic Assets

Development that would lead to the demolition or loss of significance of a locally listed historic asset will be assessed in relation to the scale of harm or loss and the significance of the asset. Change to locally listed historic assets should be carried out using traditional detailing and using traditional materials.

Archaeology

Development will not be permitted that results in substantial harm to Scheduled Monuments or other archaeological remains of national importance, and their settings unless in wholly exceptional circumstances. There will be a presumption in favour of the preservation of locally and regionally important sites, except where the applicant can demonstrate that the benefits of development will outweigh the harm to archaeological remains. The Council will require that any remains of archaeological value are properly evaluated prior to the determination of the planning application. Where planning permission is granted for development which will have an adverse effect on archaeological remains, the Council will require that an agreed programme of archaeological investigation and recording precedes development.

Developing Significant Housing Sites

Development sites of over 200 dwellings, sites that (in combination with other sites) form part of a wider development area that exceeds 200 dwellings or other developments that have a significant impact on the character and appearance of an area will be expected to comply with a development brief. Where a development brief is absent for a strategic site, planning applications should comply with Policy BE1 and should be accompanied by a Layout and Design Statement providing detailed information to address the information in relation to the matters set out in a) to k) below. Development briefs will be prepared for all these sites, setting out requirements for: a) infrastructure (ensuring alignment with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan); b) layout proposals, including where appropriate linkages and alignment with adjoining sites; c) densities (which should not be lower than 30 dwellings per hectare on average); d) design principles, taking account of the Garden Towns, Villages and Suburbs Prospectus (or any subsequent design guidance adopted by the Council) and Buildings for Life 12; e) design for healthy lifestyles including provision for cycling, walking, playing pitches, parks and open spaces and other green infrastructure; f) landscaping; g) site access and circulation; h) managing and mitigating traffic generation (see policy TR2); i) the requirements set out in Policy BE1; j) community facilities, in accordance with policies HS1, HS6 and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, including how they will be viably managed and maintained in the long term; and k) protection and enhancement of the historic environment

Broad Location of Allocated Housing Sites

Urban brownfield sites 949; Greenfield sites on the edge of Coventry 2245; Greenfield sites on the edge of Kenilworth 1593; Greenfield sites on the edge of Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash 4904; Sites within Growth Villages and the rural area 968; Total 10659

Allocated Housing Sites

The following sites, as shown on the Policies Map, are allocated for housing development and associated infrastructure and uses: Urban Brownfield Sites H02 Former sewage works, south of Harbury Lane - 215 dwellings, Country park H09 Kenilworth School Site - 250 dwellings H11 Land at Montague Road - 140 dwellings H12 Kenilworth VI Form College - 130 dwellings H14 Riverside House - 100 dwellings H16 Court Street - 75 dwellings H17 Garage site, Theatre Street - 39 dwellings Greenfield Sites – Edge of Warwick, Whitnash and Leamington H01 Land west of Europa Way - 1210 dwellings, Secondary school, primary school, health facilities, local centre, other community facilities, community stadium and associated uses H02 Land south of Harbury Lane (excluding former sewage works) - 1605 dwellings, Primary schools (x2), local centre, other community facilities, country park H03 East of Whitnash / south of Sydenham - 500 dwellings H45 Hazelmere and Little Acre - 59 dwellings H46a Gallows Hill - 630 dwellings H46b The Asps - 900 dwellings, Park and ride; primary school; neighbourhood police office; local centre (including a convenience store of no more than 500sq.m gross floor space), community facilities Greenfield Sites – Edge of Kenilworth H06 East of Kenilworth (Thickthorn) - 760 dwellings, 8 hectares employment land, Local centre, primary school H07 Crackley Triangle - 93 dwellings H40 East of Kenilworth (Crewe Lane, Southcrest Farm and Woodside Training Centre) - 640 dwellings, New secondary school; primary school; community facilities H41 East of Warwick Road, Kenilworth - 100 dwellings Greenfield Site – Edge of Coventry H08 Oaklea Farm, Finham - 20 dwellings H42 Westwood Heath - 425 dwellings, Health centre; community facilities; Retail facilities: a convenience store of no more than 500sq.m gross floor space H43 Kings Hill - 1800 dwellings (total capacity up to 4000 - balance to come forward beyond plan period), Potential for some employment land; land for secondary school provision; new primary schools; local centre and community facilities; health centre Growth Villages H19 Baginton – Land north of Rosswood Farm - 80 dwellings H20 Barford – Land south of Barford House - 8 dwellings H22 Barford – Land off Bremridge Close - 12 dwellings H48 Barford – Land south of Westham Lane - 45 dwellings H49 Bishops Tachbrook – Seven Acre Close - 50 dwellings H24 Burton Green – Burrow Hill - 90 dwellings, Nursery H25 Cubbington – Allotment land, Rugby Road - 35 dwellings H26 Cubbington – Opposite Willow Sheet Meadow - 65 dwellings H27 Hampton Magna – south of Arras Boulevard - 130 dwellings H51 Hampton Magna ‐ Land south of Lloyd Close - 115 dwellings H28 Hatton Park – north of Birmingham Road - 150 dwellings H29 / H30 Kingswood – Meadow House and Kingswood Farm - 30 dwellings H31 Kingswood – south of The Stables - 6 dwellings H32 Kingswood – R/O Brome Hall Lane - 12 dwellings H37 Leek Wootton – Car park east of The Hayes - 5 dwellings DS22 Leek Wootton ‐ Former Police HQ - 115 dwellings Other rural sites H18 Former Aylesbury House, Hockley Heath - 20 dwellings

