Warwick District Council has received the news that the district’s Local Plan has finally been agreed by the government’s Inspector. This means the council can now move to adopt the Local Plan so it can become formal policy to inform its planning decisions for the next 12 years. 

Once adopted, the council can progress with the delivery of the proposals set out in the Local Plan, with the aim of providing approximately 13,000 new homes in the district between 2017 and 2029, of which up to 5000 will be affordable. The Local Plan will also strengthen the local economy and will enable thousands of new jobs to be created with the allocation of around 135 hectares of land for employment. The planned population growth is supported by ambitions to provide new secondary schools in Warwick and Kenilworth, 8 new primary schools plus significant improvements to roads, cycle-ways and public transport including a major investment in the Europa Way corridor, the A46 and the A452 Kenilworth to Leamington road. In addition the Local Plan contains the creation of a 62 hectare country park along the Tachbrook. 

The Leader of Warwick District Council, Councillor Andrew Mobbs commented: "This is a landmark moment for our district. Once the Local Plan is adopted we will have the strong framework we need to secure our future prosperity and protect our built and rural environment. I’m aware that the Local Plan hasn’t been without controversy, but I genuinely believe that we can now look forward with confidence and optimism, particularly for the green belt that will cover over 77% of our district."

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for Development, Councillor Alan Rhead added: "I’m delighted that our Local Plan can now be put to Council for adoption. This puts the council in a much stronger position to control and deliver housing development, offer affordable homes to local people, provide employment land for job growth and support and protect our town centres, historic environment and green spaces. Our hard work must now continue to make sure we deliver the high quality development the communities of our district deserve."

Now that the content of Warwick district’s Local Plan has been considered sound by the Inspector, the next step will be for it to be formally adopted by the council. This is expected to take place on 20th September.