First phase of huge housing scheme approved

THE first phase of a massive and hugely controversial housing scheme at Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath (GLH) has been given the go-ahead.

Members of Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s east area planning committee last night (Tuesday) voted by five to one in favour of the first 2,000 of 3,000 homes planned for the locality as part of the authority’s 14,500 housing target over the period 2011-2031.

The dissenting councillor was Molly Giles (Cons, Shottery), who said she wanted more comprehensive information about the transport assessment.

Concerns about the effects of the enormous housing project on the local road network have also been raised by the car giant Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

The provision of extra care housing, a primary school, community hub, health centre, retail and other services are also included in the outline planning permission granted by the committee.

Cllr Danny Kendall (Cons, Wellesbourne West), the chairman of the committee, said afterwards: “The committee had a very robust debate during proceedings, and whilst the approval has been given for the principle of this development to go forward, the more detailed plan and works must now begin in order to achieve a development that is sustainable in the future.

“This development forms a crucial element of the district council’s core strategy but has been approved on its own merits with all the evidence placed before the committee.”

For a fuller report see this week’s Herald.