Comprehensive Development of Strategic Sites

The sites to which this policy applies are (as shown on the Policies Map): a) H02 - South of Harbury Lane, including the former sewage works; b) H01 - West of Europa Way; c) H06 and H40 - East of Kenilworth (Thickthorn, Crewe Lane, Southcrest Farm and Woodside Training Centre) d) H42 - Land at Westwood Heath e) H43 - Kings Hill (including land identified for development beyond the current plan period) f) H46a and H46b - Land at Gallows Hill and the Asps Proposals for the allocated strategic sites detailed above will be approved where they represent a comprehensive development scheme for the whole site. There will be a requirement to demonstrate this by the submission of either a Development Brief or a Layout and Design Statement as appropriate to be approved by the Local Planning Authority (Policy BE2). The Development Brief or Layout and Design Statement should address the criteria set out in Policy BE2 and, for the sites set out below, should provide for the delivery of infrastructure and services which as a minimum should include the following: Site Key Infrastructure and Services Land South of Harbury Lane (H02) - Two new primary schools, Country park (see Policy DS13), A community meeting place, Retail facilities: a convenience store of no more than 500sq. m gross floorspace. A number of other smaller stores may also be provided Land at Myton / West Europa Way (H01) - Land for a secondary school, sixth form facility and primary school (see Policy DS12), Community stadium and associated uses (see Policy DS14), Retail facilities: a convenience store of no more than 500sq.m gross floor space. A number of other smaller stores may also be provided, Health facilities, A community meeting place East of Kenilworth (H06 and H40) - Land for secondary school and primary schools (see Policy DS12), A community meeting place, Retail facilities: a convenience store of no more than 500sq. m gross floorspace. A number of other smaller stores may also be provided Land at Kings Hill (H43) - Secondary school and primary school(s), A community meeting place, Health facilities, Retail facilities: a convenience store of no more than 500sq. m gross floor space. A number of other smaller stores may also be provided Westwood Heath (H42) - Health facilities, Community facilities Gallows Hill and the Asps (H46a and H46b) - Retail facilities: a convenience store of no more than 500sq. m gross floor space. A number of other smaller stores may also be provided, Primary school, Park and ride The Development Briefs or layout and design statements for: i. the sites south of Harbury Lane, west of Europa Way, south of Gallows Hill and The Asps; ii. Kings Hill and Thickthorn / east of Kenilworth; iii. Kings Hill and Westwood Heath; should be broadly compatible with each other in their approach to development issues, provision of linked infrastructure and commitment to sustainable growth.

Directions for Growth South of Coventry

The Council has identified an area of growth focussed on strategic housing allocations to the immediate south of the City of Coventry (DS11). The area to which this policy relates effectively covers land to the immediate south of the boundary between Coventry City Council and Warwick District Council. It is defined broadly: - a) to the north by the boundary of the city of Coventry, including the University of Warwick Campus where it lies within / adjacent to the boundary of Warwick District; b) to the south by the emergent line of HS2; c) to the east by the current built-up area and by the A46; d) to the west by the outskirts of the settlement of Burton Green. Individual development proposals within this area should support the comprehensive longer-term planning of the area, given that the quantum of growth means that strategic development activity here is very likely to run into the next plan period. When development is being proposed, masterplans, development briefs and planning applications should clearly demonstrate how they have positively addressed any infrastructure pressures (including infrastructure that may be required in Coventry) that may impact on their sites. The area to which this policy relates will be subject to an early partial local plan review within five years of the date of adoption of the plan (DS19). This will allow the Council to address any additional evidence regarding the need and potential for development in this area and in particular to ascertain whether necessary infrastructure has become available to allow safeguarded land to be brought forward to meet local housing need, should additional housing be required. Proposals for development in the area should demonstrate how they have addressed the following broad principles: - i. proposals should take account of the potential for a new link road, which has been identified as an important means of mitigating increased traffic flows on the local and strategic road network; increasing existing strategic highway capacity; and providing an improved future strategic highway link to UK Central; ii. identified and emerging strategic infrastructure improvements must be taken into account, including provision for improvements to highways junctions, road capacity improvements and public transport links. iii. development proposals must take into account the potential for future growth at the University of Warwick (MS1); iv. improvements to rail infrastructure, such as a new rail stop on the Coventry to Leamington line should be provided where practical and viable; this may involve include contributions to suitable schemes.

