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Stratford-on-Avon District
Planning Summary:
Stratford Core Strategy
The local plan for Stratford is known as the Core Strategy and was adopted in July 2016.It sets out policies and proposals for the period 2011-2031.The strategy adopted for the plan is largely dispersed growth focussing on provision in and around Stratford and the main market towns across the District.
South Warwickshire Local Plan
Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils are working together to produce a new South Warwickshire Local Plan to cover their combined geographic area.The Plan is expected to replace the strategic policies of the existing Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy and Warwick Local Plan which are soon due for review. The South Warwickshire Local Plan will set out a long-term spatial strategy for housing, jobs, infrastructure and climate change for both Districts.
Profile Summary
The town of Stratford-upon-Avon is the largest settlement with a population of around 27,000. There are also a number of important rural centres, including the attractive, small market towns of Alcester, Henley-in-Arden, Shipston-on-Stour and Southam. The District has a largely rural character and this is reflected in the fact that over 75% of its residents live outside the one main town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Some 45% of residents live in parishes with a population of less than 3,000. In all, there are about 250 communities of varying sizes spread across a predominately rural area covering 979 square kilometres. It is one of the largest districts in lowland England and the population density is low, making delivery of, and access to, services a major issue for residents.
Stratford-upon-Avon is famous the world over for being the birthplace and resting place of William Shakespeare. It is known as ‘the international market town’. With this come significant economic benefits but also major challenges in managing the 3.5 million or so visitors each year.
Most of the District to the north of Stratford-upon-Avon lies within the West Midlands Green Belt. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty extends into the southern fringes of the District.
The heritage and built historic environment of the District is very highly valued and contributes significantly to the identity and character of the area. It also plays a key role in attracting visitors and tourists. There are over 3000 Listed Buildings within the district, as well as 75 Conservation Areas covering the centres of Stratford-upon Avon, the smaller market towns and many traditional villages. There is a wide range of valuable ecological sites across the District, with nearly 40 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and four Local Nature Reserves.
In terms of strategic transport connections, the M40 and M42 both cross the District. Significant employment sites in the district are occupied by Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, as well as the wider rural area in the vicinity MoD site (DM Kineton). The University of Warwick Wellesbourne Campus and Quinton Rail Technology Centre are major R&D sites in the district.
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