What stage are we at?
The first stage of the process was to identify the issues that need to be addressed within the Town Centre. The Partnership therefore held an exhibition in March 2010 in the town to raise awareness of the plan and consult the public on the key issues that face the town centre both now and in the future. This consultation ended on 30th April 2010. The next stage of the process is to consider what the ‘vision’ for the town will be and how the issues identified can be addressed. The Partnership are currently working on this and the outcome will be set out in an ‘options’ paper which will be published later this year, when it will also be subject to a period of public consultation.
A dedicated website has been set up www.warwicktowncentreplan.org where the documents, consultation details and background information can be viewed.
Future Programme
The key dates in the programme for preparing the Town Centre Plan can be found within the Local Development Scheme.
Background to the Plan
The town centre of Warwick is of arguably national significance characterised by its historic street pattern and buildings, many of which are of architectural interest and have considerable prominence. There are over 300 nationally listed buildings, including a number of Grade I listed buildings and scheduled monuments falling within the town centre which is a designated Conservation Area.
The town centre is also subject to possible change as the future use of a number of public buildings and land is being reviewed. Managing the process of change in order to maximise benefits to the town and its environment will therefore be very important.
The Town Centre Plan forms part of Warwick District Council’s Local Development Framework and will guide the determination of planning applications for new development and inform other strategies for the town centre area, such as town centre management, inward investment, management of public sector assets, promotion and marketing.
The preparation of the Town Centre Plan is being led by the District Council and will be subject to various stages of public consultation, before being considered by an Independent Inspector appointed by the Government. When completed it will provide a detailed framework for the town centre which amongst other things will:
- encourage regeneration and re-use of land and buildings;
- protect areas particularly sensitive to change;
- bring key agencies and landowners together to resolve any conflicting objectives and gain a consensus as to the right strategy for the town centre.
This page will be kept regularly updated as new information is made available.
Any queries relating to the Area Action Plan should be sent to ldf@warwickdc.gov.uk or contact the Planning Policy Team on (01926) 456505.
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