Former Police HQ, Leek Wootton

The former Police Headquarters site will be developed for housing purposes. Built development will be limited to appropriate areas of the site that lie within the Growth Village Envelope Boundary (Policy H10) as identified on the Policies Map. There will be a requirement to agree a masterplan with the Council for the entirety of the former police headquarters landholding, including other associated land parcels outside of the Growth Village Envelope Boundary. All planning applications for development of the site within the Growth Village Envelope must comply with the Masterplan and accord with other relevant policies of this Local Plan and any adopted Neighbourhood Development Plan, taking account of viability. In determining any planning applications on the site the local planning authority will seek to ensure that the proposals: a. Protect and enhance the historic assets and their setting; b. Secure the sustainable long-term future of Woodcote House as a Grade 2 Listed Building; c. Contribute positively to the landscape character; d. Deliver a mix of housing, including affordable housing; e. Demonstrate a high quality of design and layout, including an appropriate means of access and circulation; f. Make provision for all reasonable infrastructure requirements, including open space; g. Make provision for the future management / maintenance of the balance of the site (those areas not to be utilised for housing development); h. The Council will require the developer to enter into an agreement / agree a mechanism in order to provide certainty that both the new build (greenfield) housing elements on the allocation and Woodcote House conversion (and the associated restoration of its setting) are delivered simultaneously or within a mutually acceptable timescale.

Level of Housing Growth

Provision will be made for a minimum of 16,776 new homes between 2011 and 2029. The average annual housing requirement for 2011/12 to 2016/17 is 600 new homes and for 2017/18 to 2028/29 it is 1,098 new homes.

Meeting the Housing Requirement

The housing requirement of 16,776 new homes between 2011 and 2029 will be met from the following categories: Sites completed between 1st April 2011 and 31st March 2016 2051; Sites with outstanding planning permission at 1st April 2016 6933; Commitments (major sites) April and May 2016 225; An allowance for windfall sites coming forward between April 2015 and March 2029 1010; Small urban sites assessed in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment as being suitable 266; Consolidation of existing employment areas and canalside regeneration 200; Sites allocated in this Plan 6454; Total 17,139

Housing

To ensure the district has the right amount, quality and mix of housing to meet future needs this Plan will: a) provide in full for the district's housing requirement; b) ensure new housing development is in locations which enable sustainable lifestyles, protect the aspects of the district that are most highly valued and which, where appropriate, support and regenerate existing communities; and c) ensure new housing delivers the quality and mix of homes needed in the district including affordable homes, a mix of homes to meet identified needs (including homes that are suitable for older and vulnerable people) and sites for gypsies and travellers.

Directing New Housing

Housing development will be permitted in the following circumstances: a) Within the Urban Areas, as identified below and on the Policies Map; b) Within the allocated housing sites at Kings Hill Lane (H43) and Westwood Heath (H42) as shown on the Policies Map; c) within the boundaries of Growth Villages and Limited Infill Villages, as identified below and as shown on the Policies Map; d) in the open countryside where: i. the site is adjacent to the boundary of the urban area or a growth village, and ii. there is an identified housing need to which the proposed development can contribute, and iii. the proposal is for a small scale development that will not have a negative impact on the character of the settlement and the capacity of infrastructure and services within the settlement, and iv. the proposal is within a reasonable safe walking distance of services (such as school and shop) or is within reasonable safe walking distance of a public transport interchange providing access by public transport to services, and v. the proposal will not adversely affect environmental assets (including areas of ecological value, areas of high landscape value and designated heritage assets) unless these can be suitably mitigated in line with other policies in the Plan. e) Elsewhere within the open countryside; where: i. the development is for rural affordable housing, in accordance with Policy H3; ii. the development is for a rural worker in accordance with Policy H12; iii. the development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets; iv. the development would re-use redundant or disused buildings in accordance with Policy BE4 and lead to an enhancement to the immediate setting; or v. the design of the dwelling is of very exceptional quality or innovative nature Housing development on garden land, in urban and rural areas, will not be permitted unless the development reinforces, or harmonises with, the established character of the street and/ or locality and respects surrounding buildings in terms of scale, height, form and massing.

Bringing forward Allocated Sites in the Growth Villages

Housing development on sites allocated in the Growth Villages as set out in Policy DS11 will be permitted where the housing mix of schemes reflects any up-to-date evidence of local housing need through a parish or village Housing Needs Assessment, including those of neighbouring parishes. Beyond meeting this need, or in the absence of a local Housing Needs Assessment, the scheme reflects the needs of the district as set out in the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment.

Limited Village Infill Housing Development in the Green Belt

Limited village infill housing development in the green belt will be permitted where the site is located within a Limited Infill Village (as shown on the Policies Map) and the following criteria are satisfied: a) the development is for no more than two dwellings; b) the development comprises the infilling of a small gap fronting the public highway between an otherwise largely uninterrupted built up frontage, which is visible as part of the street scene; and c) the site does not form an important part of the integrity of the village, the loss of which would have a harmful impact upon the local character and distinctiveness of the area.

Housing for Rural Workers

Permanent housing for rural workers in the open countryside will be permitted where applicants can demonstrate that there is an essential need to live permanently at or near their place of work. In assessing this need, the Council will take into account whether: a) there is a clear functional need for the person to be readily available on the site at most times; b) the worker is fully or primarily employed on the site to which the proposal relates; c) the business is financially sound and has a clear prospect of remaining so; d) the dwelling sought is of an appropriate size commensurate with the established functional requirement; and e) the need cannot be met by an existing dwelling on the unit, or by other existing accommodation in the area. Where there is insufficient evidence of the financial soundness of a business, for example in the case of a new rural enterprise, temporary permission may be granted for a period of three years provided that criteria a), b), d) and e) in this policy are met.

Replacement Dwellings in the Open Countryside

Any replacement dwelling must not be materially larger than the existing dwelling and have no greater impact on the character and openness of the rural area. The Council will consider whether it is necessary to remove permitted development rights by condition when determining these applications.

Extensions to Dwellings in the Open Countryside

Extensions to dwellings in the open countryside will be permitted unless they result in disproportionate additions to the original dwelling (excluding any detached buildings), which:- a) do not respect the character of the original dwelling by retaining its visual dominance; b) do not retain the openness of the rural area by significantly extending the visual impression of built development; or c) substantially alter the scale, design and character of the original dwelling.

Custom and Self-build Housing Provision

Proposals for custom and self-build housing in the district are encouraged and will be approved in suitable, sustainable locations: a) sites to the south of Coventry b) other major strategic housing sites c) brownfield sites in built-up areas, d) growth villages e) appropriate locations within infill villages subject to compliance with all other relevant policy requirements in the Local Plan and national policy, including green belt, historic and environmental designations. Neighbourhood plans are encouraged to identify sites for self / custom build. The neighbourhood plan may also establish a locally derived design code. The Council will produce an SPD to assist in the delivery of self / custom build dwellings.

Affordable Housing

Residential development on sites of 11 or more dwellings or where the combined gross floor space is more than 1,000 sq. m will not be permitted unless provision is made for 40% affordable housing. The amount of affordable housing, the form of provision, its location on the site and the means of delivery of the affordable element of the proposal will be subject to negotiation at the time of a planning application. The viability of the development will be a consideration in such negotiations. Planning permission will not be granted until satisfactory arrangements have been made to secure affordable housing as determined by the following principles: - a) the affordable housing will be provided on site as either serviced land or dwellings, or a combination of the two; b) the sizes, types and tenures of homes provided will be determined on the basis of local need as identified in the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment and, where appropriate, by other local needs surveys and information; c) the accommodation provided will be genuinely available to those households who have been identified as being in housing need; d) the affordable housing will be well integrated into the overall scheme along with the market housing with consistent qualities of materials, design and open spaces; e) the affordable housing will meet the definition of affordable housing set out in Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in terms of tenure, eligibility and provider. If the NPPF is replaced by later national guidance while this policy H2 remains in force then, at the time of consideration of a planning application, the definition of affordable housing shall be taken to be as defined by such later national guidance; f) the affordable housing will be built within an agreed timescale; and g) the affordable housing will be available as such in perpetuity, where practicable, and only to those with a demonstrable housing need. The Council will, in exceptional circumstances, accept contributions of equivalent value in lieu of on-site delivery. This should include financial contributions, land or off-site provision of affordable homes. In such cases, the developer will be required to demonstrate why on-site delivery is not practical.

Affordable Housing on Rural Exception Sites

The development of affordable housing to meet the local needs of a village or parish may be permitted in locations which would not normally be released for housing, provided that: a) the proposal will meet a particular local housing need, as identified in detailed and up to date evidence from a parish or village housing needs assessment, and it can be demonstrated that the need cannot be met in any other way; b) the proposed development will be small in scale, of appropriate design and located within, or adjoining, an existing settlement; and c) the following principles are established: i. all of the housing provided will only be available (both initially and for subsequent occupancies) to those with a demonstrable housing need and, first and foremost, to those with a need to be housed in the locality; ii. the type of accommodation, in terms of size, type and tenure, to be provided will reflect the needs identified in the housing needs assessment. In locations outside of the green belt, the Council will consider the cross-subsidisation of the affordable homes with some market homes provided that: a) the number of market homes is the minimum necessary to deliver the affordable housing; b) the size and type of the market homes meet a local need as evidenced in a parish or village housing needs assessment; and c) a development appraisal is provided to the Council as supporting evidence.

Securing a Mix of Housing

The Council will require proposals for residential development to include a mix of market housing that contributes towards a balance of house types and sizes across the district, including the housing needs of different age groups, in accordance with the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment. In assessing the housing mix in residential schemes, the Council may take into account the following circumstances where it may not be appropriate to provide the full range of housing types and sizes in accordance with the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment: a) physical constraints, such as those associated with small sites of less than five houses and conversion schemes, where opportunities for a range of different house types are limited (unless criterion e) applies); b) locational issues, such as highly accessible sites within or close to the town centre where larger homes and low / medium densities may not be appropriate; c) sites with severe development constraints where housing mix may impact on viability; d) sites where particular house types and / or building forms may be required in order to sustain or enhance the setting of a heritage asset; and e) developments in rural areas, where there is an up-to-date village or parish housing needs assessment that is a more appropriate indication of housing need.

Specialist Housing for Older People

Planning permission for specialist housing for older people will be granted where: a) the site is in close proximity to shops, amenities and public transport. This will not normally be within the open countryside or within the boundaries of Limited Infill Villages (as set out in Policy H1); and b) it can be demonstrated that satisfactory Primary Health Care services to serve the residents of the development will be available within reasonable proximity; and c) the development makes a positive contribution towards meeting the identified need for specialist housing for older people as identified in the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment and as agreed by Warwickshire County Council (as the provider of Adult Social Care).

Houses in Multiple Occupation and Student Accommodation

Planning permission will only be granted for Houses in Multiple Occupation, including student accommodation, where: a) the proportion of dwelling units in multiple occupation (including the proposal) within a 100m radius of the application site does not exceed 10% of total dwelling units; b) the application site is within 400m walking distance of a bus stop; c) the proposal does not result in a non-HMO dwelling being sandwiched between two HMO's; d) the proposal does not lead to a continuous frontage of three or more HMOs; and e) adequate provision is made for the storage of refuse containers whereby - i. the containers are not visible from an area accessible by the general public, and ii. the containers can be moved to the collection point along an external route only. Exceptions to a) may be made where the application site is located: on the campus of the University of Warwick or Warwickshire College or; on a main thoroughfare in a mixed use area where the proposal would not lead to an increase in activity along nearby residential streets (for example, by way of pedestrian movements between the application site and the town centre or car parking) Exceptions to e) may be made if alternative arrangements for the storage and movement of containers are agreed in writing by the Council's Contract Services section.

Meeting the Accommodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers

The Council will produce a Development Plan Document (DPD) that will allocate sufficient land on sustainable sites to meet the permanent accommodation needs of its Gypsy and Traveller community, satisfying an identified need for 31 pitches over the plan period (25 of which should be within the first five years). Monitoring of such sites will inform future requirements. The Council will support Warwickshire County Council in its proposal to provide one stopping place in the north of the County and one in the south, to meet the transit needs of the whole of Warwickshire. However the DPD will ensure that the district's transit need of six – eight pitches will be met by providing a transit site. This will be addressed by considering planning applications against the criteria in Policy H8 and /or by bringing further sites forward in line with this Policy. Monitoring may show that there are insufficient pitches available to meet need during the plan period. Planning applications will therefore be assessed against the criteria in Policy H8.

New Gypsy and Traveller Sites

Applications for new Gypsy and Traveller sites will be approved provided that: a) the site is within reasonable distance of schools, GP surgeries, dentists, hospitals, emergency services, shops and community facilities; b) the site would not result in permanent and transitory pitches being co-located; c) the site has good access to the major road network; d) the site is of a suitable size to accommodate up to 15 pitches; e) it can be demonstrated that infrastructure requirements can be adequately met; and f) there is potential for the site to be adequately screened.

Compulsory Purchase of Land for Gypsy and Traveller Sites

The Council will consider using compulsory purchase powers to acquire sites for Gypsies and Travellers if an insufficient number of sites come forward with the support of the landowners. This will only be considered as a last resort if all efforts have failed to deliver the planned requirement

Providing the Homes the District Needs

The Council will provide in full for the Objectively Assessed Housing Need of the district and for unmet housing need arising from outside the district where this has been agreed. It will ensure new housing delivers the quality and mix of homes required, including: a. affordable homes; b. a mix of homes to meet identified needs including homes that are suitable for elderly and vulnerable people; and c. sites for gypsies and travellers.

Protecting the Residential Role of Town Centres

Changes of use from residential to non-residential uses within the predominantly residential areas in the town centres defined on the Policies Map will only be permitted if the proposed use maintains the residential character of the area.

Protecting Residential Uses of Upper Floors

Changes of use from residential to other uses on the upper floors of buildings within the town centres will not be permitted.

Broadband Infrastructure

Residential and employment developments will be encouraged to provide on-site infrastructure, including open access ducting to industry standards, to enable all premises and homes to be directly served by fibre optic broadband technology.

Electronic Communications (Telecommunications and Broadband)

The Council will support the development of electronic communications networks including telecommunications and high speed broadband. In considering proposals, the Council will have regard to: a) the needs of telecommunications operators, b) any technical constraints on location of telecommunications apparatus, c) the potential for sharing sites, d) the impact of development on amenity, its surroundings, the sensitivity of the environment and the design and external appearance of telecommunications apparatus. Where a new installation is proposed it should be demonstrated that the potential to erect apparatus on or alongside existing buildings, masts or other structures has been fully explored. Such evidence should accompany any application. Development in or adjacent to sensitive locations or environmental assets should not significantly harm the location or asset unless: i. there is no other technically suitable location that both meets operational requirements and causes less environmental harm; ii. the benefits of the proposals demonstrably outweigh the level of harm resulting from the development. If on a building, apparatus and associated structures should be sited and designed in order to seek to minimise impact to the external appearance of the host building and the surrounding area.

Infrastructure Contributions

Development will be expected to provide, or contribute towards provision of: a) Measures to directly mitigate its impact and make it acceptable in planning terms, and b) Physical, social and green infrastructure to support the needs associated with the development. Infrastructure and mitigation measures will be provided in a timely manner to support the objectives of the Plan. The Council will, where appropriate, seek to secure site-specific infrastructure investments and / or contributions as well as off-site contributions and / or investments. The nature and scale of these will be related to the form of development and its potential impact on the site and surrounding area. The cumulative impact of developments will also be taken into account. Developer contributions in the form of Planning Obligations and / or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will contribute towards strategic infrastructure required to support the overall development in the Plan. The Council will work in partnership with infrastructure providers and other delivery agencies in updating the Infrastructure Delivery Plan to ensure an up to date evidence base regarding infrastructure requirements and costs is maintained.

Allocation of Land for Education

Land at Southcrest Farm, Kenilworth (ED2) and land at Myton (ED1), as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated for educational uses and other compatible uses (see policy HS5). This includes, on each site, the provision of a secondary school, 6th form centre and, if deemed the most appropriate location, a primary school. In the case of Southcrest Farm the whole area of the site is unlikely to be required for educational purposes. Any land within this site that is surplus to the educational requirement is therefore allocated for housing (see Policy DS11).

Water Efficiency

The Council will require new residential development of one dwelling or more to meet a water efficiency standard of 110 litres / person / day. This includes five litres / person / day for external water usage

Water Supply

Developers will be expected to ensure that there is adequate water supply to serve existing and proposed developments by: a) minimising the need for new infrastructure by directing development to areas where there is a guaranteed and adequate supply of water, having due regard to Severn Trent's Water Resources Management Plan and Strategic Business Plan as well as the findings of the Water Cycle Study b) In accordance with the Water Framework Directive's objectives, development must not affect the waterbodies' ability to reach good status or potential as set out in the River Severn Basin Management Plan (RBMP).

High Speed Rail 2 (HS2)

The Council, when considering requests for approval in respect of HS2 works under the special planning provisions established by the Act, will seek appropriate mitigation of any significant environmental effects of HS2 on the natural environment, businesses and residents of the district subject to the requirements of the Act.

Assessing Viability

Developments will be expected to comply with the policies set out elsewhere in this Plan (including those polices that refer to the provision and funding of infrastructure), unless it can be demonstrated that the policies will result in the development being unviable. Applicants should discuss viability concerns with the Council at the earliest possible stage in the development process. Proposals that are unable to comply with the Plan's policies on viability grounds must be accompanied by a detailed Viability Assessment. The Viability Assessment will be independently reviewed by a viability specialist appointed by the Council at the applicant's expense. Where the Viability Assessment demonstrates that the Plan's policies are likely to impact on the viability of a proposal, the applicant should discuss the implications of this with the Council.

Supporting Canalside Regeneration and Enhancement

The Council will prepare and adopt a Canalside Development Plan Document (DPD) to: i. assess the canals in the district and their environment and setting; ii. identify areas for regeneration along urban sections, particularly for employment, housing, tourism and cultural uses; and iii. identify areas for protection, where these are appropriate, throughout the canal network within the district. This document will designate particular areas and uses and will set out policies for use in assessing planning applications.

Review of the Local Plan

The Plan will be reviewed (either wholly or partially) prior to the end of the plan period in the event of one or more of the following circumstances arising: - a) Through the Duty to Co-operate, it is necessary to accommodate the development needs of another local authority area within the district and these development needs cannot be accommodated within the Local Plan's existing strategy; b) Updated evidence or changes to national policy suggest that the overall development strategy should be significantly changed; c) The monitoring of the Local Plan (in line with the Delivery and Monitoring Activities section and particularly the monitoring of housing delivery) demonstrates that the overall development strategy or the policies are not delivering the Local Plan's objectives and requirements; d) Development and growth pressures arising from the specific circumstances in the area to the south of Coventry (as identified in Policy DS20). The Council has committed to a partial review of this area within five years of adoption to consider whether additional housing is needed and the availability of infrastructure to deliver it; e) Any other reasons that render the Plan, or part of it, significantly out of date. In any event the Council will undertake a comprehensive review of national policy, the regional context, updates to the evidence base and monitoring data before 31st March 2021 to assess whether a full or partial review of the Plan is required. In the event that a review is required, work on it will commence immediately.

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will work proactively with applicants to find solutions that mean proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and where relevant with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision, the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise, taking into account whether: i. Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or ii. Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Spatial Strategy

The Council's Spatial Strategy focuses growth within and adjacent to built-up areas. The majority of growth is focused on the main urban areas of Warwick, Leamington, Whitnash and Kenilworth and on the southern edge of Coventry. Some further growth is proposed for growth villages in accordance with Policy H1. Allocated housing and employment will be distributed across the district to take account of the following: a) in the first instance, allocations will be directed to previously developed land within the urban areas and in particular those areas where there is greatest potential for regeneration and enhancement; b) where greenfield sites are required for housing, they should generally be located on the edge of built-up areas in sustainable locations close to areas of employment or where community facilities such as shops, bus services, medical facilities and schools are available or can be made available. c) where greenfield sites are required for employment, they should be allocated in locations that are suitable for the needs of 21st century businesses, accessible via a choice of transport modes and in close proximity to existing or proposed housing; d) limiting development on sites that would lead to the coalescence of settlements to ensure settlement identity is retained; e) sites that have a detrimental impact on the significance of heritage assets will be avoided unless the public benefits of development outweighs the harm; f) areas assessed as high landscape value or other highly sensitive features in the natural environment will be avoided; and g) taking the national green belt policy into account, sites that are currently in the green belt will only be allocated where exceptional circumstances can be justified. The following will be taken into account in considering exceptional circumstances: i. the availability of alternative suitable sites outside the green belt; ii. the potential of the site to meet specific housing or employment needs that cannot be met elsewhere; iii. the potential of the site to support regeneration within deprived areas; and iv. the potential of the site to provide support to facilities and services in rural areas.

Royal Leamington Spa Area Action Plan (AAP)

During the Plan Period, the Council will commit to prepare an Area Action Plan for Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre.

Protecting and Enhancing the Town Centres

Subject to Policies TC2 to TC16 and any relevant area action plan, proposals for any of the main town centre uses will be permitted within town centres where they are of an appropriate scale in relation to the role and function of the town centre and provided that non-shopping proposals would not compromise its shopping function. Proposals will also be required to reflect the character and form of the town centre.

Warwick Town Centre Mixed Use Area

Within the mixed use area of Warwick town centre as defined on the Polices Map, development of residential, shops (Use Class A1), financial and professional services (Use Class A2), restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3), drinking establishments (Use Class A4), hot food takeaways (Use Class A5), or hotels (Use Class C1), leisure and assembly (Use Class D2) and business uses (Use Class B1) will be permitted.

Design of Shopfronts

New or replacement shop fronts will be permitted where:- a) They relate in scale, proportion, material and decorative treatment to the upper parts of the building and to adjoining shopfronts of sufficient high quality; and b) They do not involve single shop fronts spreading over two or more frontages. Where original or period shopfronts exist, these should be kept and restored.

Local Shopping Facilities

Local Shopping Centres Changes of use of the ground floor from shops (Use Class A1) to financial and professional services (Use Class A2) or restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3) or drinking establishments (Use Class A4) or hot food takeaways (Use Class A5) will only be permitted in local shopping centres as defined on the Policies Map if:- a) The shop unit has been vacant for a period of at least one year or evidence can be provided that the unit has been actively marketed on reasonable terms for a shop use for a period of at least nine months without success: or b) It is demonstrated that the proposed use will significantly increase pedestrian footfall in the centre, will introduce a new use into the centre that meets local needs, and will not reduce the proportion of shop frontage in the centre below 50%. Changes of use from Use Class A to other uses will be permitted provided that the proposal is for a service or facility that can be demonstrated to meet an important unmet local need and which can be satisfactorily controlled by planning condition. Protecting local shops outside of town and local shopping centres In urban locations changes of use of shops (Use Class A1), outside town centres and local shopping centres to financial and professional services (Use Class A2) or restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3) or drinking establishments (Use Class A4) or hot food takeaways (Use Class A5) will not be permitted. Rural shops and services In rural locations the development or expansion of existing shops and local services within settlements will be permitted where these meet local retail or service needs. Proposals that result in the loss of such units to other uses will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that:- a) The unit is no longer financially viable b) The unit has been actively marketed on reasonable terms for use as a shop or local service for a period of 12 months without success: and c) All reasonable other options to find a new use for the unit have been pursued

Farm Shops

Development of new farm shops and the extension of existing farm shops will be permitted where: a) The proposal involves the appropriate conversion of an existing rural building or the construction of a new building at the intended location and is of a scale and nature that can be satisfactorily integrated into the landscape, and b) It would not have an adverse impact on existing rural shops in the local area A condition will be applied to any permission to control the proportion of goods to be sold which are not produced locally to a maximum of 25%.

Directing Retail Development

Within the town centres, new retail development should be located as a first preference in the retail areas defined on the Policies Map. Where suitable sites are not available in the retail areas, sites on the edge of the retail areas will be considered and, if no suitable sites are available in any of the preferred locations, out-of-centre sites will be considered. Where sites on the edge of the retail areas are considered, preference will be given within each category to accessible sites that are well connected with the retail area. Evidence of the impact on the retail area will be required where the proposal is above 500 sq. m gross floorspace.

Safeguarding Existing and Potential Retail Floorspace

Within the town centre retail areas as defined on the Policies Map, changes of use from uses within Use Class A to other uses outside of Use Class A will not be permitted except for within the defined Secondary Retail Areas, where changes to hotels (Use Class C1) and assembly and leisure uses (Use Class D2) will be permitted subject to the restrictions within policy TC7.

Chandos Street Town Centre Development Allocation, Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre

The Chandos Street car park, as shown on the Policies Map, will provide the focus of a major town centre development proposal to comprise of retail and other appropriate main town centre uses.

Providing for Shopping Growth in Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre

Proposals for large-scale shopping development that satisfy the sequential requirements of Policy TC2 will be permitted in Royal Leamington Spa town centre provided:- a) It can be demonstrated that the proposal meets retail needs in a way that is of an appropriate scale that respects the character and form of the town centre; b) Proposals create strong and direct pedestrian links between the existing main shopping areas along the primary retail frontages and the development; and c) The impact of the proposal upon traffic movement is fully considered and appropriate measures to promote public transport and provide car parking are included in the proposal.

Primary Retail Frontages

Changes of use from shops (Use Class A1) to financial and professional services (Use Class A2) or restaurants (Use Class A3) or drinking establishments (Use Class A4) or hot food takeaways (Use Class A5) will be permitted within the Primary Retail Frontages defined on the Policies Map provided that :- a) No more than 25% of the total length of the frontage would result in a non-A1 use; and b) The proposal would not contribute to creating, a continuous non A1 frontage of more than 16 metres.

Secondary Retail Areas

Changes of use from shops (Use Class A1) to financial and professional services (Use Class A2), or restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3), or drinking establishments (Use Class A4), or hot food takeaways (Use Class A5) or hotels (Use Class C1) or leisure and assembly uses (Use Class D2) will be permitted within Secondary Retail Areas provided that: a) No more than 50 % of the street frontage concerned would result in a non-A1 use; and b) The proposal would not contribute to creating, a continuous non-A1 frontage of more than 16 metres. In exceptional cases, proposals that do not fulfil the second criterion may be accepted where they would not have a prominence in the streetscape that would affect the predominantly retail character of the area.

Warwick Café Quarter

Changes of use from shops (Use Class A1) and financial and professional services (Use Class A2) to restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3) or drinking establishments (Use Class A4) will be permitted within Market Place, Warwick as defined on the Policies Map. When granting planning permission for A3 or A4 uses, permitted development rights for changes of use to A2 from A3 or A4 will be removed.

Royal Leamington Spa Restaurant and Café Quarter

Changes of use from shops (Use Class A1) to restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3) will be permitted within Regent Court, Royal Leamington Spa as defined on the Policies Map. When granting planning permission for restaurant and café uses (Use Class A3), permitted development rights for changes of use to financial and professional services (Use Class A2) will be removed.

Access and Choice

Development will only be permitted that provides safe, suitable and attractive access routes for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles, refuse vehicles and other users of motor vehicles, as appropriate. Development proposals will be expected to demonstrate that they: a) are not detrimental to highway safety; b) are designed to provide suitable access and circulation for a range of transport modes including pedestrians, cyclists, emergency services and public transport services; c) create safe and secure layouts for motorised vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport and integrate the access routes into the overall development; d) where practical, incorporate facilities for charging plug-in and other ultra-low emission vehicles where the development proposals include provision for off street parking and is for one or more dwelling, and; e) have taken account of the needs of people with disabilities by all modes of transport.

Traffic Generation

All large-scale developments (both residential and non-residential) that result in the generation of significant traffic movements should be supported by a Transport Assessment, and where necessary a Travel Plan, to demonstrate the practical and effective measures to be taken to avoid the adverse impacts of traffic. Any development that results in significant negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of people in the area as a result of pollution, noise or vibration caused by traffic generation will not be permitted unless effective mitigation can be achieved. Any development that results in significant negative impacts on air quality within identified Air Quality Management Areas or on the health and wellbeing of people in the area as a result of pollution should be supported by an air quality assessment and, where necessary, a mitigation plan to demonstrate practical and effective measures to be taken to avoid the adverse impacts. A Transport Statement may be required for development that has relatively small transport implications in line with the Guidance on Transport Assessments. All measures required in the policy should take full account of the cumulative impact of all development proposed in this Plan (and any other known developments) on traffic generation and air quality.

Parking

Development will only be permitted that makes provision for parking which:- a) has regard to the location and accessibility of the site by means other than the private car; b) does not result in on-street car parking detrimental to highway safety; c) takes account of the parking needs of disabled car users, motorcyclists and cyclists; and d) takes account of the requirements of commercial vehicles. Development will be expected to comply with the parking standards set out in the most recent Parking Supplementary Planning Document.

Safeguarding for Transport Infrastructure

Development within the areas safeguarded for the following transport infrastructure, as shown on the Policies Map, will not be permitted where it could inhibit the effective delivery of the infrastructure: a) High Speed Rail 2 b) Areas of search for park and ride

Safe Operation of Aerodromes

Development within the safeguarded areas, as defined on the Policies Map, will not be permitted which inhibits the safe operation of an officially safeguarded civil aerodrome